Love and Grit: Balancing Self-Compassion and Strong Determination (CL1Z26)

Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online.

Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on September 6, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program.

Description:
On the Dharma path, no single teaching is sufficient to guide us. Awakening comes from holding the dynamic tension between two equally important, apparently contradictory teachings.

Is it possible to have great self-compassion without losing our strong determination? The Buddha relentlessly highlights the importance of persistence and resolution on the Dharma path. Progress comes through perseverance. Simultaneously, we know that this path simply cannot be walked without great love and self-compassion. Some tangles cannot be untangled through striving—they require gentleness, love, and forgiveness. How do these two forces fit together?

During this daylong, we’ll explore the two sides of this dialectic and illuminate a path that fully honors both. The day will include guided and silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, and conversation between Cara and Matthew. We’ll have time for dialogue and questions as we trace out a path of effort and care.

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 the teachers as well as Spirit Rock and your fellow practitioners who need to pay less.

Online Sliding Scale: (CL1Z26)**
Benefactor – $175
Sustainer – $95
Basic – $75
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna) – $45
**For 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.

*Recording Note: 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.

Cancellation Policy – Online: Drop-ins, Daylongs, Multiday Programs (1-3 days), Family Programs/Series, CEC fees:

• NO REFUNDS
• Open Credit, or Donation to Spirit Rock = if cancel by midnight, the day prior to program start (Pacific Time)
• No Open Credit = if cancel day of the program, or beyond