Energy for the practice is a rare commodity in today’s times. How do we cultivate and sustain energy for the practice in our busy life? How does the path itself lead us to our natural energy resources?
“The characteristic of energy is strengthening and support. As an old house stands when strengthened by new pillars, so, when strengthened by energy, wholesome states do not fall away or deteriorate.” (Atthasalini I,)
Let us explore this together in this unique non-residential retreat in our beautiful wooded sanctuary nestled in the hills of Benedict Canyon. By bringing mindful attention to our moment to moment experience, we can learn to cultivate resilience amidst change. We will focus on practices that quiet the mind and open the heart, supporting continuity of mindfulness and the unfolding of insight.
There will be periods of silent sitting and walking meditation with some instruction and guidance, a Dharma talk, and discussion. Enjoy the seclusion and peace that a weekend of quiet practice in community offers.
Participants are encouraged to continue practicing mindfulness at home in the evenings to strengthen their continuity of mindfulness for the full retreat experience, although this is a non-residential retreat.
This is a great opportunity for those who have been on retreat and want to re-connect to their practice as well as for those who have not been on retreat and would like to take a more easeful step before committing to a full residential retreat.
Please bring your own water bottle, lunch, and snacks each day.
This is 4-day commuter non-residential retreat. If you are interested in only joining for Saturday & Sunday please click here.
Date: October 24th – October 27th
Time: 10am – 5pm
Sample Schedule (Thursday):
- 10am-10:30 Arrival Meditation Check In- Welcome /Logistics
- 10:30-12:30 – Introductions, Taking Refuge, Precepts, How to go on retreat, Noble Silence, Custody of the eyes, Show up on times, Poem
- 12:30-1pm Sit
- 1-1:45 Lunch
- 1:45 – 2:15 Talk on Energy
- 215-2:35 Walk
- 2:35-3pm Posture / Guided Sit
- 3-3:30 Walk
- 3-4pm Light Guided sit
- 4-4:30 Dharma Talk
- 4:30-5 Sit