“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
– Anais Nin
Each Spring nature repeats the ritual from coming out of the cold, out of the dark, out of resourcing and resting, back into the open, the visible, from dormant to blooming. This is the natural rhythm of the earth, of which we are a part. But often we are either afraid or we have simply unlearned to how to open up again to life, into bloom. Maybe we went through a period of sorrow or heartbreak, or maybe we are just in a shock and overwhelm over what is going on in the world around us.
Jack Gilbert not only encourages us to practice joy, he is very clear “We must risk delight!” How can we do this while honoring the struggle and pain that is behind us or still ongoing? This practice period invites us to lovingly listen to how we are called to move into this new season.
This 2-day non-residential retreat will be held in “noble silence”, to support us in dropping more deeply into our own experience as we open up to being in community and in nature. We will practice Vipassana, insight meditation and the heart practices, supported by poetry, Dharma talks and journaling (if you choose to).
Schedule Friday 10-8pm and Saturday 10-4pm.
What to bring:
Layers of cloth, your own cushion and mat if you like to, a journal, a mug or thermos, water bottle, sun screen, your own food for each day: bagged lunch and bagged light dinner, extra snacks. We will provide snacks, tea and water. If you want coffee, please bring your own.
Please be prepared to keep practicing noble silence over night if possible at all.