AIMC Winter Weekend Retreat

A Soft Place to Land: Meeting Life’s Challenges with an Open Heart 

SAVE THE DATES - REGISTRATION OPENS SOON

Friday thru Sunday
December 5-7

Elohee Retreat Center
Elohee, Georgia

Challenges are part of life’s rhythm, something the Buddha acknowledged when he pointed to suffering as part of our shared humanity. The Buddha understood that hardships are part of our journey, but he also taught us that dwelling in the sacred homes of the heart - lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity - can help us weather any storm. When we practice and cultivate these qualities, we create a soft place to land—even in the midst of turbulent times.

We invite you to join us for a (mostly) silent weekend retreat focused on exploring how joy can accompany grief. Through contemplative practice, we will cultivate a spaciousness that can hold both sorrow and joy with grace. Led by teachers Susan Reviere and Sharon Shelton, and featuring yoga sessions facilitated by Laura Smallwood, the retreat will be held at the Elohee Retreat Center in the scenic North Georgia Mountains from Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7. Come practice with us and discover the comforting refuge of a heart open to all of life’s experiences.

As an expression of compassionate living, all meals will be vegan.

FRIDAY, December 5

3:00-4:00: Arrive, check-in, get settled

5:15: Mandatory Orientation

6:00: Dinner

7:00: Welcome & Intention Setting / Entering Noble Silence

7:45: Dharma Talk

8:30: Sitting Meditation

9:15: Chanting - optional

SATURDAY, December 6

7:00 Yoga with Laura -OR- Walking Meditation/Mindful Movement

7:30 Sitting Meditation

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 Morning Instructions

9:30 Walking Meditation or Mindful Movement

10:15 Sitting Meditation

11:00 Walking Meditation or Mindful Movement

11:45 Free Practice/Break

12:00 Lunch

1:30 Afternoon Instructions and Q&A

2:15 Sitting Meditation

3:00 Walking Meditation -OR- Yoga with Laura

3:45 Sitting Meditation

4:30 Walking Meditation or Mindful Movement

5:15 Sitting Meditation

5:45 Free Practice/Break

6:00 Dinner

7:30 Dharma Talk

8:15 Chanting

SUNDAY, December 7

7:00 Yoga with Laura -OR- Mindful Movement

7:30 Sitting Meditation

8:00 Breakfast and packing/clearing rooms (in Noble Silence)

9:00 Morning Instruction

9:30 Sitting Meditation

10:15 Break & Dana Offering

10:45 Q&A

11:15 Closing, Leaving Noble Silence

12:00 Lunch and Goodbyes

1:00 Check out