Choose Kindness, Claim Freedom

There is a possibility of calm, presence, healing and happiness in every moment of our lives.

With the practice of mindfulness, understanding and compassion, this wonderful possibility can be carried out through every intention, thought, word and deed; through every gesture of kindness and commitment to consume with care. Our practice of living deeply shapes the way we express ourselves in daily life, nurtures wholesome communication in our relationships, and supports our healthy participation in society.

This retreat will offer us the chance to reconnect with the deep and meaningful inspirations in our hearts, to choose a path of kindness, and to claim freedom from our busyness and stress. We will practice conscious breathing, sitting and walking meditations, mindful eating, singing, deep relaxation and joyful togetherness. This will build a strong collective concentration, allowing us to deeply explore our theme through Dharma teachings, deep listening, care-filled discussions and personal reflections.

With practice we can transcend the barrier between inner and outer, self and other, and our spiritual aspirations and embodied reality can become one.

The basis for our study will be an exploration of the Eight-Fold Path taught by the Buddha. Preparatory reading can be found in The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching, by Thich Nhat Hanh.