Stillpoint Yoga Half Day Retreats

Vipassana (Insight) meditation, a powerful form of Buddhist meditation, is a deceptively simple but profoundly enriching spiritual practice, a path for living each moment mindfully from the peace within us.

Each retreat will be held in noble silence (i.e. no talking except during Q/A periods, etc) and begin with an introduction to the practice of mindfulness meditation. Clear specific instructions are offered throughout the day which will be primarily filled with alternating periods of periods of sitting meditation (30 to 40 minutes) and walking meditation (20 to 30 minutes). We also learn and practice eating meditation during the mid-day break. The basics of the Buddha's teachings will be provided through question and answer periods and brief dharma talks. We conclude our day with a closing circle where participants can share the day's experiences if they so choose.

While both days will include instruction on basic meditation practices, they will differ in that during the first day, we will focus on the development of concentration, in the second, the development of metta or lovingfriendliness.

There is no need to attend one to benefit from the other. And by attending both, you will have somewhat different learning and meditation practice experiences. These retreats are designed for anyone interested in insight meditation, beginners as well as more experienced meditators. You do not need previous meditation experience to benefit, only a sincere desire to learn meditation or to deepen your current meditation practice.

What to bring:

A sitting cushion (zafu) or a firm pillow and a sitting pad (zabuton) or exercise mat (blankets and chairs will be available) and a light lunch and water. It’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting, “quiet” clothing. Please avoid wearing cologne, strongly scented lotion or perfume as many people have adverse reactions to these products.

Cost:

In keeping with the 2500-year-old tradition of Dana (generosity), the Teachings and retreat space are offered freely with grateful appreciation for the financial support of participants. All donations will go to support both Stillpoint Yoga Studio and the Scholarship fund of Flowing Dharma.