RETREAT: Embracing Grief and Gratitude with Compassion

The silent Easter long-weekend Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion Retreat is now being offered either as a 4 night Easter Weekend retreat or as an extended 7 nights for those who want a longer and deeper retreat experience and 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. Additional optional yoga and massages will be offered - details to be confirmed nearer the time.

A pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is requested and highly recommended for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. The fee for this is R975 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.

Bookings: bookings@brcixopo.co.za and please see here for pricing information for the accommodation, which is booked directly with the BRC.

Please Note: At present, in-person retreat attendance requires a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test 48 hours prior to the retreat.

See below for the Teacher Dana guideline.