(Photo in banner above and first two photos below provided by Lauren Barkume.)
Registration for the retreat is closed.
Dear friends,
We invite you to join us for our 2021 annual retreat (online via Zoom). We at OHMC are so grateful that Valerie Brown will be back for the third year to lead our retreat.
We’re facing a critical moment in history as the realities of systemic oppression, injustice, and climate crisis awaken a desire to move toward individual and collective liberation, justice, and compassionate action. Love stands at the very core of this movement. Join us in a safe and healing-focused retreat, offering practices in the Plum Village tradition of engaged Buddhism to water the seeds of love and to open the heart toward greater compassion and peace for all beings. This retreat is focused on renewal, reflection, and action grounded in understanding and love.
During this online mindfulness retreat from the comfort of our homes, we will practice mindfulness in the Plum Village tradition, and include the following mindfulness practices: mindful breathing, mindful sitting, mindful walking, mindful eating, mindful speaking and listening, ceremonies and rituals of healing, mindful movement, deep relaxation, quietude, small and large group reflection and dialogue.
We aim to create a space for sharing that holds awareness for the experience of others. Please review guidelines for sharing.
Other notable highlights of the retreat:
- Frequent breaks to minimize online fatigue
- Breakout sessions for personal sharing and insight
- Technical support available prior to and during retreat
- Here are some reviews from people who attended our online retreat with Valerie last year:
“Opportunities for deep relaxation and connection.”
“I am so grateful for this online community during this time of Covid induced isolation. Breathing with others is very soothing and healing.”
“Grateful for opportunity to practice remotely with Valerie.”
Tentative Schedule for Saturday April 10. Actual schedule will be shared to registered participants closer to the retreat.
9:00am Introductions and Welcome, Setting the Container for the Day (Valerie)
10:00am Meditation and Dharma Talk (Valerie)
11:30am Break for outdoor or indoor walking meditation on your own (optional)
12:00pm Lunch offline (we encourage you to make ahead)
12:50pm Prepare a nest for your deep relaxation
1:00pm Guided deep relaxation
1:30pm Stretch break
1:50pm Dharma Sharing in small groups - each group will have a skilled facilitator
3:00pm Second Dharma Talk (Valerie)
3:45pm Sitting meditation
4:00pm Closing circle
4:30pm Final bell
Valerie Brown
Valerie Brown, Afro-Cuban descent, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is an international retreat leader, writer, leadership coach, and Principal of Lead Smart Coaching, LLC, specializing in application and integration of mindfulness in daily life. She is an ordained Dharma teacher in the Plum Village tradition and a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Her books include, The Mindful School Leader: Practices to Transform Your Leadership and School (Corwin, 2014). She leads an annual pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago, Spain, to celebrate the power of place.
Registration for this retreat is closed
At the Opening Heart Mindfulness Community, we aspire to become more calm, alive and genuine, and to extend greater understanding and compassion. Our finances depend partially on our annual residential retreat, and like other small non-profits, we are working with a narrow fiscal margin and depend on community support.
REFUND POLICY: Because this is an online format, we are unable to offer refunds. If you have a special circumstance regarding needing a refund please email us at info@openingheartmindfulness.org