Beauty & Sensitivity in a troubled world Nov. 20 -22, 2020

Hello Dear Friends,

In the span of just a couple of weeks, the world as we have known it has radically changed. Many of us are feeling anxious and feel a sense of personal and collective loss about the state of the world. Our lives have been greatly disrupted by the pandemic of Covid19, and we don't know when, or even if, we can return to the life we once took for granted. We are sharing in a global experience and learning how interdependent we truly are.

As we acknowledge the situation as it is, it may help to take slow, deep breaths, and as much as possible, stay grounded in the present moment, where there is no anxiety or fear. 

We are all in this together, and in one way or another, we’re all feeling disoriented, anxious and perhaps alone and isolated. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and also to realize at the same time, that our emotional response to the Covid19 pandemic is triggered by our thoughts. 

A health and economic crisis like this is bound to stimulate a lot of fearful thinking. Thoughts, in the form of questions arise, such as: What will happen to me? Will I get sick? Will my loved ones get sick? Will I be able to get medical help? What about my job or business – will it be there for me when this is over?  

When you are aware of what you are thinking and feeling, you may notice that the anxiety you feel is coming from within yourself, as a response to your thoughts and to what you see on television or the Internet. It’s okay, it’s happening to all of us. But we don’t have to let it overwhelm us.

Here’s something simple you can do to relax and let go of anxiety and fear.

Sit down comfortably, close your eyes and take a deep breath, and now another breath, and another deep breath. As you slowly breathe, notice your feet on the floor – notice the sensation of your feet in contact with the floor. The floor of your house is connected to the Earth, and so are you. 

Continue  to slowly breathe; let go of the tension in your neck and shoulders. Breathe and feel your inner connection to your body. Take a moment to even notice that you have a body – and breathe slowly. Notice the rise and fall of your chest, as the air comes into your body, and then leaves. It’s like the rhythm of the ocean – the waves come to shore, and then move back to the ocean. Your breathing has the same rhythm. 

Because we are asked to stay at home during the pandemic, we have a rare opportunity to go quietly inward and reflect on what is truly important in our lives. And we can be closer to each other, even though we are asked to “self-isolate,” or “shelter in place.” Despite the appearance of further separation from each other, we are nonetheless bound more closely together in a way we could not have imagined just a few days ago. In the absence of each other's presence, we may become more aware of our relatedness as human beings.

From a spiritual perspective, perhaps we are being asked to go more deeply into a silent understanding of our fundamental oneness. In the midst of this global crisis, perhaps we are beckoned to recognize to the best of our capacity that there is no “other.” There is only us, together -- one humanity; one planet that we share and care for.

Be well, and be safe. And remember to breathe slowly, effortlessly and relax as much as you can.

What is our relationship with silence? Can we approach silence as a great work of art that brings us closer to what the Buddha called “the other shore,” and what the Christ referred to as the “kingdom of heaven?”  

Silence or silent awareness has been referred to as the  Eternal; Holy Silence, a vast Stillness, the Absolute and the Unknown.  But words can only point to a very great mystery. Silence just is 

This dimension of Silence is not mysterious, esoteric or arcane; it is not far away, or something you have to go find. You already have it.  We are all capable of being aware of the depths and beauty of Silence; what we don’t realize is that Silence “speaks” to us all the time, but we don’t hear it because we have forgotten how to listen.  Can we learn to listen to the silent awareness within us?

These are some questions we will explore together.  This meditative inquiry includes a mixture of speech,sound, imagery, body relaxation, and of course, silence.

The great wisdom teachings of the world share one fundamental principle – the call to awaken to inner freedom. While this “waking-up” can happen in a timeless flash of insight, it seldom lasts long. We live in the field of time, and for most of us, it is a process of inner discovery which awakens us to a greater vision of our relationship with each other and the world. This vital inner work can break the bonds of years of human conditioning. 

This program explores the urgency and challenges of breaking free from the limitations of our own mind, so that the flowering of transformation can grow within us. Our guides in this endeavor include J. Krishnamurti, Ramana Maharshi. G.I. Gurdjieff, excerpts from the Bhagavad Gita, and the parables of the Christ. 

Workshops & Retreats

There is a way to be in the world, but not of it – to be free of conflict and confusion. When we become still, new possibilities appear that reduce stress and strengthen us from within.

This retreat is an entry point into the way of stillness. Join us for a day of relaxation and quiet reflection in a beautiful natural setting. We’ll learn to be in the peaceful company of stillness.

Workshops & Retreats

This program will explore the existential question: Who Am I?  Our exploration will include the views of Sri Ramana Maharshi,  J. Krishnamurti and GI Gurdjieff. Seating is limited.  Please contact Cynthia via this website if you are interested in attending.  

Workshops & Mindfulness Retreats

Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers bloom with vibrant color, birdsong fills the air, and all of nature is alive with new energy and beauty. But does this renewal happen within us? Are we renewing our energy, vitality, and creativity?  

The noise and chaos of today’s world do not support our need for renewal, so it’s up to us to create a space where that can happen. Join us in a supportive and quiet atmosphere where inner tranquility is lovingly welcomed like an old friend.    

We will rest the body and mind in Stillness and see if we can discover an inner spaciousness that is free from thought, worry and anxiety.

A Wisdom Teaching from the Ancient World to Ours

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most powerful and influential wisdom teachings ever given. It was radical in its time because it challenged religious and secular authorities with a call for mercy, compassion, freedom from oppression, and spiritual unfoldment without the burden of dogma or the abuse of power. 

The main focus of this workshop will be on deeper insights into the eight Beatitudes, arguably the most beautiful, elusive and compelling portion of the Sermon. We'll explore the spiritual and ethical values they convey to our violent world. Most importantly, we will have an exchange about the inner transformation that the Christ consciousness points to beyond dogma.   

Also included in this series is a discussion of the Aramaic Jesus, or Yeshua.  

Jesus is the English translation of the Aramaic name Yeshua, and Aramaic is the language that Jesus spoke.  The Aramaic background of Jesus brings fresh insights into what we know about him and also deepens the mystery.

April 16 -19, 2019