Retreat with Peter Carlson

This retreat experience will focus on developing discipline and tranquility in the mind, preparatory to examining the mental factors that either establish suffering or salvation from suffering. Learning how to examine one's internal processes is essential for finding peace of mind. Sitting meditation will alternate with walking meditation periods, conducted in silence, with some opportunities for large and small group discussions. Using breath awareness to steady and calm the mind, we will then practice noticing how this steadiness and calmness is disturbed as the mind interprets stimulating events, whether they are sounds, sights, sensations in the body, moods or thoughts. As the trained mind assesses these arisings, skillful, disciplined detachment from the disturbances will be practiced. This retreat is suitable for advanced as well as beginning meditators.

Peter Carlson began meditating with Transcendental Meditation in 1971.Since 1982, he has practiced Buddhist meditation with teachers such as Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, S.N. Goenka, Matt Flicksteinand many others. He has extensive retreat experience, has been teaching mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation since 1993, and is the founding teacher of the Orlando Insight Meditation Group.

Peter is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who blends training in Buddhist psychology with Western psychology. Peter wrote, "The Buddha's message was that of salvation from suffering and the ultimate spiritual attainment. I believe that he was the first psychologist in recorded human history as well as the founding genius of a major world religion."

Location

Wisdom Pond is located at 2515 Robertson Trail, Lutz, Florida 33559. This is just off Livingston Road which is 4/10 mile west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and 1 6/10 miles east of I-275. Wisdom Pond is 5 3/10 miles north of Bearss Ave. After turning east onto Robertson, take the second drive on the right. More information will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration. Here's a map that you may find helpful:

Cost

The teachings are offered freely in the tradition of Dana, with appreciation for your financial support.

Costs for room and meals varies depending upon your choice of sleeping and eating arrangements. There are 4 available options. Please circle your first or only perference and underline and note your second and third choices, if any.

Sleeping in the house (only 9 single beds are available, 2 or 3 per room) with 6 vegetarian meals (Friday dinner - Sunday lunch). Cost is $175.
Sleeping in your tent or RV/Camper (12 spaces, no hook-ups available) with 6 vegetarian meals (Friday dinner - Sunday lunch). Cost is $125
Sleeping in the floor space in the house (4 floor spaces available) with 6 vegetarian meals (Friday dinner - Sunday lunch) and bathroom/shower facilities. Cost is $125.
Commutiing from your home with 4 meals (all meals except the two breakfasts). Cost is $50.

Registration deadline is Monday, March 17 when the final payment is due. Refunds will be made in full when requested before March 17 after which only partial refunds, if any, can be made. Please register as early as possible. It is our hope that financial considerations will not prevent anyone from attending this retreat. Some funds are available for partial (1/2 fee) scholarships, and a deferred payment plan can be arranged. However, the minimum deposit ($50) is reguired to hold your space.

Directions and detailed information, including the retreat schedule, will be sent upon receipt of the registration form.

This retreat is limited to 25 participants. For more information please email flowingdharma@aol.com or phone 813-989-9910.

Please register by mail, by printing out, completing and returning the registration form below to Steve Shealy at the address below.

Registration Form

Please reserve a place for me at the Vipassana (Insight) Meditation Retreat with Peter Carlson, March 21-23, 2003 at Wisdom Pond.

My first perference is circled below. I have also underlined and noted my second and third choices, if any.

Sleeping in the house (only 9 single beds are available, 2 or 3 per room) with 6 vegetarian meals (Friday dinner - Sunday lunch) Cost is $175.
Sleeping in your tent or RV/Camper (12 spaces, no hook-ups available) with 6 vegetarian meals and bathroom/shower facilities. Cost is $125.
Sleeping in the floor space in the house (4 floor spaces available) with 6 vegetarian meals and bathroom/shower facilities. Cost is $125.
Commutiing from your home with 4 meals (all meals except the two breakfasts). Cost is $50.

I have enclosed $ ________ (min. $50 deposit) with the balance of $ _______ due before March 17th. Please make your check to “Steve Shealy,” and mail to Steve Shealy, 13402-D Thomasville Circle, Tampa, FL 33617. (Please print clearly)

Name:_________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________ State:______________

ZIP: ________________________ Phone:___________________________

E-mail:________________________________________________________

I want to help ensure that lack of money is not a barrier to anyone wishing to attend this retreat. I’m including a donation of $ __________ toward partial scholarships.

ALSO: You may also choose to extend your retreat experience at Wisdom Pond with a relaxing day before or after the retreat. Nikki will provide healthy meals, yoga instruction and body work or massage if you choose. Or you can simply relax in the spa or pool and enjoy this peaceful, healing space. Please contact Nikki directly to explore these options at 813-948-2263. Please let her know you are registered for the retreat.