The Buddha taught that the way to peace, joy and happiness is release: a state of mind and heart that has let go of the relentless insistence that our life and our relationships be other than what they are. In this retreat, we will inquire deeply together into this teaching, into the nature of this release and into the forces that obscure our minds and constrict our hearts from resting in its natural ease.

We will practice both traditional silent meditation and Insight Dialogue, an interpersonal meditation form based in Vipassana. In Insight Dialogue we bring the mindfulness and tranquility of our meditation directly into our dialogue with others. This co-meditation practice allows us a deep investigation into suffering and the ending of suffering as we share together in deep practice. We find that fears and concepts soften and trust and calm naturally arise as we rest anchored in universal wisdom, kindness and compassion.

Because Insight Dialogue meditation builds on our silent meditation, an ongoing meditation/mindfulness practice and previous retreat experience is requested for participation in this retreat. If you have questions about the suitability of this retreat for you, please feel free to email Phyllis at phyllishicks@gmail.com or Sharon at sharonbb10@gmail.com.