Hello Friends, I wanted to share with you this articulate testimonial about attending an on-line virtual retreat, and since you have been with us for one or more of our annual January Retreat at Joshua Tree, we wanted to invite you to consider attending from the comfort of your own home this year. https://www.mindful-way.com/events/new-year-2021-5-night-silent-virtual-meditation-retreat/
Here is what one participant had to say
Dear Hugh, Beth and the Mindful-Way team,
As you know it has been quite a year, and as I reflect on it, I am so glad I started it with the Mindful-Way 6 day silent retreat in Joshua Tree. As on other retreats (but with ever new revelations), I had a chance, after the extra intensity of the holidays behind me, to quiet down, to go inside and reconnect with what is most important to me. Every year, you remind us that among the many benefits of retreat practice, living for a week out side our comfort zones, unplugging from technology and some of our other less healthy coping techniques, is one of the best “Disaster preparedness training” that we could do, We give up ur comforts and escape hatches and practice being with ourselves in a kind caring way, taking refuge in the practices and the community instead.
Little did I know what lay ahead in the months to come. As the panademic became more and more of a reality, bringing with it much confusion and fear, I was so grateful that I had the week of practice under my belt. Like so many people I had no idea what it would mean for me, my children, my elderly parents and my work. My meditation practice especially the retreat, gave me something solid to stand on, which made me more available for everyone who matters to me.
As things went on with more uncertainty, more tragic news and the looming election, I really wanted more support for my practice. I saw that Mindful-Way was offering a virtual retreat in August. Even though I was skeptical, I was also in great need. I was pleased that it was so affordable without room and board and travel, and that while I could take off completely from work, I could still be with my family and my dog.
The structure of the retreat, the group and the great teachers, made this one of the most impactful experiences of my life. While it is lovely and helpful to get away, what I practiced in a much deeper way- one I didn’t even know was possible, was finding that I could practice in a new and life changing way, as, instead of getting away from all the distractions, I had to make choices every day and to navigate my needs with my familys’. What has happened since then, is my practice is much more integrated in my life in way that had never happened after a live retreat. I’m so glad the January retreat is still happening and we can meet on-line to dive into my life and prepare with skills that will serve me as we move into extended day to day not knowing.
J.L.
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