Going Deeper: Winter Meditation & Wellness Retreat
by Freya Struthers & Katherine Willow
Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon
January 29th – 31st, 2010
Click here for a newer post on the January Meditation Retreat
‘Going Deeper’ is in the same vein as our other popular Carp Ridge retreats — it has a special focus that matches the season. Like nature in the winter, we go deep into ourselves for a rest and a recharge, a mini-hibernation. When we emerge again, we feel re-inspired and refreshed, ready to continue on our path.
Studies tell us that 20 minutes of meditation is worth four hours of sleep. In this fast-paced culture, setting aside a time of quieting the busy mind can help us find and maintain that elusive balance we often look for. Meditation also becomes ‘a way back home’ when we inevitably lose our balance in the sojourn of being alive in the world.
During this weekend retreat we’ll welcome a wonderful Christian element into the mix — in the person of Father Jack Lau from Galilee Mission in Arnprior. Jack is a Roman Catholic priest who spent time in India studying yoga. He now teaches the practice as part of his calling. The eastern aspect of the consciousness traditions will also be represented by learning techniques of Buddhist-style meditation.
Several retreat practitioners will work together to give participants a supportive environment for learning and exploring meditation as well as tips to help sustain a daily practice. We’ll also be eating some great meals prepared by Cindy and Dean Fleming!
Retreat Schedule:
Friday
4-6pm: arrive and settle in, have tea with fellow retreatants
6pm: dinner (delicious vegetarian meals will be served)
7pm: evening program (Father Jack Lau and Katherine Willow ND)
Saturday
7am: meditation instruction and practice from a Buddhist perspective
8am: breakfast
9am: Ayurvedic lifestyle tips to quiet the mind (done by Ayurvedic body type)
10:30am: choice of relaxed or energizing yoga, or nature walk
12 noon: lunch & break (opportunity to connect further with practitioners and counsellors)
2:30pm: emotional healing through meditation, nature and art
4:30pm: break/individual sessions
6pm: dinner eaten in an atmosphere of silence
7pm: Kirtan (chanting) and Taize (music from a French monastery)
Sunday
7am: meditation with a universal Christian flavour
8am: breakfast
9am: Creating a Daily Meditation Practice, an informal talk
10:30am: choice of relaxing or energizing yoga, or walk in nature
noon: lunch
1pm: closing circle — where it all comes together!
During the weekend there will be a children’s program with art, nature, games, yoga and mini-meditations if they are registered before January 15th. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like register kids aged 4-12 years. Youth are also welcome to join the adults or to help out with the children!
Retreat cost: $240, subsidies available
Early registration: $210 (before January 15th)
Includes cabin or clinic accommodations, meals and all programs.
(Accommodation also available at Carp Ridge Healing House for an additional cost.)
20 spots available
Contact: 613-839-1179 or email programs@ecowellness.com
