Cosponsored by FlowingDharma.org (Tampa) & SunCoastDharma.org (St Pete)
with
Susan Schmickle
February 26 & 27, 9 a.m to 6 p.m.
"Balancing Wisdom & the Heart" (2/26)
"Paradox in Practice" (2/27)
at the
About these Retreats
Balancing Wisdom & the Heart (Feb 26)
Too much wisdom and we can become indifferent and lose touch with the suffering of the world. Too much heart and we can become sentimental and lose sight of Truth. In this retreat, suitable for beginners and beyond, we will work with balancing practices used to develop wisdom – mindfulness, concentration and effort – with those used to develop the heart – lovingkindness, compassion and generosity. The retreat will include meditation instruction, guided meditation, Dharma discussion and a question and answer period. Teacher conferences will be scheduled if there is interest.
Paradox in Practice (Feb 27)
The perspective of this retreat is to examine the ambiguity presented to us as we journey along on our spiritual path. We all find different forks in the road; how do we know which one to take? (That is a koan, by the way). During this daylong retreat we will explore some of the paradoxes of spiritual practice. I would like to address questions important to you so please feel free to email or write me about what you would like to explore. The usual retreat format prevails: silence, periods of sitting and walking meditation, dharma discussion, question & answer times and, if there is interest, teacher conferences. Instruction will be provided for newcomers and experienced meditators alike.
About the Teacher:
Susan Schmickle is resident retreat coordinator and business manager at Oakwood Retreat Center in Selma, Indiana. In that capacity, she supports the practices of people from many spiritual disciplines. As a teacher, she uses the tools of Theravada Buddhist practice to bring into focus the true nature of human life and experience. Matthew Flickstein has been her guiding teacher and mentor for more than 5 years. Susan completed the Forest Way teacher training program with Matthew in 2001. She can be reached at dharmaleaf@earthlink.net
Directions: From I-275 take the Westshore Blvd. exit. Go north briefly to the first traffic and take a left (headed west) onto Cypress. The office is about .8 miles west, on the right/north side of Cypress. It is in a two-story, gray wooden complex set among trees. The Lions Eye Bank is within the furthest building west.
Cost: In the 2500 year tradition of dana (generosity), there is no charge for these retreats. You may offer financial support to Susan and the sponsoring organizations should you wish to do so.
Bring a light lunch, beverage, a sitting cushion and pad or the equivalent. Also bring a small blanket and layers for warmth as the room can be cool. Chairs are available. Please wear quiet clothing and avoid using perfume or other scented products.
To register drop an e-mail to info@flowingdharma.org OR phone 813-989-9910 and leave your name and phone number. You will be informed in the unlikely event of any change in plans.