Countryside Meditation Retreat
with Rachel Nixon and sangha friends
Wednesday, July 29, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
By registration
Two of our dear sangha members have invited us to their countryside property in Hope. This special in-person retreat is limited to 10 people. Early registration is recommended.
Our time together will be guided by Thich Nhat Hanh's words in Love Letter to the Earth: "There is a revolution of consciousness that needs to happen, and it starts with us. We need to change our way of seeing. We need to look deeply in order to see our true nature and the true nature of the Earth. With this insight, love will be born. Our love and understanding will heal us and heal the Earth."
We hope you can join us for a half-day retreat of looking deeply, into our own hearts and into the natural world. We will enjoy spacious time "waking up" our senses to the Earth. We will gaze softly, listen deeply, smell the flowers, and feel the ground beneath us. Shamatha (calm abiding) meditation instruction will be provided. This mindfulness-awareness practice invites us into the present moment, to be here now and to feel our true nature and the true nature of the Earth. There will be periods of walking meditation and group stretching to connect with our bodies in the landscape. We will also practice looking deeply, slowing down and practicing with nature in detail, through creative writing and/or drawing.
Schedule
8:30 a.m. Arrival and visiting
9:00 a.m. Opening circle and group practice
9:30 a.m. Sitting and walking meditation
11:30 a.m. 'Looking Deeply' exercise
12:00 p.m. Group practice and sharing
12:30 p.m. Picnic lunch
1:30 p.m. Goodbyes
"It is my deep wish to walk gently, with steps of love and with great respect. I shall walk with my own body and mind united in oneness." - Thich Nhat Hanh
The warm-hearted retreat will be a supportive balance of socially-distanced group practice and individual meditation time. We will take great care to support everyone's experience. The setting is spacious and shaded. We hope you can join us.
Limited to 10 participants. Directions to the retreat location will be sent to participants several days before the retreat.
Level: Everyone is welcome, including beginning practitioners.
What to bring: A mask (to be worn at arrival and departure, at a minimum), a meditation cushion or chair of your choice, blanket/ground covering, layers for changing temperatures, bug spray, a sun hat, sunscreen (there is plenty of shade), a picnic lunch, water, journal with blank pages, pencil, and/or colored pencils, etc.
Registration: Kindly complete payment below or contact Rachel at [email protected] or 594-1694 to register and discuss other payment options. In addition to online payment, you may send checks to: The Dancing Elephant, 14 School Street, Rockland, ME 04841. Thank you!
Note: If you are able to pay the full amount, you will help someone else participate. Thank you!
The Dancing Elephant is by donation so that everyone can participate. Donations in any amount are graciously appreciated.
Rain date: Wednesday, August 5, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.