Embodied Listening®

Cultivating the Wisdom of the Body
Embodied Listening® offers a way to move through blockages, challenges and uncertainty by tuning into your most reliable source for guidance — the wisdom of your body.

In this time of challenge and upheaval, learning to be present to your body’s inherent knowing is an essential skill.

During this retreat, we will draw on three contemplative practices that cultivate insight, compassion, and confidence:

Mindfulness Meditation to relax mental holding patterns
Alexander Technique to release physical holding patterns
Focusing to access deeper feelings held in the body


This highly experiential workshop is held within a safe and supportive environment and includes periods of meditation, exploration of the felt sense alone and with partners, guided instruction on alignment, a lying down practice called constructive rest, sharing and humour.

Rather than trying to figure things out, we learn to spend time with the way our bodies hold our experience in any given moment called the “felt sense”. The felt sense is an inner bodily sensation that holds meaning for our lives. It is always operating, but we usually don’t notice it. By listening to these mysterious yet palpable expressions of our lived experience, we gain insight into what’s needed to resolve a conflict, make a decision or transform our stuck places. We discover the wisdom in the holding pattern.
Who Should Attend
Everyone is welcome to attend this retreat. Meditation instruction and individual posture adjustments will provided.

The weekend is ideal for anyone who wants to know themselves better and learn a simple and radically different way to approach what troubles them.
Overview of Schedule (Atlantic Time)
Time Zone Converter
Friday, October 19  (Arrival Day)

Check-in is open from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Please try to arrive before 5pm to settle in before dinner if you are able to.
Dinner is at 6:30.
There will be an orientation session at 7:45 after dinner.


Saturday, October 20

7:00 a.m.: Optional (Outdoor Contemplative Practice)
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m.: Morning session
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
2:00 p.m.: Early afternoon Session
4:00 p.m.: Tea
4:30 p.m.: Late afternoon session
6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7:45 p.m.: Evening Session
9:00 p.m.: End of day


Sunday, October 21

7:00 a.m.: Optional (Outdoor Contemplative Practice)
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m.: Morning session
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
2:00 p.m.: Early afternoon Session
4:30 p.m.: Break
5:00 p.m.: Celebratory Tea Reception

 

NOTES:

Each session may include breaks, guided meditation and posture correction.
Departure after Tea on September 18. If you are traveling and wish to stay over on September 18, you will have the option to add an additional night's stay on the registration form.

Program Costs
Tuition: $200 CAD
Meals: $60 CAD
Accommodations: Prices vary according to choice. (Please see the Registration Page to view options available.)

Participants who enroll in both the Shape of Awake® and Embodied Listening® programs will receive a 15% discount on the tuition portion of both retreats. We will adjust your Guest Statement for you.
Testimonials
I learned so much about myself, and began the journey of accepting myself and holding myself in compassion. Now, I can be kinder to those around me, because I can be kind to myself. -- Kate Smith
This workshop was a rich, rewarding and powerful blending of 3 practices that all seek to bring awareness and balance to the knowing body. I came away grateful for much that I will carry into both my personal and professional life and I recommend it highly. -- Sharon Andrews
Embodied Listening helped me to deepen my sitting practice and move into a more respectful rapport with some deep parts of myself that had been asking for my attention. How obvious and radical it is that contact with the felt sense is profoundly assisted by an aligned structure, support from the earth and a deeply embodied experience. -- Alexis Honiotes
I find Hope to be a very skilled teacher with a strong intuitive sense of how to work with each individual. Her Alexander work is deep and subtle, and has been extremely helpful in deeply understanding some of the principles of meditation posture that had eluded me for many years. -- Michael Chender
Generosity Policy

Dorje Denma Ling wants teachings to be available to all who seek them, and to people of every financial or social condition. We offer payment plans, sliding scale, and scholarships, supported by donations. We have scholarships available for those with financial need and others specifically to support newer meditators, BIPOC practitioners, and those under 40. Learn more

If you need assistance, please fill out and return the Financial Aid Form or contact our Finance Manager, Suzy Ulrich.

If you don't need assistance, but would prefer to spread your payments out over a number of months to ease cashflow issues, please contact Suzy Ulrich and she can set that up for you.
Covid Considerations 
Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.
Useful Links
What to Bring & Expect at DDL
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