“Soften, Widen, Include: Meeting Life as It Happens,” a Spring Residential Retreat with Kathy Schwerin, Christy Tews and Tom Gray at Lake Tahoe

Daily life can wind us up and fill us with opinions and judgements, tasks and busyness. Retreat gives us an opportunity to unwind and empty out. Please join us as we use the teachings of the Buddha to uncover our inner wisdom, which guide us to clarity, acceptance and joy. Explore how this helps us engage more effectively with daily life.

The retreat will be taught by three of  Dharma Zephyr’s local teachers, Kathy Schwerin, Christy Tews, and Tom Gray. Kathy and Christy founded Dharma Zephyr in 1990. Tom was recently designated a Dharma Zephyr Leader. For additional information about the teachers, please follow this link. Deborah Stevenson will lead gentle movement.

The retreat welcomes beginners and offers guidance in both sitting and walking meditation.  We will have formal periods dedicated to these practices, as well as periods of “open practice” where participants can bring awareness in any activity — sitting, walking, lying down, or otherwise. The retreat will be held in noble silence to support deeper reflection. However, there will be designated times for questions, comments, and responses throughout the retreat.

COVID-19
In the spirit of lovingkindness and ethical behavior, DZIMC will follow all CDC, state, and local COVID-19 mandates. While we do not require vaccination or boosters, the health and well-being of our community is our priority. Participants at our activities and events are encouraged to be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness (cold, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea) within 24 hours of the event, please do not attend.

You will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID antigen test taken with 12 hours of your arrival at Camp Galilee. DZIMC will have a limited number of tests available at check-in. Specific masking and social distancing protocols for this retreat will be determined based on local conditions at the time of the event. You will be asked to confirm that you have read the complete COVID-19 and Wellness Policy when you register.

STAYING AT CAMP GALILEE

DOUBLE/TRIPLE OCCUPANCY
A majority of the rooms will be double occupancy. If there is demand, some rooms may sleep three people. Prior to registering, you are welcome to pair up with someone you know and feel comfortable rooming with. There is a place on the registration form to indicate a roommate. If you do not select a roommate, the registrar will assign one.

SINGLE ROOMS
The availability of single rooms will be determined by the number of people who register for the retreat and/or the number of people who choose to camp. The additional charge for a single room will be $75.00. If you would like to apply for a single room, please read the attached instructions. Single Room Requests DZIMC

CAMPING
Attendees may choose to sleep in a camper or van and use an assigned bathroom. The registration fee to camp is the same as for double/triple occupancy and includes meals. There is a place on the registration form to indicate you are camping.

Please note that all bathrooms are shared, even for those in single rooms.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Dharma Zephyr maintains a robust scholarship fund. You are encouraged to apply if you would like to attend the retreat but find that paying the registration fee would be financially difficult. Please read the Scholarship Policy and follow the instructions to request financial aid. You can send your request to retreat’s registrar, Mary Kay Wagner, marykay@dharmazephyr.org

DANA FOR OUR TEACHERS
In the Buddhist tradition, the teachings are considered priceless and are offered freely. the practice of dana (generosity) allows us to express our gratitude and support the teachers who share these invaluable teachings. At the the conclusion of the retreat, you will have the opportunity to offer dana (donations) directly to the teachers. By offering dana, you participate in a powerful practice of giving, which is considered a key step toward freedom. We also welcome volunteers to assist with setup before the retreat and cleanup afterward, as these acts of service are also expressions of generosity and are deeply appreciated.

DANA FOR DZIMC
Dana will be gratefully accepted by Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community to support our operating costs and scholarship fund. You can make an online donation by pressing the yellow “DONATE” button.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

• Cancellations on or before February 10^th will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations between February 10^th and March 7^th  will receive a full refund less a $60.00 cancellation fee.
• Cancellations after March 7^th will not be eligible for a refund.