OPEN AWARENESS

OPEN AWARENESS

Being here, quietly and attentively, is absolutely natural, yet something that most find incredibly difficult. The world, our world, is often so busy that the simplicity of being in touch with oneself and one's surroundings is overlooked or, seemingly, out of reach. But touching this core of essential and silent being does not require special efforts or restless searching. Awareness is here and apparent when there is a wholesome, heartfelt pausing—stopping to look and listen to whatever appears before us. This is the wonder and the opportunity of retreat, to pause in the midst of activity.

This quiet contemplation is neither competitive nor hierarchical. It is for anyone with an interest in learning more about meditation and themselves. In quiet sitting and group dialogue, we can begin to uncover what is actually going on for us in moment-to-moment living—listening to and being with the ever-changing movements of nature and weather as well as the interplay of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. No formal rituals or practices will be introduced or encouraged. This retreat affords an opportunity to be together in simplicity and silence, open listening and free inquiry.

This retreat will include morning and evening sitting meditation, daily talks, and the opportunity for group and private meetings with Wayne. Additional meetings and instruction for those who are new to meditation will be scheduled early in the retreat. There will also be free time for hiking, resting, and reading. Everything on the schedule, except for the work period, is optional.

Wayne Coger's involvement with Springwater Center in upstate New York goes back to the early 1980s and to the Rochester Zen Center before that. In 2001 Toni Packer asked Wayne if he would be interested in sharing the work they were doing with others. Wayne responded, "Exploring the work of meditative inquiry has been my deepest joy and passion for many, many years. Sharing this enthusiasm for self-discovery (and self-forgetting) feels very natural." Since then Wayne has held retreats and given talks at Springwater and other retreat centers. He has also written articles about the connection between meditation and the concerns of everyday life and relationship.