In this daylong retreat, Joy: Seeing the Good in Life, we will take time to pause, reflect and (re)connect with everything that is precious, beautiful and unique in our own lives, here and now. The purpose of this retreat is to help us remember and reawaken that natural joy within.

The three underlying themes of this daylong retreat will be (1) joy, (2) gratitude, and (3) radical acceptance.  We’ll spend the day cultivating relaxed yet focused attention as we reflect on the value of a peaceful heart. What is it like to have a peaceful heart? 

Our day will consist of  periods of guided mindfulness practices, including seated, walking and moving meditation. In addition, there will be two talks offered, followed by a Q&A session.  A healthy, vegan lunch will be provided, and during the lunch break mindful eating instructions will be offered as a way to maintain continuity of mindfulness throughout the day. 

This retreat is not suitable for total beginners. Previous experience with the Insight meditation tradition is highly recommended. Students will be encouraged to take a vow of silence for the duration of this daylong retreat to the best of their ability.  

Why should you join this day-long offering? As Andre Gide, the French novelist and philosopher, put it so beautifully: “Know that joy is rarer, more difficult, and more beautiful than sadness. Once you make this all-important discovery, you must embrace joy as a moral obligation.“ 

Retreat Schedule: 

• 10 – 10:45 Welcome, 5 min meditation + introduction to theme and opening talk
• 10:45 – 11:15 Guided mindfulness practice
• 11:15 – 11:45 Walking meditation instructions and practice
• 11:45 -12: 15 Lightly guided meditation with silence
• 12:15 -12:30 Walking meditation
• 12:30 – 12:45 Q&A and discussion
• 12:45 – 2:00 Mindful break and self-practice (may include mindful eating, rest, tea, walk, etcetera—encourage participants to stay off their devices and in silence to maintain continuity of mindfulness through the break)
• 2:00 – 2:30 Talk #2
• 2:30 – 3:00 Lightly guided meditation with silence
• 3:00 -3:40 Mindful movement – light Mysore practice
• 3:40 – 4:00 Lightly guided meditation (offer standing or lying down postures)
• 4:00 – 4:15 Q&A, share discoveries, and discussion
• 4:15 – 4:30 Closing ritual (what you will take from the day; dedicating the merit/goodness of the practice for the benefit of all beings)