Date: Monday, May 21, 3:00pm – Monday, May 28, 11:30am
Cost: Sliding Scale $1760 – $800, plus a donation to the teacher(s) and retreat staff. Code 358R18.

This retreat is now in progress.

“It is that gladness connected with the wholesome that I call an equipment of mind….for developing a mind that is without hostility and without ill will.”
The Buddha

The Buddha was known as “The Happy One.” However, the teachings often seem to emphasize working with suffering. Joy and happiness can seem frivolous or unspiritual even though joy is one of the Seven Factors of Awakening. In this retreat we will practice with an emphasis on cultivating wholesome states to develop our natural capacity for well-being and happiness. Our own development of well-being and joy then becomes our gift to a troubled world.

The retreat includes silent sitting and walking periods with instructions and practice meetings with teachers, as well as some experiential exercises during the five days. This retreat is appropriate for both experienced as well as new/beginning students.

Practices will include:

• Inclining the mind toward wholesome states;
• The power of wholesome intention;
• Mindfulness as appreciation practice (wonder and gratitude);
• Embracing suffering as a path to joy;
• How letting go leads to true freedom;
• Integrity as a foundation for well-being;
• Metta (loving-kindness) for self and others;
• Mudita (sympathetic joy);
• Compassion–the expression of a wise heart;and
• The joy of simply being.

Teachings are appropriate for all, including health care professionals. Health care professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in preparation for, and when working with clients. Continuing Education (CE) credit available. See below for more information.

Learning objectives for participating health care professionals-
Based on the content of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Explain how mindfulness may be used to interrupt confused and negative thinking;
• Utilize the practice of inclining the mind towards the possibility of more joy, in ways that may improve patient care, or reduce burnout;
• Describe a gratitude practice that supports well-being and may be used to reduce challenging experiences such as stress, anxiety, or depression;
• Incorporate the use of the acronym RAIN when working with clients;
• Describe how compassion affects the nervous system.
• Explain to clients how attachment can lead to suffering;
• Utilize “letting go” practices with self and clients to reduce stress;
• Integrate the practices of forgiveness, acceptance, and self-compassion in ways that improve patient care;
• Employ techniques to support clients in counter-acting a tendency towards self-judgment and feelings of unworthiness.