Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online.
Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on November 30, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program.
Description:
Like many people, the practice of mettā (lovingkindness) initially felt out of reach to me. It looked like everyone else was basking in its warmth… except me. The phrases felt awkward, the categories confusing, and it all seemed too soft, too gendered—or maybe I was just too angry to feel anything at all. My heart was blocked. Maybe this is you, too. For others, mettā works well enough, but is only thought of as an antidote to aversion, rather than embraced as a constant companion, which is its true purpose. If you resonate with these or any other ways mettā can seem inaccessible, this day is for you!
Led by a self-proclaimed “Anti-mettā mettā Girl,” in this day of practice we’ll explore what mettā really is, how we may have misunderstood it, and new ways to connect with this heart practice. We’ll move through stillness and movement meditations, journal reflections, the Buddha’s teachings on lovingkindness, and small group sharing where you’ll discover you’re not alone. All mettā skeptics, doubters, and imagined “failures” (you’re not) are welcome!
Sliding Scale: Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports teachers as well as Spirit Rock and your fellow practitioners who need to pay less.
On-Land Sliding Scale: (LB3D25)**
Benefactor – $310
Sustainer – $235
Basic – $140
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, M/K) – $70
**Volunteer/Work Exchange opportunities, which include full or partial Scholarships, may be available for the in-person program. For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@spiritrock.org.
Online Sliding Scale: (LB3Z25)***
Benefactor – $175
Sustainer – $95
Basic – $75
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, M/K) – $45
***Online Program: All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org no later than 12:00pm (NOON) PT on the day prior to the program date.
*Important Notes:
Access to Recording
- Registration includes unlimited access to this program’s recording. You must register by the deadline above. The recording will be available in ~10 days after the program.
On-Land Attendees
- The on-land program will take place in the Community Meditation Center (CMC) in the Great Hall.
- Bring a lunch and a water bottle. Lunch is not provided.
- This is NOT a residential retreat. Overnight accommodations are not provided.
COVID Safety Protocols for non-residential programs: details here.
Cancellation Policy for On-Land: Daylongs, Multiday Programs (1-3 days), Family Programs, CEC fees:
- NO REFUNDS.
- Open Credit or Donation to Spirit Rock = cancel 2 or more business days prior to program (Pacific Time)
- No Open Credit = cancel less than 2 business days prior
