Welcoming What Is Weekend Retreat – In Person and Online

This retreat is offered through the Insight Meditation Community of Washington 

Register HERE

Welcoming What Is Weekend Retreat

The heart and power of the practice is the cultivation of the capacity for ease and equanimity in the presence of whatever is arising in our lives. In the face of the fact that no worldly experience has the fundamental capacity to bring lasting happiness, the practice of Welcoming What Is opens the doorway to a joy that is constant in an ever-changing existence. In this retreat, we will explore a variety of ways to come to a greater sense of ease in the presence of uncertainty and discomfort, as well as to deliberately tune into that which is pleasant in our lives. Through guided and unguided meditations, dharma talks, meetings with teachers, and personal reflection, you will have the opportunity to experience the benefits of welcoming whatever is arising in your life.

Retreat Information

This is a silent meditation retreat held in noble silence; it is not an interactive workshop. You may attend either in person or online via Zoom. All participants will receive a Dropbox link with recordings of guided meditations and talks from the retreat a few days after the retreat.

Please find more information about this retreat by reading through these web pages:

In-person: (Registration closes January 2) What to Expect on Retreat

Online: (Registration closes January 12) Home Retreat Guidelines, Preparing for Retreat tips, During the Retreat

Retreat Schedule (subject to slight changes)

Meals: Shepherd’s Spring strives to nurture guests by providing delicious, healthy food at each meal. Meals will be vegetarian, and Shepherd’s Spring can accommodate most special dietary needs such as vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Rooms:  For those attending in person, single and double rooms are available, each with private bathrooms (single rooms have limited availability). We assign roommates based on gender.

All in-person retreatants must submit proof of vaccination upon registration. 

Fees:

Dana: In keeping with the Buddhist tradition, the teachers and retreat managers receive no payment. The base fee covers admin costs to run the retreat. Donations offered by students at the end of the retreat are appreciated and support the teachers and retreat managers in continuing to make the teachings available to all. Dana offerings are tax-deductible.

Scholarships:  If you need support beyond the base rate (or self-scholarship when offered), please fill out and submit the Scholarship Application (find here).  Please wait to register until you receive a discount code. If you have any questions about scholarships please contact Anne Adams Green. Funds are limited, so please apply early.

ADA features: At Shepherd’s Spring Retreat Center, the meditation hall, dining room, and guest rooms are all located in one building, which has an accessible entrance. The meditation hall and dining room are on the first floor and accessible. Also on the first floor are multiple guestrooms that have been designated as handicap-accessible and have accessible bathrooms. A wheelchair lift goes up to the second floor, where small groups with the teachers will be held.

IMCW retreats and workshops offer instruction in Buddhist meditation and talks on the awakening of our natural insight, love and wisdom. While the meditation practices derive from the Buddhist tradition, they are universal in orientation and address spiritual themes of concern to all contemplative traditions.

IMCW aspires to create a safe, supportive community. We welcome everyone with an interest in meditation, regardless of identity, orientation or background.