To retreat in nature allows us to...
-- Awaken our sensitivity to the preciousness of the natural world.
-- Open our appreciation to the teaching which nature offers in and around us all the time.
-- Deepen our understanding of our interconnectedness with the earth and all life.
-- Encourage us to embrace wakefulness in all moments of our lives.
We will participate in an age-old tradition of going into nature as a support for spiritual practice. Again and again the Buddha recommended practice out of doors, encouraging us to enter the world where tranquility and silence are so readily available. As our society feels increasingly speedy and noisy, separating us further from our true, wild nature, this recommendation could not be more appropriate. This is an opportunity to "return home," to deepen our practice, and to hear the Dharma in the outdoors where the Buddha originally offered it.
Immersed for the day in the rolling hills and meadows of Spirit Rock, and in the quiet of our meditation practice, we will investigate our interconnectedness with all of nature. Softening into the sky, the breezes, the rustle of plants, we may feel the invitation to drop the isolating illusion of self-identification, notice impermanence and learn from the ever-changing nature of things. We will spend our day together orienting toward the flow of experience, our interdependence, and the the possibility of ease and freedom inherent in seeing things as they truly are.
In this day there will be talks, discussion, guided meditations and group exercises. The day will be held in spacious silence. No previous meditation experience necessary. All levels of practitioners are welcome.
Please arrive by 8:45 am in order to register and gather with the group before the walk up the hill. Sorry, we are not able to transport those with disabilities, as the site is on a hill with no paved path leading up to it, only a narrow trail.
Please bring the following: something to sit on, such as a cushion, bench/zafu/back support/blanket/or mat; food for lunch; plenty of water; sunscreen, hat, sunglasses; layered clothing for protection against hot sun, cold fog and insects; and shoes for walking 10-15 minutes uphill.
Young Adults (18-26) and Seniors (65+ on limited income) are invited to attend this event for $25. Scholarships & Work Exchange are also available.
Thanks to Susie Harrington's generosity, all teacher dana given today will go to the Saranaloka Foundation which supports the nuns community in San Francisco
Online Bulletin Board for Ride Sharing
Online Registration for this event is available until 12 noon one business day before the event. If you can't attend, see our Cancellation Policy.
Even if you have been to Spirit Rock before, please review information about What to Bring to a Daylong. This link has useful information about what to wear, what to bring, how to get here, and more.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Limited Volunteer/Work Exchange opportunities, as well as scholarships, may be available for this program. If interested, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@spiritrock.org or (415) 488-0164 x224.