Winter Meditation Retreat
This retreat provides a precious opportunity for renewal around the new year. Meditation, reflection, celebration… come and spend this transition with us. Taught in French. Translation upon request.
Meditation, society and the art of hosting conversations that matter
Meditation is our inner laboratory for developing the strength and courage to live together, to open up to the richness and diversity of the world, and to face the suffering that is part of it. By “Smiling at Fear” and developing gratitude towards our life, we learn to replace denial and violence with curiosity, appreciation, and wisdom. We can use the mind of meditation to open up to others, maintain compassion, and speak from the heart.
A personal practice, to be shared without moderation
The Shambhala Principle of Goodness: In Shambhala, we regard meditation practice as having the power to not only allow us regain the positive view of our own goodness and thereby also of the goodness of everybody else, but most importantly to enable us to rediscover the potential goodness of society itself.
What will we be doing?
This retreat is a time to deepen our individual meditation practice – for beginners and more seasoned practitioners alike – but also an occasion for each participant to experience the connection between the personal transformation that meditation brings about, and the societal, ecological and human transitions, the most burning challenges that humanity faces in these times.
The mornings will be passed in silence and dedicated to the practice of and the teachings on mindfulness meditation and awakened heart meditation. We will have alternating periods of sitting and outdoor walking meditation in nature. There will also be the chance for some physical exercise each morning to start the day.
In the afternoons we’ll explore our desire to benefit the world by together creating an environment that values “conversations that matter”. We will familiarize ourselves with the methods of the art of hosting, which is a combination of processes that invite people to explore and refine their own desires and projects, but also by relating them to the projects of others and the changes and transformations that we would like to see in society.
Why conversation?
In conversations – more than in any other form of human interaction – we learn, we share ideas, we offer resources, and we create new things and ways.
A good conversation opens our eyes and ears.
A good conversation resonates and continues in our heads and hearts during the day.
You continue to develop with it even on the next day. The resonance that follows heightens our consciousness.
Your mind and your heart have been touched.
References
The Shambhala Principle, Sakyong Mipham
Discovering humanity’s hidden treasure
Harmony Books, 2013
We humans have come to a crossroads in our history: We can either destroy the world or create a good future…
Le principe Shambhala propose d’adopter un point de vue de la bonté fondamentale pour faire face aux défis personnels et sociaux auxquels nous sommes confrontés. Avons-nous confiance en la bonté primordiale de l’humanité et de la société ?
L’Art of Hosting : an art that takes practice and care
http://www.artofhosting.org/
But this is more than a suite of methods – it is also a practice. We call it The Art of Hosting, because it is an art to become skillful at helping ourselves and others work well together, especially in these times of increasing complexity. We talk about hosting, because what is offered here is not a typical facilitation or moderated session. It gives attention and care to all aspects of people’s work together, intending to host them in being successful, just as any person welcoming guests will make sure they have everything they need to make their visit fruitful.
The Art of Hosting Conversations That Matter takes into account the whole process – all the preparations before the participants come together, what happens while they are working together, and how the results of their conversation – the ‘harvest’ – support next steps that are coherent for their purpose and context.
Practical
Arrival day (December 27): Orientation talk at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.
End of program (January 3): Closing circle and Banquet in the evening
Departure day (January 4): You may leave anytime (no program). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.
This programme is taught in French. Free translation in English or other languages needs to be confirmed. Important: Translation services are possible only if you register your request at least two months in advance of the programme.
