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Hello Friends
Jessie's Trail crossing Ford's Creek
running high after recent rain
There is a teaching story that goes like this. A mother, concerned about her child's sugar addiction takes them to see Gandhi. She explains to Gandhi about her concerns and hopes that Gandhi (because of his authority and respectability) will be able to convince her child not to eat so much sugar. Gandhi observes the child for a short while and then tells the woman to bring her child back in 2 weeks. Although confused the mother agrees. When the time has passed the mother takes the child once again to meet with Gandhi. Gandhi approaches the child and meets them at eye level and firmly states: "Stop eating sugar!" The mother, bewildered asks, "Why did we need to wait for 2 weeks???" Gandhi replied, "Because I had to give up sugar!"
When people ask me why I am about to embark on 2 weeks of silent meditation this story is what comes to mind. Throughout the year we hold many retreats at Deerheart and although there is time for me to sink into a few hours of meditation each day I am busy making food and tending to all that goes on behind the scenes so that the retreat flows as simply as possible for all those participating. Once a year I attempt to take the time for a private retreat but last year I didn't manage to manifest this..so I am long overdue!
I will be in silence from January 10th until January 23rd and will be meditating in the yurt from 6:30 until noon everyday. If it is in your flow and you feel inclined you are welcome to join me. I will be engaged in work projects in the afternoons and you may also notice me at a yoga class etc. I will be staying with my own silence....and will not engage with you personally.....an exercise in bringing my awareness of my practice directly into my life within a retreat context.
For those of you who would like to book time in the sauna there are morning appointments available. Please call to set up your time. If I am in retreat, Kevin will return your call but he will only be checking calls once a day.
As we begin a new year, may you discover deep peace within and liberation. I offer the following 2 short videos for your enjoyment. The first one is my new year's prayer/meditation song to you and for you and the second one, a fun clip with Tibetan Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron.
Enjoy!
Michelle
deerheartsanctuary.com
Silent Meditation Retreats
- January 27/28/29/30
- February 7 Day Retreat 17-25th
- March 23/24/25/26
- April 20/21/22/23
- May 25/26/27/28
- June 22/23/24/25
- July 20/21/22/24
- August 24/25/26/27
Ongoing at Deerheart
Mondays
Women: Resting, Healing and Playing in Sacred Space
1:30 - 3:00pm massage, reiki, healing touch, resting
3:00 - 4:30pm yoga/dance/music
all women/ all ages welcome *beginning January 24th*
A NON STRUCTURED 'IN THE MOMENT' PROPOSAL'
donations toward heat appreciated
Wednesdays
Community African American Gospel Choir with Arlene Mason
7-9pm Everyone Welcome!!!!
Starting up again TBA
Donations toward heat appreciated
Thursdays
Restorative Yoga with Diane Smith
by donation and/or trade (speak to Diane)
5:30-7pm starting up again January 5th.
Followed by:
Community Silent Meditation Sit
Ron McMurtrie is holding the space for this weekly offering
7:30 - 8:15pm followed by 30 minutes of social, stretching, sharing, discussion
Everyone Welcome
Bring your meditation cushion if you have one
Donations toward heat appreciated
Email service by Real Hornby
www.realhornby.com