Strengthening Self-Kindness Mindfulness Retreat

RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER

Research shows that self-compassion is a key ingredient to our wellbeing. Yet, we are often our own worst critics. Thankfully, this is something we have control over. We can relearn how to treat ourselves and re-pattern the habitual behaviors that drag us down. When we start to respond to our self-critic with kindness, we set up a whole new way of being. Join Jean to explore the ways you can be a friend to yourself.

STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19: We are committed to your health and safety. Please read our COVID-19 Precautions & Preparations to understand our strategies.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Being kind to ourselves is not something many of us learned how to do. Either we weren’t modeled it or we got caught up in a culture of thinking we need to be better, achieve more, have more—be “perfect.” But, life simply feels better when we are kind to ourselves!

This immersive mindfulness retreat will offer you precious space and time to be yourself, get quiet, and cultivate greater self-awareness, self-kindness and self-compassion. You will learn to let go of the voices that don’t serve you, the ones that get in the way of living the way you aspire to live. You will free yourself from self-limiting perceptions and tap into more connection. With an emphasis on slowing down, this time away will allow for plenty of rest and space to meditate, listen, share, and remember what matters to you within a warm community of individuals.

Together, we will strengthen the tools we can use to take care of ourselves with mindfulness and loving-kindness, learning to live with more presence, ease, and joy, through:

• Guided, silent, and walking meditation to strengthen presence and awareness
• Contemplative exercises (done as a group, in pairs, and in journaling prompts)
• Loving-kindness meditation and practices to strengthen compassion and self-care
• Befriending the critical voices that arise in us
• Listening for and making room for our needs
• Strengthening the power of positive thinking and gratefulness
• Seeing our interconnection and remembering our humility to let go

Additional Practices:

• Periods of Noble Silence
• Mindful listening and sharing
• Mindful eating
• Deep relaxation
• Personal time to rest, unwind, quiet the mind, and just be

CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
• Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna

PREREQUISITES

By invitation only. Open to members who participate in Jean’s A Mindful Life programs and invited members of the sangha. Basic meditation instruction will not be given.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We ask that cell phones are turned off for the weekend.

Please bring something to share at our community sharing event on Saturday night (poetry, art, stories, music, movement, art, etc.). While this is optional, it does create a wonderful evening of connection!

The retreat will be limited to approximately 26 people, and spots are expected to fill quickly.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, May 10

Saturday, May 11

Sunday, May 12