From Fragmentation & Disconnection to Wholehearted, Joyful Presence: 5 week in-person course plus additional half-day retreat
May 9, 16 and 30 and June 6 & 13 2023
“Open the Heart and Still the Mind” courses are an integration of the wisdom of Buddhist and Western psychology and meditation, a powerful practice for deepening our awareness of the present moment and developing a more compassionate relationship to ourselves and others.
This 5 week course consists of 5 Tuesday evening mini-retreats in person. The intention as we explore mindfulness and compassion practices, is that we will find solace with sangha (a community of like-minded people) whilst experiencing a taste of a nurturing, silent retreat each week.
During these 5 mini retreats, within a context of containing, nurturing silence, we will use meditation (mindfulness and compassion practices), wisdom teachings from Buddhist and Western psychology and mindful movement meditations to explore different ways to find inner calm and wholeness as we Open the Heart and Still the Mind. Through practices which deepen our connection to the body, heart and mind with kindness and compassion, we will develop an understanding of the ways in which the vicious inner critic and the curse of perfectionism create fragmentation and disconnection within. We will discover ways to transform the fragmentation of the anxious mind, through connecting to a more integrated, embodied and heartfelt presence, leading to more joy and well-being.
Each session will include a teaching, guided meditation and a movement meditation (qigong or a walking meditation) to strengthen our embodied presence and to enhance our experience of the integration of body, heart and mind. There will also be a short, silent eating and drinking meditation and an opportunity for reflection (listening and talking meditation) to deepen our understanding of psychological and meditative approaches to inner healing and transformation.
This course is open to those who have attended a half-day, daylong or weekend retreat (or previous course) with Sue or who have an existing meditation practice and want to deepen or revive their practice with the support of sangha.
Dates: 9, 16 and 30 and 6 & 13 June 2023
Time: 18h00 - 20h30
Venue: 25 Hohenort Avenue, Constantia
Cost for Course:
Full fee: R3000 (almost R1900 will be covered by medical aid if you still have psychologycover/savings).
Reduced Fee: R2750 or R2500 (further reductions on request)
A payment plan can be arranged if needed.
Deposit: R1000 to secure your place (non-refundable) with a payment plan if needed for the balance.
Half-day Retreats: please attend one during the course.
13 May and 10 June online: 2pm - 5pm
3 June in-person - time to be confirmed
July date - to be confirmed
Cost of Half-Day Retreat: Sliding scale as per website.
To book: please email admin@stillmindretreats.com to book your place.
