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September Mindful Living Weekend
September 16, 2022 @ 7:00 pm - September 18, 2022 @ 4:00 pm
Mindful Living Weekend
“Harvesting Gratitude From the Simple Things”
In this special autumnal time, we gather to practice mindfulness and renew our connection to our breathing and to nature.
“May all living beings, with grace and ease, fulfill the Bodhisattva Stages. The countenance of the World-Honored One, like the full moon, or like the orb of the sun, shines with the light of clarity. A halo of wisdom spreads in every direction, enveloping all with love and compassion, joy, and equanimity.” – May The Day Be Well Chant from Plum Village Sangha
On the third weekend of the month we are open for guests to practice at Morning Sun. You can join for the whole Mindful Living Weekend (Fri evening through Sunday), or for just the Day of Quiet Renewal (Saturday), or just the Day of Mindfulness (Sunday). There is also a gathering for the Order of Interbeing for Order members and aspirants on Sunday afternoon.
We have set up a registration form that aims to support the different options for participation.
- Mindful Living Weekend Friday 7pm-Sunday 2pm (there is a Saturday morning arrival option too) An opportunity to practice slowing down and returning to ourselves with gentle care, to practice mindfulness with the resident community and to enjoy the beautiful grounds of Morning Sun. The program begins with arrival after dinner for sitting meditation on Friday evening. Wake in the morning to a quiet breakfast before the Day of Meditation and Renewal program. On Saturday night enjoy community dinner and evening practice with a Tea Meditation (Happiness Gathering). Then wake for breakfast on Sunday before attending the Day of Mindfulness. Morning Sun will prepare your meals while you are here, with the exception of Saturday lunch (bagged BYO) (accommodation and meal details are on the registration form).
- Day of Quiet Renewal, Saturday 9:30-4:00 (there is a Friday evening arrival option too) A day to refresh ourselves and have time for quiet reflection and meditation. The day is held in silence, including several sitting sessions, a recorded Dharma Talk by Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, deep relaxation, outdoor walking meditation, stretching and silent lunch (bring your own bag lunch).
- Day of Mindfulness, Sunday 9:30-2:00 (there is a Saturday evening arrival option too) This day of mindfulness is open for everyone. It will include sitting meditation, a Mindfulness Training Recitation, a talk about the practice of mindfulness, outdoor walking meditation, and vegetarian BYO bagged lunch (if you are staying overnight from Saturday your lunch is included in your program and will be prepared by MorningSun).
After the day ends at 2, there will be a gathering for Order of Interbeing members and aspirants from 2:00-3:30
COVID-19: Due to the pandemic, we will still uphold safety measures at MorningSun. This retreat is open to adults who have been fully vaccinated, (if you are not vaccinated yet, or do not intend to be, please contact us to talk more about your options). Face masks are optional. Indoor spaces will be ventilated with windows cracked open and an air purifier running, so if it is cold, please wear warm layers. There will not be much ability to practice physical distancing in indoor spaces because of the size of the halls, but there will be a couple areas to sit with further distance from others, so we welcome you to come if this feels okay for you. The outhouses and indoor restrooms will be available. Please bring a mask to wear if you would like. Please respect the needs and practices of those who wish to wear masks or have physical distance. We will continuously update this information depending on current conditions and local information. Thank you so much for your presence and care.
Accommodations: We have several rooms available in “The Barn” (beds for 7-12 people depending on whether folks are alone, or couples, or in a ‘pod’), and also camping. Our campground is primitive, with flat sandy sites, outdoor showers and outhouses. You must provide your own tent and camping equipment. Campers will also have access to the first floor toilet and clothes washing machine in The Barn. Camping is not available November through March. You may also choose to commute in and out if you live locally.
Retreat Conduct: There will be periods of silence and periods to enjoy conversations with others. To create a gentle and quiet retreat atmosphere, we practice with the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Meals will be vegetarian, and we do not drink alcohol, ingest intoxicants or any recreational drugs. Firearms and other weapons are not permitted in the Mindfulness Center.
