Day-Long Mindfulness Mediation Retreat
Setting Intention for the New Year
Saturday, January 11, 2025
9:00am - 4:30pm
Cancelled due to inclement weather
Atlanta Friends Meeting House
701 West Howard Avenue, Decatur (map)
with Stephanie Swann and Susan Reviere
The Buddha taught that wise intention is foundational to the path. Setting intentions in alignment with renunciation (letting go), goodwill and harmlessness supports living an ethical life, deepening meditation, and ultimately leading to liberation. Join us for this day-long opportunity to quiet the mind, open the heart, and touch your deepest aspiration. We will explore setting heartfelt intentions that align with our deepest values through guided meditations, dharma talks, and contemplative practices.
The retreat will be held in noble silence (more info here). Practicing with each other in this type of quietude allows us to feel supported and turn inward to connect with our hearts, minds, and bodies. Turning our cell phones off opens us to a spaciousness that can connect us with the present moment with more intimacy.
Whether new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, this retreat offers a supportive environment to pause, reset, and plant the seeds for a meaningful year.
Please bring a vegan dish to share with others at lunchtime
Wear comfortable clothing, layers are suggested so that you can modulate your own comfort with temperature.
There will be two periods of guided meditative movement offered as an option to walking practice. Please bring a mat and any props you need to support your comfort if you would like to participate.
Comfortable chairs are provided. Please bring your own meditation mat and cushion if you prefer.
Components of the Day
Lightly Guided Meditations: Practices to calm the mind and open the heart.
Dharma Teachings: Insights into intention-setting from a Buddhist perspective.
Community Connection: Opportunities to share and learn from others.
Silence and Stillness: Spaciousness to rest in presence and deepen self-awareness.
8:30-8:45am: Arrive
9:00-9:15am: Welcome
9:15-10:00am: Sitting Meditation & short Dharma talk
10:00-10:45am: Guided Meditative Movement or Walking Meditation
10:45-11:30am: Sitting Meditation
11:30-12:15pm: Walking Meditation
12:15-12:30pm: Mindful Eating/lunch instructions
12:30-1:30pm: Silent Potluck Lunch
1:30-2:15pm: Silent Meditation & short Dharma talk
2:15-3:00pm: Guided Meditative Movement or Walking Meditation
3:00-3:45pm: Sitting Meditation
3:45-4:30pm: Closing Community Activity
Upon completion of your registration, you will be redirected to our Dana page where you can make your donation in any amount. We are suggesting a per person donation of $40 to cover the expenses of this retreat, including a baseline donation to the teachers. The generosity of donating over and above the suggested amount will enable the Sangha to continue offering opportunities for others to hear and practice the Dharma. Please include the word "Retreat" in the Notes section when using Paypal, Venmo, or Zelle. If you're using the Paypal Giving Fund, check the box to share your name and email with us.