Softening the Heart - Reflections on Compassion

Join resident teachers of Ratna Ling for a weekend dedicated to cultivating compassion and an open heart.

Kindness. Empathy. Warmth. What if each of us could experience these qualities everyday?

In the modern world of capitalism and technology, many of us feel pressured to be firm, fixed, and rigid in our identity. We can  feel hardened and rushed by the pace at which things are expected of us. We are led to frustration, stress, and overwhelm, and not only does it become difficult for others to deal with us; we can barely deal with ourselves. How do we soften and relax? Where can we find respite?

We can start with the breath. And we can look at the world with new eyes. We can begin to see our own pain and start to care for the struggles of others. We slow down and realize why we behave the way we do, and we make sense of why others are acting the way they do. Our rigid beliefs and expectations begin to soften, and we have more grace for ourselves and others.

Compassion is a daily practice, and it gets better over time. When compassion is present, life becomes easier, relationships become sweeter, and work becomes joyful! This retreat will provide spaces for us to practice and explore compassion and how it can improve every aspect of our life.

The weekend includes:

Relaxation, breathing, and movement
Silent & guided meditation
Mantra meditation
Reading and discussion of spiritual texts
Journaling and reflection
Time in nature
Nourishing, vegetarian meals
A spacious, peaceful cottage for your rest
PLUS an Art Project with Guest Artist Tina Rath: The REQUIEM Project, a remembrance of all who have died from Covid 19

SCHEDULE (Subject to change):


FRIDAY

3:00pm Check-in

5:30pm Dinner

7:00pm  Opening Circle


SATURDAY

7:00-8:00 am Relaxation Practices (Please observe silence) - Gloria

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00-10:30 am Reflection and Discussion - Linda

10:30 am Optional Art Project with Tina Rath

12:15 pm  Lunch

1:00 pm Temple Tour

2:00 pm Optional Art Project with Tina Rath

3:30-4:00 pm  Silent Walk in Nature

4:00-5:30 pm  Mantra and Meditation - Gloria

5:30 pm Dinner

7:00-8:00 pm  Tibetan Bowls - Linda


SUNDAY

8:00-9:00 am Gentle Movement and Meditation - Gloria

9:00-10:00 am  Closing Circle

10:00 am Brunch