The beloved teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote a wonderful book entitled Being Peace. In this retreat, we will explore the central theme behind that title: that we do not need so much to make peace happen, or "do" peace—which can easily lead to striving, over-efforting, and tension. Rather, peace is already present in the very nature of our being. Approaching this not as a belief to adopt, but as an attitude to explore in our own experience, can help us refine and relax the quality of effort we bring to mindfulness practice. It invites us to settle back into a soft, open, and inclusive awareness that points directly to the heart of simply being present, here and now.
What becomes possible when we discover that peace is not something to attain, but something to recognize? Together we will explore how such an attitude can transform not only our meditation practice, but also the quality of our everyday living.
This retreat will consist of guided and silent meditation periods, reflection, and discussion. Complete beginners and seasoned meditators alike are welcome to attend.
Matthew Daniell is the guiding teacher of NSIMC. He has been practicing Buddhist meditation since the 1980s, including over a decade in Asia, where he practiced Zen intensively in Japan, Tibetan Buddhism in India, and Insight meditation in Burma, India, and Thailand. Read more at Matthew’s teacher page.
Fee:
Supported: $35
Base: $45
Benefactor: $55
Please pay at the highest level that is comfortable for you – paying at a higher level helps us support those who need to pay at a lower level. NSIMC members should feel free to pay at the lowest level; become a member here. If you would rather pay at the door, send an email to northshoreimc@gmail.com to register.