The Elephants in the Room: Aging, Illness, Death, and Loss

We know we are going to get older, face illness or injury, lose what we love, and die. These are things we don’t like to think about, let alone prepare for. The Buddhist practice of reminding ourselves every day about these “elephants in the room” is inten

ded to help us overcome our anxieties about them and in turn find greater joy in our lives. But how exactly does this work?

Stephanie Coleman has been with the Dharma Zephyr community for about 10 years. In late 2021 she was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. In the months since, she has discovered how meditating on the Five Daily Remembrances profoundly affects our ability to confront “the elephants” and can greatly improve our quality of life. She wishes to share her insights.

This short retreat will include periods of sitting and walking.  Bill Moody from the Minden/Gardnerville Sangha will lead us in qi gung. The event is suitable for beginning meditators.  Kathy Schwerin will offer meditation instruction.

This event will be held at The Nature Conservancy’s River Fork Ranch Preserve (381 Genoa Lane, Minden, NV  89423).  The ranch offers bucolic walking paths along the west fork of the Carson River, solitude and beautiful views of the Carson Valley.

This event is offered freely. Baskets will be available at the retreat for donations to Dharma Zephyr and the teachers.

To register for this retreat contact Kathy Schwerin:  Kathy@dharmazephyr.org