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DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS, MANY RETREATS AND COURSES ARE EITHER BEING CANCELLED OR CHANGED TO ONLINE PROGRAMS. PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS PROVIDED WITH EACH COURSE OR RETREAT TO FIND OUT THEIR CURRENT STATUS.
April 2020
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15 – 19 April – Heartwood Refuge (Hendersonville, North Carolina, USA)
The dharma of everyday living: exploring the relational and emotional aspects of mindfulness
led by Eden Tull and Dave Smith (Secular Dharma Foundation)
This retreat will be an opportunity to use mindfulness practice to create a deeper connection and understanding of our hearts and minds. The practices and teachings will offer a comprehensive system of training to bring our practice of mindfulness and dharma into all areas of our lives. This will allow us to uncover a happiness of being that is supported by a deeper intimacy with all of life.
Click here for more information on the retreat.
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19 April – Online Zoom Retreat (9:30 am to 4:30 pm, New Zealand time)
Kind Heart — Resilient Heart
with teacher Julie Downard
In challenging times we’re called upon to bring as much love, wisdom and compassion as we can into the world. Engaging with heart-opening practices such as gratitude and loving-kindness strengthens our capacity to be present for our experience, whether that experience is joyous or difficult, and to be truly alive to our life, in its entirety. We cultivate this tender courage so that we can bring our practice out into the world; so that it can ripple outwards to touch every being we meet. This retreat offers the opportunity for established meditators to deepen their practice,
and for those new to meditation to experience a gentle introduction in a supportive environment. The day will include formal meditation, experiential exercises, and a talk on the theme. All are welcome, no previous experience is necessary.
Click here for more information on the retreat.
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25 – 26 April – Online via Zoom (link will be sent after registration)
Reflective Meditation: International Online Retreat – in your home
led by Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer
During this online retreat, we will teach an open meditation practice that is followed by reflection and journaling. We welcome continuing students, as well as meditators who are new to our orientation towards meditation practice and retreats. The roots of this practice are to be found in the Buddha’s early teachings and are based on learning to trust the ways of knowing that develop in meditation, enabling you to be more responsive and present in your life.
An on-line retreat helps establish or deepen your meditation practices, and integrate them into your everyday life. You will inevitably bring your life right into your meditation and your retreat, because the retreat resides in your home. Reflective meditation encourages and supports secular, independent practice that fits with the conditions of your life. The schedule will be adapted for multiple time zones during the hours of 7am PST and 8pm PST. We welcome meditators from all time zones in the US, Australia and New Zealand, and Europe. Ways to participate: • From the comfort of your own home• Retreat to a “getaway destination” while participating• If you are a member of a sangha, you could “get together” as a group and participate. Whether you are new to practice or our reflective approach, please consider joining us.
Click here for more information on the retreat.
June 2020
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6 – 10 June – Big Bear Retreat Center (Big Bear, California, USA)
The Dharma of Awareness, Emotion and Meaning
led by Dave Smith and Eve Ekman
Secular Dharma is a practice that recognizes the integration of psychology, science and various therapeutic modalities within the contemplative practices of the Buddhist tradition. From this perspective, we will traverse the complex territories of meaning, empathy and emotional awareness as it’s understood from recent findings within western contemplative traditions. During this retreat opportunity we will explore these practices and ideas within the structure of silent periods of mindfulness practice, secular and Dharma teachings, educational lecture and group process.
Click here for more information on the retreat.
September 2020
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25 – 30 September – Columbine Inn and Conference Center (Taos, New Mexico, USA)
Reflective Meditation: Vulnerability and Self-Compassion
led by Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer
During this five-night, six-day residential retreat, we will teach an open meditation practice that is followed by reflection and journaling. We welcome continuing students, mentees who want to offer this orientation to their communities, as well as, meditators who are new to our orientation towards meditation practice and retreats. The roots of this practice are to be found in the Buddha’s early teachings and are based on learning to trust the ways of knowing that develop in meditation, enabling you to be more responsive and present in your life.
Click here for more information on the retreat.