The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Retreat Dharma Talks at Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Insight Meditation Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light

This retreat will support centering ourselves at the time of the holidays and the New Year, through quieting our minds, grounding in our bodies, and opening our hearts. There will be special emphasis on embracing the darkness, including our difficulties and challenges, and to welcoming the coming light in the form of joy, wisdom, and love. The retreat will include sitting and walking meditation instructions, daily heart practice, and Qigong, evening talks, practice check ins, and a Winter Solstice ceremony.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

2023-12-17 (7 days) Spirit Rock Meditation Center

  
2023-12-18 Guided Meditation: Primary Anchors (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 61:40
Devon Hase
Introduction to Satipatthana practice and guided meditation on body, sound and breath.
2023-12-18 Cultivation and the Four Noble Truths (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 55:14
Oren Jay Sofer
Reflections on the path of practice as cultivating skillful qualities and freeing the heart / mind from suffering.
2023-12-19 Samatha Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 26:18
Oren Jay Sofer
Guided meditation plus Q&A on working with anchors and developing calm abiding.
2023-12-19 Receiving Care (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 41:10
Devon Hase
Short introduction to metta with phrases, followed by a guided meditation on receiving care from a caring figure. Includes sending it back to them and offering to the beloved community at the end.
2023-12-20 Samatha Vipassana (and a little Karuna) 46:42
Oren Jay Sofer
The differences between Samatha and Vipassana (calm abiding and insight) practice, with some attention to compassion as a flavor of right attitude.
2023-12-20 Reaching for a Pillow in the Darkness (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 57:04
Devon Hase
Reflections on Embracing the Dark and Inviting the Light. Stories of fear, delusion, clear understanding and the not knowing that leads to release, freedom and love.
2023-12-21 Mindfulness of Emotions (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 54:46
Devon Hase
Teachings on working with strong emotions and moods, including a guided RAIN meditation.
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