This has been a year of profound change -- a year of loss and sorrow; division and disrespect, but also of resilience, renewal and optimism. So much has happened that many of us are in the midst of re-evaluating our lives and our priorities.
As this tumultuous year draws to a close, it seems to me that we are at the threshold of a great reckoning and a great awakening. To help bring more awareness to our inner passage through this global and individual crisis, I'll be facilitating a gathering via Zoom on December 15 from 10 AM to Noon, Pacific Time, hosted by Krotona.
Please join us for a sensitive exploration into the urgency for transformational change, sacred wholeness and healing at a time of upheaval and possibility.
One 2 Hour Session on Zoom - December 15, 2020 - 10 AM - Noon - Pacific Time
When Krishnamurti spoke of beauty, he linked it to a heightened sensitivity, and to a quality of seeing which transcends the conditioned mind. He suggested that sensitivity is what makes the perception of beauty possible.
In a highly polarized world burdened by multiple crises on a scale we’ve not seen before, how do we approach living with sensitivity? Can we have an authentic relationship with beauty in such a world?
We'll be guided by various statements made by Krishnamurti about beauty and sensitivity.
For example:
Our inquiry together will create an opportunity for open sharing with time for you to participate in the fullness of our mutual attention and listening. Each session will include a talk, along with images, music, and moments of meditative stillness.
Three Sessions via Zoom - Nov. 20 -22, 2020 - Fri - Sun - 4 PM - 5:30 PM
Pacific Time.
Excerpt from Krishnamurti's Notebook:
“A curious thing is happening; there is a heightening of sensitivity;
Sensitivity, not only to beauty, but also to all other things.
The blade of grass was astonishingly green;
that one blade of grass contained the whole spectrum of color;
it was intense, dazzling and such a small thing, so easy to destroy.”
WORDS OF COMFORT AND UNITY FOR THOSE FEELING ANXIETY DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC, INCLUDING A SIMPLE, CALMING BREATH MEDITATION TO HELP SOOTHE THE SOUL.
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.
All events have been canceled due to the Covid19 pandemic. Please check back later for more information.
Please send your prayers and good wishes to the doctors, nurses and all the health care providers whose courage and compassion have been so inspiring.
It has been said that inner silence is the gateway to beauty, wonder, and the freedom we long for. Within silence, we enter more deeply into ourselves. But in our noisy, divided and chaotic world, it is not easy to be inwardly quiet.
What is our relationship with silence? Krishnamurti spoke of silence as the “immensity.” Ramana Maharshi referred to silence as the Self, which, he said, was love. Rumi called it “the language of God.” But words can only point to a very great mystery. Silence just is.
To begin our exploration, we may envision silence as a beautiful work of art that simply appears without effort, when the fullness of our awareness is present. When that happens, we are free of the thinking mind, free of confusion and conflict; and free of time itself, at least temporarily. The self-surrender of inner silence makes it possible to see and listen in an entirely new and dynamic way, and opens us to a greater vision of life.
Join us for an exploration into silence, and what it teaches us about ourselves, our relationships with others, and with the natural world. Our retreat includes a mixture of speech, deep listening, sacred music, visual imagery, body relaxation, communion with nature, and periods of silence.
The full 5-day retreat is highly recommended. Those unable to come for the full retreat will be able to register for the weekend only. Please click on the Learn More icon above to register and for more information about the Krishnamurti Centre and its beautiful location.
The Krishnamurti Centre of Canada is situated on 32 acres of ocean front property and is a perfect place to relax, unwind and be on retreat.
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.
BECAUSE OF THE COVID19 VIRUS, THIS MEDITATIVE INQUIRY HAS BEEN CANCELED. IT WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE. BE WELL AND PLEASE BE SAFE.
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
This program is closed.
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 is closed.
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.
Four Winds Gallery, Santa Barbara.
SORRY RESERVATIONS ARE CLOSED.
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.
Renew your spirit in a supportive, serene and beautiful setting.
SORRY, RESERVATIONS ARE CLOSED
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
RESERVATIONS ARE CLOSED.
What is inner freedom? Why is it so elusive? How does a silent mind bring us closer to what is beautiful and true? Our guides in this inquiry will be The Voice of the Silence by HP Blavatsky and Freedom from the Known by J. Krishnamurti. Our aim is to encounter the inner silence which ends conflict and opens us to wonder
October 23 - 26, 2018
Workshops & Retreats
Krishnamurti wrote with great sensitivity about the beauty and wonders of nature. His observations of the natural world convey, perhaps better than anything else, his teaching about attention, inner freedom and the art of living. This program explores Krishnamurti’s profound kinship with nature, and what we can learn from his insights.
April 17 - 20, 2018
Workshops & Retreats
Inner silence is often imagined as an ocean; vast, deep, powerful and unknown. When the mind is silent, life has exquisite beauty, balance and equilibrium.
In the ocean of silence, there are no deadlines and no stress. To still the mind and relax in a supportive environment is the aim of this retreat.
Saturday, October 29, 2018 Workshops & Retreats
The quest for meaning and a longing for freedom are fundamental questions of human existence. What does it mean to be free? Is it possible to be free of seeking? Our intention will be to delve deeply into these perennial questions.
Workshops & Retreats
Sages from every tradition tell us that peace has to come from within before it can flourish in our lives and in the world. With stillness, deep listening and communion with nature, we'll relax and explore the stability and comfort of inner peace.
Workshops & Retreats
Join us for a tribute to the Earth. We’ll explore explore the beauty of the Earth; its sacred places, and discuss how a loving response to the natural world contributes to our well-being, and bring us closes to wholeness and peace.
Three remarkable women; three remarkable stories about the search for the meaning of existence. Mary Magdalene, “the Apostle to the Apostles;" Sufi mystic, Rabi’a al-Adawiyya, and Yeshe Tsogyal, a Tibetan yogini who helped bring Buddhism to Tibet. They left a spiritual legacy which helps illuminate our own search for inner freedom. spiritual awakening
Feeling and expressing Gratitude is powerful and life-affirming. Gratitude widens our horizons and lifts of our spirits.
What might our lives be like if we lived every day as a “thank-you?”
Workshops & Retreats
What can the lives and work of three famous seekers of wisdom tell us about ourselves?
Dante Alighieri, Teresa of Avila, and the Tibetan saint Milarepa each had a deep connection with a larger vision of life.
Workshops & Retreats
Hildegard of Bingen and Julian of Norwich were spiritual visionaries. They offered wisdom to a fragmented and chaotic world that was quite similar to our own. They spoke of a divine unity that connects us to one another and to all of creation. We’ll explore what these two women can teach us, and how we can benefit from listening to them.
Workshops & Retreats
Can the cycle of war ever come to an end? Why is there perpetual conflict throughout the world?
Join us for a discussion about the causes of conflict that lead to war, and what,
if anything, can be done to prevent it.
Proceeds will be donated to Save the Children.
At the Ojai Retreat
Ojai, CA workshops & retreats
The stress and turbulence of daily life can be overwhelming. We long for a place to retreat and feel refreshed by a sense of beauty and inner quiet. But where is that quiet space we need?
We'll explore a practice of quietude inspired by the wisdom of Ramana Maharshi and J. Krishnamurti.
Workshops & Retreats
Cynthia Overweg
Copyright © 2018 Cynthia Overweg - All Rights Reserved.
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