A MARRIAGE OF YOGA AND MEDITATION

A MARRIAGE OF YOGA AND MEDITATION

In one sense the goal of spiritual work is to become increasingly intimate with and expressive of our true nature. Dwelling increasingly in a state of simple and precise awareness is both the tool and the fruit of increasing intimacy with our true nature. This classic, five-day silent retreat is designed to serve the nurturing of this intimacy by providing the space and time for steeping in that awareness. Each day the retreat will flow from periods of sitting meditation to walking meditation to several periods of yoga practice. The style of yoga offered is known as viniyoga, which is grounded in awareness of breath and of the physical movement that flows out of that awareness. Anyone who can breathe can participate in this yoga. Yoga mats will be provided.

The retreat will include meditation and yoga instruction, dharma talks, chanting, and group and private meetings with the teachers.

A time of silence in the mountains can be not only a precious refuge from a crazy world, but also a space where we are refined through intimacy and silence. When we sincerely do this work for ourselves, we can't help but do it for everyone.

Jeff Collins has worked as a hospice social worker for fifteen years. He has completed three, three-month-long retreats at Insight Meditation Society, and he has been engaged in Diamond Heart work for the last fifteen years.

Gisela Konrad has completed two, three-month-long retreats at the Insight Meditation Society. She is certified as a yoga teacher by the American Viniyoga Institute, and she has been taking professional yoga nidra training with Richard Miller for the last three years. She teaches yoga and practices as a licensed shiatsu therapist. She and Jeff live in Ithaca, NY.