In Insight Dialogue, we experience how mindfulness and concentration established while listening and speaking amplifies wholesome heart qualities, reveals the interconnectedness of all phenomenon, and opens the mind to the wisdom of the natural world.

We will explore how being fully present with our experiences—even the unpleasant ones—can reveal the transient nature of discontent and desire. This awaken awareness supports our innate capacity for happiness and for choosing a liberating path in moments of suffering. Contemplating the process of “selfing” and “othering,” can further untangle the heart and expand our capacity to engage with love, compassion, joy and resilience.

In the lead-up to the upcoming elections, walking the path of connection and compassion has never been more relevant. Uncertainty and change often result in contraction and turning away from what we perceive as unpleasant and stressful. This retreat offers a space to explore how we can bring practices of clarity, acceptance and radical presence to challenging times.

The retreat will be held in Noble Silence with times of silent sitting, mindful movement, and dialogue in groups of 2 or more, with a precise direction of contemplation.

This retreat is suitable for all with or without prior Insight Dialogue experience. Prior meditation experience is advised and retreat experience is suggested. If you have questions about the suitability of this retreat Phyllis would be happy to answer them. Please email her at phyllishicks@gmail.com.

Click here for a short video demonstrating the practice.

We no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations to attend our programs, but do still require testing. We require all registered participants to present negative results from a Covid test performed in the 3 days prior to the start of your retreat AND that you consent to being tested upon your arrival at Southern Dharma. Any rapid antigen test is acceptable for testing, including over-the-counter at-home tests.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our staff, teachers, retreatants, and larger community!

NEW IN 2024: First-time retreatants at Southern Dharma must arrive by 5pm ET on the first day of retreat. Check-in begins at 3pm. Returning yogis can check-in between 3 and 6pm.

Departures will take place by 2:00pm on the last day of retreat. Please make sure that you can attend the full program before registering.

All registrations are subject to our new 2024 cancellation policy. All retreatants must review and agree to this policy upon registration.

For our 2024 retreats, three fee tiers are offered. Please choose the option that best fits your ability to give in this time. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Your confirmation email is your receipt for tax purposes.

We are deeply grateful for your support.

Note that registration fees do not include dana for the teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition the teachings are offered freely and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They rely on dana contributions from students. Similarly, Southern Dharma keeps registration fees low to ensure the Dharma is accessible to all. Fees cover only a fraction of Southern Dharma’s operating expenses. We appreciate your practice of generosity to continue the dissemination of the Dharma.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. We are currently offering six housing options:

1. Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
2. Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
3. Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
4. Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
5. Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
6. Basic Tent Platform (camping with your own gear)

Please use the appropriate field in the registration process to let us know your preferences in regards to housing, if any, and also specify if you insist on or prefer being housed with others of the same gender. All housing options are priced the same except for the Basic Tent Platform.

Southern Dharma offers 50% scholarship awards for BIPOC and Young Adults, in addition to those with financial need. Indicate your interest in a Southern Dharma in-house scholarship during the registration process.

This program is also eligible for Hemera Contemplative Fellowships. Please note that you must apply for the Fellowship prior to registering for any program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.