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RETREAT: Embracing Grief and Gratitude with Compassion
1 April, 2021 @ 5:30 pm - 5 April, 2021 @ 1:00 pm UTC+2
This 4-day, silent Easter long-weekend Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion Retreat will provide an opportunity to integrate the experiences of grief and gratitude that we all have been confronted with during this time of uncertainty. Drawing on the wisdom of Buddhist psychology and the inspiring teachings and practices of Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of Compassion, who "Listens to the cries of the world at ease" we will strengthen our capacity to be with things as they are unfolding. After establishing a calm and grounded body, heart and mind, we will focus on the practice of loving-kindness (metta) meditation and the deepening of compassionate wisdom. These practices connect us with our authentic presence, strengthen our boundaries and provide us with a secure foundation of courage and trust. In a contained and nurturing atmosphere of contemplative (Noble) silence, we will learn how to transform the viciousness of the inner critic, so that we can end the habitual cycle of self-abandonment and fear. As we discover how to internalise the archetypal good-enough mother, represented by Kuan Yin, we will develop the courage and trust which allow us to honour our vulnerability without fear or shame. When we can embrace our humanness with kindness and compassion, we can live more authentically and more courageously, so that healing and awakening can occur. This retreat includes guided sitting and walking meditations, short individual sessions with Sue and daily sessions of qigong (chi kung) movement meditation to enhance the integration of body, heart and mind. There will be time for silent, mindful walks in nature when you can explore the beauty of the Centre.
A pre-retreat individual session in person in Cape Town or via Zoom/Skype/Whatsapp if elsewhere is recommended for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. The fee for this is R950 for 50 mins, fully covered by medical aid and can be reduced if necessary.
Please contact Sue on sue.stillmind@gmail.com to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA registered professionals: to be confirmed in 2021.
Bookings: bookings@brcixopo.co.za and please see here for pricing information.
Venue Cost: please see BRC accommodation options and rates here
Teacher Dana (donation):
Please kindly be aware that as there is no teacher's fee charged at this centre, your dana for this retreat replaces a teacher's fee, which is usually R2500-4000 for a non dana-based retreat of this length of time. All dana offerings are gratefully received and no-one is turned away if there are financial constraints. Dana is a practice of open-hearted generosity which comes from the ancient monastic Buddhist tradition. Your generosity is very greatly appreciated and enables me to continue to offer retreats at the Buddhist centres. Dana can also be offered in installments to the following account:
Name: Stillmind Retreats
Cheque Account: 62506345637
First National Bank, Rondebosch
Branch Code: 201509
Reference: your name and date of retreat
Details
- Start:
- 1 April, 2021 @ 5:30 pm UTC+2
- End:
- 5 April, 2021 @ 1:00 pm UTC+2
- Event Category:
- Residential Retreats
Venue
- Buddhist Retreat Centre
- Ixopo KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
- View Venue Website