RETREAT: Embracing Grief & Gratitude with a Compassionate Heart (Fully booked, waiting list only)

Fully booked, waiting list only

This 4 night Open the Heart & Still the Mind Compassion Retreat is held in nurturing Noble Silence over the Women's Day long weekend and is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners.

Inspired by the wisdom teachings of the Dharma and an integration of Buddhist and western psychology, we will explore ways to navigate the fundamental truth of impermanence, which touches all our lives. These teachings and transformative practices help us to face our experience of change and loss in all its forms, as we learn to embrace "the duet of wonder and grief" (Mark Nepo in his poem, Adrift) with courage, kindness (metta) and gratitude.

As we infuse our mindfulness with self-compassion and wisdom, we discover ways to connect more deeply with ourselves and the vulnerability of our human condition within the containment of replenishing, shared silence. We will cultivate a safe and nourishing home within, which strengthens our resilience and deepens our trust in our capacity to bear the unbearable and to savour the moments of beauty and joy (dukkha and sukha).

In addition to the silent and guided meditations in all postures, poetry and inspiring teachings, there will be daily qigong, gentle walks in nature, time for journaling and deeply restorative rest. Sue will also offer short, individual sessions throughout the retreat for additional insight and emotional support.

A 30-50 minute pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is required for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. This provides greater containment and enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The fee for this will be the 30-50 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if you are not on medical aid. Please contact Sue on sue.stillmind@gmail.com to arrange a time.

CPD accreditation for Health, Mental Health and Allied professionals is confirmed with an annual admin fee of R475.

Bookings: retreat@emoyeni.org.za and admin@stillmindretreats.com (please use both addresses when booking)