Awakening of the Heart Local Retreat

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 1ST, 2019!

Join​ ​me​ ​on​ ​a transformational and peaceful weekend​ ​retreat​ ​experience​ in the Kettle Moraine Forest, May 24-26, 2019. ​

Embodying both mindfulness practice and psychological insight, the teachings of the awakened heart show us how to work with ourselves and others to keep the heart open to becoming more compassionate, courageous, and imaginative in all circumstances of life.

This retreat includes powerful practices, heartfelt reminders, personal skill-building, and clinical tools for cultivating an awakened heart.

These intimate (12 attendee) retreats provide an opportunity and a container for undertaking deeper spiritual practice. The central technique is mindfulness, which empowers us to discover a freedom of heart in the midst of any and all experiences. The mindfulness practice is complemented by training in integrative movement/ yoga, social and compassion meditation techniques. Students of all backgrounds, experience and abilities are welcome to attend. May we all honor exactly where we are on the path.

Participant​ ​Fee:​​ ​

Shared​ ​rooms only:​ ​$400,​ ​price​ ​includes​ ​all​ lodging, ​meals and practice instruction.

A​ ​$100​ ​non-refundable​ ​deposit​ ​is​ ​due,​ ​once​ ​accepted, to​ ​hold​ ​your​ ​spot. Full​ ​tuition​ ​is​ ​due​ within 45 days of invoice receipt.​ ​You​ ​will receive​ ​an​ ​invoice​ ​via​ ​email​ ​once​ ​accepted. Cancellation must be made within 1 month of retreat to receive a partial 75% (of balance) refund and within 2 weeks to receive a 50% (of balance) refund. Exceptions may apply in the event of emergency. Please inquire about payment plans and scholarships.

Apply​ ​Today:

Please note, your application is not guaranteed. Click to register and fill-out required questions. It is not required to have a previous yoga or meditation practice. You will receive an email confirming your acceptance. <3

Once Accepted:

What to pack: Allow yourself plenty of time to pack and prepare for your retreat weekend. Consider the weather forecast, as periods of practice will occur outdoors. Pack layers and appropriate shoes for hiking in the forest. Slippers and socks are beneficial for indoors during the cooler months. Bring your yoga gear and meditation cushion (bench, bolster, etc.).

Sitting Meditation: Sitting meditation rests at the heart of retreats. In sitting practice stillness develops, concentration deepens, and awareness expands. We train the heart to bring kindness and compassion for all that arises. All levels and experience is welcome.

Mindful Movement/ Yoga: The foundation of this gentle and safe practice combines the physical with an inner emotional and spiritual journey. By integrating body, breath, movement and meditative awareness, we unearth an understanding of the interdependency of all these aspects in your personal health and wellbeing. We begin to shake free burden, distress and tension stored deeply within the connective tissues of the body. As we release, we also unburden the mind and heart.

Walking Meditation: May we learn to walk gently on the earth. On retreat, periods of walking meditation are offered. Just as in sitting meditation, where attention is brought to the breath, in walking meditation, mindfulness is cultivated by resting the attention on sensations of the body in motion. Sometimes a slow, careful, practice walk is taught. At other times retreatants are encouraged to walk more leisurely or move at whatever speed cultivates mindfulness for them.

Talks: Talks are the vocal heart of a retreat. Throughout the schedule, I will present a different set of teachings from a variety of spiritual lineages, offering ways to apply them to our own experience. Talks focus on retreat practice and mindful living in the world. The teachings are not beliefs but rather for students to consider and use in ways that bring benefit to their daily lives.