Retreat with Matthew Flickstein

We have many relationships throughout our lives. However, we rarely experience these relationships without some form of psychological distortion. We frequently project our personal issues onto other individuals, sometimes reacting to them as if they were our parents, or other authority figures from our childhood. As a result of our projections and distortions, relationships are excellent mirrors that reflect where we truly are in our psychological and spiritual development.

Some paths focus on the mind, and some on the heart. Working with relationships as a spiritual practice requires us to focus on both. For relationships to be a path to awakening, we must be present during every moment of our shared experience. Although it is essential to use all our relationships to support our spiritual development, it is essential to work with the ones we consider to be significant or "committed."

The foundation of a relationship designed to support spiritual awakening is the mutual intention to create an experience of intimacy. Intimacy can be thought of as the capacity to express our innermost truth within the context of our relationships. It is the ability to be authentic and self-disclosing. The better we are able to deal with self-exposure and the fear of rejection, the greater is the possibility of developing intimacy in our relationships.

Intimacy requires us to become warriors of the heart, remaining present with whatever difficulties may arise as we relate to others from this deep and open space. This can be a frightening idea for those who have experienced past betrayals, and are reluctant to expose themselves to additional emotional pain. We must learn to deal with these difficulties by developing a heart filled with compassion.

During this retreat, which is designed for couples, there will be workshop activities, group discussions, contemplations, meditations, and individual meetings with the teacher. This experience will focus on transforming our significant relationships, no matter how challenging they may be, to enable them to support and enhance our spiritual development."

Self-Retreat Option: Assuming space is available (e.g. fewer than 12 couples sign up for the retreat), you may choose to sit a self-retreat during this time. Space will be available to sit both in your private room and in a small common area removed from the other retreat participants. You will have full access to the grounds for walking meditation and will share meals with the group in silence. Matthew will meet with you every day if you choose and provide guidance and structure for deepening your meditation practice. Cost: $475. Drop me a note if you're interested as this option will require approval from Matthew.

$950 per couple covers delicious vegetarian, mostly vegan meals, and five nights lodging. The teachings are offered freely in the tradition of Dana, with appreciation for your generous support.

As many of you know, Matt follows the Theravada Buddhist tradition of offering the teachings based on dana. This is a wonderful tradition that makes the teachings available to all regardless of ability to pay. The registration fees only cover the expenses involved in offering the retreat; none of the registration fees go to the teacher. In order for teachers to continue to freely offer the teachings, they depend on the generosity of their students. Dana from students is used to cover the teacher's living expenses and is Matt's sole source of support. At the end of the retreat you will be given an opportunity to offer your generosity.

The Franciscan Center is a wonderfully quiet setting for deepening your meditation practice. With eight acres of beautiful river-front grounds, this facility offers each participant a private room with full bath (towels and linens are provided), a quiet meditation hall and ample indoor and outdoor space for walking meditation. The facility is fully staffed, which means there are no "yogi chores" such as dish washing, cleaning up to do... just a few days of deep silence to focus inward and deepen one's meditation practice. The center is wheelchair friendly. Here's a map that you may find helpful:

For driving directions, click here

is March 22th when the final payment is due. Refunds will be made in full when requested before March 22th after which only partial refunds, if any can be made. Please register as early as possible. Directions and detailed information will be sent upon receipt of the registration form or within a few weeks of the retreat. It is our hope that financial considerations will not prevent anyone from attending this retreat. Some limited funds are available for partial (i.e. 1/2 fee) scholarships, and a deferred payment plan can be arranged. However, the minimum deposit (i.e. $350) is reguired to hold your space. This retreat is limited to 12 couples.

For more info or if you have questions, please email retreats@flowingdharma.org

Please register by mail, please print out the following form, fill in the necessary information, and send to Flowing Dharma at address below. You may also send an e-mail to info@flowingdharma.org letting us know that the paperwork is on the way so we can hold your space.