Daylong Retreat: The Dance of Joy and Sorrow

"Your joy is your sorrow unmasked... The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain." - Kahlil Gibran

Join us for a day of meditation, reflection, and community as we explore the interplay between joy and sorrow. The retreat will include guided practices, contemplative exercises, silent meditation and shared reflection to deepen our understanding of these emotional states and how they are deeply connected to our well-being.

Moments of joy, whether arising from connection, beauty, or simple presence—can energize our meditation, fuel our compassion, and sustain us through life's challenges. When cultivated wisely, joy is not a distraction from practice but our very foundation for growth. Sorrow, that can find us all at any time, is not something to be avoided but understood. Becoming intimate with our sorrow, suffering, and the impermanent nature of all things, deepens our ability to cultivate compassion and greater wisdom.

In today's polarized political climate, many of us may carry a deep collective sorrow—for our divided communities, environmental challenges, and the suffering we witness daily in the news. During this retreat, we'll create space to acknowledge how these larger societal tensions affect our emotional wellbeing, exploring how mindful awareness can help us respond with wisdom rather than reactivity.

We'll also examine the revolutionary act of cultivating joy in difficult times. Far from spiritual bypassing, authentic joy can be a form of resistance and resilience in challenging circumstances. Can we find meaningful moments of delight, connection, and beauty, even amidst uncertainty—not as an escape, but as a wellspring of energy for compassionate engagement with our world.

Please bring a lunch, a beverage, and appropriate clothing for outdoor walking meditation. Hot tea and water are provided. Chairs and cushions are available but you are welcome to bring your own.

All are welcome. No one is turned away for lack of funds.

"The wound is the place where the Light enters you." - Rumi