Cultivating Peace and Clarity: A River Fork Daylong Retreat
September 12 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Come as you are. That is enough to begin.
Join us at beautiful River Fork Ranch to learn a helpful Buddhist practice of your own, or to continue one you’ve already started. This daylong, with its healing spaciousness and natural setting, is perfect for beginning meditators as well as more experienced ones. All ages are welcome.
The Buddha taught many practices that have helped people find peace and clarity for over 2,500 years. Today we’re fortunate to have recent English translations of his original teachings, along with practices from modern meditation and movement teachers — all to help us find that same peace and clarity amid our rough and tumble daily lives.
Peace and clarity arise naturally when we inhabit our body and heart, and stop struggling, even for an instant, against ourselves and the reality of the present moment. As we start to accept the impersonal nature of change, the limits of our control, and the inevitable mix of pleasure and pain in life, something unexpected happens: we gain access to a deeper wisdom — one that can guide us in decision-making, relationships, and taking wholesome action in daily life.
At this daylong, attendees will practice noble silence, except during a short question-and-answer period. Tom Gray will offer mindfulness meditation instructions and give a dharma talk, while Deborah Stevenson will lead us in gentle embodied movement and offer a mindful drawing practice.
All activities except the beginning introduction and the closing gathering are optional. Between those, attendees are free to customize their silent day of practice as they wish.
The retreat will take place in an ADA-compliant indoor space, with opportunities to practice outdoors on the preserve. Hard plastic chairs are provided.
Please bring chair cushions or a floor seating option as desired, layered clothing appropriate for indoors and outdoors, and a sack lunch.
This retreat is beginner-friendly, and meditation guidance will be available.
Free of charge – donations are gratefully accepted.
Registration is not required.
To be informed of any potential updates, RSVP to Anita at dharmazephyranita@gmail.com.
