Date: March 31, 2019; 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sliding Scale: $40 – 100. Code CC1D19.

Open to all self-identified women of color.

Description:
Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change people’s lives. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. It’s so simple, yet so powerful. In this day retreat, we will explore ways to increase our gratitude, count our blessings even in adversity and the benefits of adding more thank-yous to our vocabulary. Through teachings, group exercises, and traditional sweat lodge we will experience the divine in our hearts by living with gratitude.

These teachings are offered by Vipassana teacher Carol Cano and Native American Medicine Woman, Verlinda Montoya. A traditional Sweat lodge will be offered; this ceremony and songs will renew our hearts and open us to a new state of awareness. For the sweat lodge, Verlinda will create the sacred space in which to ground ourselves in a traditional ceremony to purify and connect the physical and spiritual worlds. The water poured over the ancient stone creates steam which is used to purify and heal the body. We will return to the Earth’s womb and emerge cleansed, ready to fulfill our intentions for a deeper practice of the heart.

The Sweat lodge ceremony is optional; Women on their Moon (Menstruation) are asked to respect the traditional ways by not entering the lodge, a moon sister reaches an exceptionally powerful peak when she is in this phase of her cycle. For those participating in the sweat lodge, please wear a loose sundress or t-shirt with a sarong or skirt. The goal is to cover the knees and shoulders because it is a modest culture.

Anyone who cannot participate or who wishes to meditate, rather than enter the sweat lodge, will be offered teachings, group exercise, guided sitting, and walking meditation practice by Carol throughout the day.

This day retreat is open to all self-identified women of color with all levels of meditation experience, including newcomers.

Please register early, especially if you wish to attend the Sweat lodge ceremony, since space is limited. Please remember to bring lunch, a towel, water and sweat clothes.