Winter Solstice Insight Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light (224R20)

Registration open until the end of the day (Pacific Time) on December 18, 2020. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early.

Retreat Description:
In this retreat, we will emphasize centering ourselves at the time of the holidays and the New Year, quieting our minds, grounding in our bodies, opening up our hearts, and using inquiry to help give energy to our practice. There will be a special emphasis on opening to the darkness, including to the unknown, to the creative and generative dimensions of darkness, and to our difficulties and challenges, as well as to the coming light–to our beauty, joy, wisdom, and love. The retreat will include complete meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, daily lovingkindness practice, daily Qigong practice, late afternoon talks, practice discussions, and a Winter Solstice ceremony.

All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org.

General Daily Schedule (for middle 3 days; schedule subject to change; times are Pacific Time)
Note: Retreat starts at 2:00 p.m. on Opening Day; ends at 10:30 a.m. on Closing Day
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.     Qigong, sitting meditation, breakfast break
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.     Morning instructions and sitting meditation
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.   Alternating sitting/walking meditations, or practice meetings
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.   Lunch/Rest Break (or Practice)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.     Afternoon instructions and sitting meditation
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.     Alternating sitting/walking meditations, and break time
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.     Dharma Talk
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.     Dinner/Rest Break (or Practice)
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.     Lovingkindness Practice; practice continues until rest time