We can suffer deeply when our minds become habituated to criticizing ourselves, others, and the world. The inner critic can be a helpful voice in pushing us to create positive change, but all too often it does the opposite. Lovingkindness and mindfulness practices can help, creating repeatable positivity in our thoughts and groundedness and openness in our presence. Together these can help us, not so much to get rid of critical complaining inner voices and the emotions fueling them, but to relate to them with more space and ease. We can slowly unlearn the tendency to blindly believe the stories they tell us, and live with more fresh responsiveness in our lives.
This retreat will consist of guided and silent meditation periods, reflection, and discussion. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned meditator you are most 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.
The fee for this program is $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers (become a member here). To register and pay online, click below; if paying by cash or check, send an email to northshoreimc@gmail.com.