Web of Connection's 2024 Spring Retreat
May 23 - 26, 2024
The Franciscan Retreat Center
7740 Deer Hill Grove
Colorado Springs, CO
Is life feeling a bit out of control? Is the direction forward unclear or unsettling? This retreat will focus on establishing well-being in oneself as the basis from which to engage with the world.
We will use mindfulness of breathing as established in the Anapanasati Sutra, and other body-centered practices, to cultivate a calm and clear mind.
Of the Anapanasati Sutra, beloved Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said:
“I was so happy the day I discovered this sutra. I thought I’d discovered the greatest treasure in the world. Before, I’d been content to simply gain knowledge. I didn’t know how to enjoy the present moment, how to look deeply into my life, and how to enjoy the positive conditions that were all around me. This sutra is so basic and so wonderful. There are many great sutras, but approaching them without this sutra is like trying to reach the top of a mountain without a path to go on.”
Jon Kabat Zin says the sutta:
“…constitutes the basic meditative instruction of the Buddha, and so serves as a fundamental vehicle for gaining insight into the core teachings of Buddhism.”
Supported by noble silence, Dharma reflections, and meditation instructions by Aruna Dhammadhira, participants of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. Please join us in our exploration.
Moving into 2024
Web of Connection New Year's Retreat
Peace is Possible
"Web of Connection’s New Year’s Retreat is always spiritually stimulating but grounding. I appreciate the dharma talks and guided meditations that are offered as well as the thoughtful participation of the folks who attend. It is truly a community that cultivates curiosity and commitment to learning.
With Metta." Ann |
"This New Year’s retreat was wonderfully enriching including art and movement and music and inspiring Dhamma talks by Aruna and Khema. It was a wholesome beginning to 2024!" Cindi
|
"This was our first retreat with WEB thus aside from knowing the topics and scheduling, we didn't really know what to expect. We were more than impressed by the topics and their hosts/presentations. We went into the weekend with specific intentions, desires, and focuses, in the sense of looking for some personal answers for our future. We came out with not just those answers, but also a wealth of insight, inspiration, and a deeper feeling of connectedness to the whole community.
We are looking forward to all that is ahead for 2024 for WEB and the local community! A huge thank you to all who worked so hard to make this come together. 💙" Lea and Greg |
"I think if there is one word that best describes this year's retreat it would have to be "Community." It wasn't led by just one or two teachers, but rather the various meetings had a total of nine different leaders and contributors from our community. Even those who didn't lead a meeting contributed during discussion sessions by contributing their insights. Not to mention that the potluck was a delicious smorgasbord of foods shared by each one who attended. Not only did we practice meditation, chant, and hear dhamma talks, we also did three mindful art projects, enjoyed a mindful movement session, had a New Year's Eve ceremony with a bonfire, a slide show of WEB events during 2023, including bloopers, and even a hike at Red Rock Canyon on New Year's Day. Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in making it a very meaningful time of connection and insight." John
|
On Saturday night Khema shared a recording of a guided meditation from Thich Nhat Hanh and Samaneri Jayasara while we laid down on cushions during the Yoga Nidra session. Here is the link to that recording for those of you who would like to practice this at home. |