Day-Long Retreat: Natural Awareness (in Virginia)

Practical Information
Date: Sunday June 15
Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, with optional social gathering from 4:00 – 4:45 PM
Location: The Innerwork Center, 213 Roseneath Rd, Richmond
Cost: $27,50 (for renting the space), plus a donation (dana) for the IMCR group and for the teacher
Suggested donation for teacher: sliding scale: $25 – $125
Teacher: Marjolein Janssen

Description
Please join us for a silent daylong retreat focusing on the cultivation of natural, easeful awareness. During this day we will learn how to practice so that we cultivate an awareness that is natural and easeful. This type of awareness can help us to cultivate a broad and skillful understanding of our moment-to-moment experience. This retreat’s teachings will emphasize approaching meditation with relaxed interest. Participants will be encouraged to allow experience to be known in a simple way as it naturally unfolds. This integrated approach to practice is inspired by the teaching style of the Burmese monk Sayadaw U Tejaniya. It has proven to be a useful lens on meditation for beginning and experienced practitioners alike.

This retreat will include sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma talks, and time for sharing and questions. Everyone is welcome, no prior meditation experience needed. For those new to meditation we do ask that you watch the series of four videos on the page for beginners.

During the retreat we will be in “noble silence.” This means that we won’t be talking to each other (except during designated times). We will also turn off our phones and other devices. This is all in order to minimize external distractions, promote mindfulness and inner stillness, and respect the practice of fellow meditators.

After the Daylong Retreat there is an optional social gathering from 4:30 – 5:15 PM, some snacks are provided.