This retreat will be based on Theravada Buddhist meditation practices. It will focus on training in the cultivation of mindfulness (sati) as it is explained in the Buddha’s discourse on the establishments of mindfulness (the Satipatthana Sutta). The establishments of mindfulness are often considered synonymous with Insight Meditation. The retreat will also invite participants to cultivate focussed, composed attention (samadhi), and the four boundless divine abodes (warm benevolence, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity). There will be evening talks (7:00pm) and workshop style morning instruction (9:00am) with Mal as well as some talks, instruction and morning yoga sessions (6:15am) with Lisa. Short individual and/or small group interviews with Mal and Lisa will be possible after the first weekend.

The retreat is based on dana which is a spiritual practice of giving.
The online retreat will focus on exploration, guidance and the opportunity to practice meditation as described in the Buddha’s establishment of mindfulness discourse (the Satipatthana Sutta). There will also be guidance and the opportunity to develop one or more of the four divine abodes: warm benevolence, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity.

This retreat will be led by Malcolm Huxter and co-led by Lisa Brown (see below for details).

The schedule (times in AEDT) will include:

6:15 – 7.15am Optional morning yoga and yoga nidra with Lisa
9.00 -10.30am Morning instruction and guidance /workshop session *
11.00 – 12.30am Periods of silent meditation in a group or individually

On the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the retreat – individual and/or group Dharma meetings with Mal or Lisa

12.30 - 2.30pm Screen off or log off for lunch and rest
2.30 - 6.00pm Periods of silent meditation in a group or individually
7.00 - 8.00pm Dharma talks and discussion with both Mal and Lisa
8.15 – 9.00pm Silent or guided meditation/possible chanting

* Mostly with Malcolm

** Includes tea break

General aims of the retreat:

To provide the opportunity to explore and experience first hand the cultivation of tranquility and insight using the four establishments of mindfulness: body, feelings, heart-mind and dharmas.
To provide the opportunity to experience the development of the four divine abodes (benevolence, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity).
To free oneself and others from psychological suffering.
To enhance the skills and understanding of anyone wishing to develop meditation as well as provide new ideas for therapists, programme leaders and other professionals who already use mindfulness, compassion, loving kindness and related skills as part of their therapeutic and coaching repertoire.

Who is this retreat for?
This silent online retreat is for anyone who has had some prior experience with meditation and wishes to enhance and practise her, his or their skills. The retreat is suited to the general public as well as health care practitioners, therapists, educators, programme leaders and it may partially fulfil CPD requirements for some professions and meditation teacher training programs.

The fees. In accordance with Buddhist traditions, there is no fee for the teachings and guidance on this retreat as it is dana based. Dana refers to the economy of generosity where the teachings are given freely and those who receive the teaching have the opportunity to reciprocate with a financial gift that they feel is suitable, after the retreat has finished. There will be a registration fee of $30 to cover administration costs.

Malcolm Huxter (MAPS, AABCAP) is a clinical psychologist in private practice. He is the author of “Healing the Heart and Mind with Mindfulness.” Routledge 2016. http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Heart-Mind-Mindfulness-Ancient/dp/1138851353

A practicing psychologist for 30 years, he has been teaching mindfulness and the four heart qualities to the general public, a range of cultures, clinical populations, therapists and other professionals since 1991. He is a certified mindful self- compassion (MSC) teacher as well as Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) teacher. He began training in Buddhist meditation practices in 1975, living in Thailand as a Buddhist monk for two years in the late 1970’s. As well as Theravada, he has trained in other Buddhist and spiritual traditions. For more details about Mal go to https://www.malhuxter.com/

Lisa Brown (AAPi, IYTA, AABCAP) is a Registered Psychologist, Yoga Teacher, certified Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Teacher (Brown University, USA) and trained Mindful Self-Compassion Facilitator. As an Adjunct Lecturer at Charles Sturt University, Lisa taught mindfulness and retreats for post-graduate students and has a deep interest in the conjunction of western science, Buddhadharma and earth-based wisdom traditions in health, healing and trauma recovery. Lisa is currently a student in the Insight Meditation Dharma Teacher Training Programme in Australia and works in private practice, facilitating groups and workshops on Gumbaynggirr Country, Coffs Harbour.

Website: Lisa's website

For more detailed information about the retreat, email malhuxter@gmail.com or phone 0431768299 (Australia)
or Lisa Brown on lisa@mindful-wellbeing.com or 0400491477 (Australia)