An Online Weekend Retreat
Friday, April 16, 7:00 pm through Sunday, April 18, noon
Although many of us may have heard that it is beneficial to live in the present moment, and perhaps have even spent time attempting to do so, if we are honest, how often do we actually dwell in the present? As the events of the past year have unfolded, have we been able to stay anchored in our present moment experience, or have we been swept away by fear, anger, or other mind-states? Have we been able to connect with and stay in touch with what is nourishing in our lives right now, or have we gotten stuck in worrying about what might come or frustrated about current events?
In the Buddhist tradition, the ability to keep our minds grounded in what is happening right now, in our immediate experience, is considered the foundation of the path of healing and transformation. In our modern world, we might add that anchoring our minds in the present and learning to connect with the nourishing elements of our lives is essential for our very wellbeing.
In this retreat, Bryan will share traditional teachings and practices aimed at helping us anchor our minds in the present moment and nourish our minds in the wholesome aspects of our experience. By cultivating the various aspects of mindfulness in this way, participants will experience how we can create a solid and healthy ground within our own minds from which we can enter the ups and downs of life.
The retreat will begin Friday evening, April 16th and end Sunday at noon, April 18th. It will consist of a Friday evening session (7 to 9 pm), an all-day Saturday session (7 am to 9 pm), and a Sunday session (7 am to noon). The retreat will be conducted entirely on Zoom.
This retreat is open to both FCM members and nonmembers. Offered as a Mindful Living Path Retreat, it is appropriate for both those new to practice, as well as those more experienced who want to strengthen their understanding of the foundational teachings and practices, and renew and energize their practice at all levels. It will be especially supportive for those currently participating in the MLP Intensive: Calming, Unifying and Opening the Mind. For more information on FCM’s Three Paths of Practice click here.
The retreat registration fee is $40. A number of Retreat Scholarships are available. Please click here to see FCM’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an Application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat.
The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants before the retreat including daily schedules, Zoom instructions and suggestions to help prepare you for a meaningful retreat experience from your home. For more information, contact Bryan at bbhindert@gmail.com.
Registration will close on April 12.
Bryan Hindert will be leading this retreat. Bryan has been following the Buddhist path since 2008, when a strong desire to make changes in his life and to develop a better relationship with his mind drew him to the Florida Community of Mindfulness. This path has helped Bryan to transform his life in profound ways and continues to be a source of guidance, support, and joy in all of his endeavors. In addition to helping to develop and lead Wake Up Tampa Bay, a mindfulness and meditation group for people in their 20s and 30s, Bryan has served by teaching classes and presenting on mindfulness and on Buddhism, leading intensive practice periods, and serving as the Assistant to the Teacher.
