Often we struggle in mindfulness practices to watch the breath or get calm. We set up a dichotomy in our experience between states of mind we think we should be experiencing and those we should not. In this mind-imposed idealization of what should and shouldn't be happening, we lose a balanced sense of focus and ease, and we suffer. What would it be like if we learned to approach mindfulness by resting our attention and not forcing it? In this retreat, the instructions will emphasize a relaxed, spacious, kind, and allowing sense of being present. Come and explore for yourself an approach to mindfulness in which we do not care so much about results, and instead free our hearts to rest in the innate presence that by its very nature is renewing.
This retreat will consist of guided and silent meditation periods, reflection, and discussion. Complete beginners and a 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.