This retreat also meets the requirements for participants in Jack Kornfield + Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification program through Sounds True. Please read the Criteria for MMTCP Retreat Attendance Requirements.
We are happy to share that this retreat has been thoughtfully formatted to accommodate international time zones so that we can practice together as a global community!
Practicing “alone together” while in our own spaces presents a unique and powerful new kind of retreat container to deepen our practice and the integration of mindfulness into how we’re living during these times. After teaching several online retreats, we’ve learned what works well for supporting a home retreat and have created a schedule that’s accessible to people with different circumstances. This particular format combines the dedicated practice time of a residential retreat while also supporting those with family members and/or other responsibilities.
During this retreat, we’ll explore practices that help us to quiet the mind, open the heart and deepen our capacity to find balance and steadiness in the midst of change and uncertainty. We will cultivate the loving awareness and clear seeing that is so needed in our world today within this unique retreat container. The daily rhythm of an online Insight meditation retreat includes guided and silent meditation practice, time for independent sitting in the communal virtual meditation hall and walking meditation periods, rest, mindful eating instructions for meals, Dharma talks, and small group practice discussion meetings with the teachers
There’s an optional first meditation period that usually begins before breakfast. Each morning the teachers offer continuing meditation instructions for the day. The whole retreat is a succession of mindfulness trainings, including breath awareness, inhabiting the body with mindful attention, meditations on the nature of feelings, and awareness of mind from the Buddhist Insight Meditation tradition.
We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and are offering an optional Affinity Group Silent Sit at 6am PT each day of retreat. Please join these sessions if you self-identify as someone from a marginalized group. If you are interested in additional means of support please email anisa@insightla.org.
Schedule:
Retreat Starts: Friday, November 15th 8am PST / 1600 UTC
Retreat Ends: Wednesday, November 20th 10:30am PST / 1830 UTC
*schedule is subject to change and will be similar to 2023’s schedule
Note: The retreat runs 24 hours a day so that it can be accessed by people from different time zones.
Testimonials:
At the beginning the teachers said “You get the retreat you need” and it was absolutely true for me. There were difficult moments, and joyful moments, and for all of them the teachers were supportive, compassionate, and felt right there with me while also encouraging us to listen to ourselves. I’m definitely planning on attending at least one every year. – Caroline Y
For me the container that was created here was unusually effective and powerful in holding the grounds and connection as well as providing the tools and focus to take a deeper dive into life unfolding in me and around me. Feeling very grateful for having had the possibility of attending and going a long the way with this extraordinary teachers and heartful sangha. – Daniel S
This retreat has been transformative as well as insightful in ways I could have never wished for or even imagined. The kindness and embodied wisdom of the teachers, as well as the Sangha, allowed for an experience that I will carry in my heart forever. – Marina P
Dana/Generosity: There will also be an opportunity to offer Dana for the teachers and center at the end of the retreat. Thank you for your support!
Important: Upon registering, please be sure to read and bookmark the Retreat Homepage in the auto-confirmation email for important tips on setting up your space and what to expect on retreat.
