Detox your heart

A day retreat of practice with body and mind, to tune into being new and fresh - together - in each moment. Times (UK): 7:30 - 9:30am; 2 - 4.30pm; 7:00 - 8.30pm

It is the time of New Year's Resolutions.... yet, who is this 'me' who is planning to be all new and different this year? And what is in our way?

We can start the new year with a detox of our mind: what poisons are we wanting to clean out? How do we want to live in a more healthy way, seeing ourselves and others less as an object, but allowing for the clean, pure flow between us.

The starting point for our day is a short presentation on purification by James Low - you can listen to it here (start with the first 15 min of section 1). James describes the process of objectification of self and others - that is, how we see ourselves as a thing, and see others as things, we like or dislike. While this looks like a way to affirm our identity, it actually fills us with the poison of ignorance. From the experience of 'thing-ness' we slip into evaluation, comparing or competition - and the wheels of samsara turn again ....

On this day together we want to understand this more deeply, in actuality, not just as an idea:

• can I spot the moments when I shrink myself into an object, that can then be evaluated?

• can I notice how it happens that I freeze another into a thing?

• do I know how I might release back into the ongoing flow of life?

Going beyond mere intellectual grasp of those precious dharma teachings, on this day we will apply them to our actual interactive experience, so that they can become the basis of our life in this new year.

We will use movement and play, as well as study and meditation on this day together. Play,

body-based improvisation and dance help us to see how moments of openness present themselves in direct experience, as part of our ongoing presence in the world. We do not need to cling to our identity, or any ideas of status or power we might experience. We can become fresh and new as part of the world that is always fresh and new. In this way we can give 2027 a celebratory start!

This gathering is open to all, and does not need previous experience in movement or meditation.  It is offered on the basis of dana - that is you are welcome to attend and to give whatever you can financially. I invite you to keep in mind that I do also need financial support in order to make these offerings, so a spirit of generosity is very much encouraged, in all directions.

Please register ahead for this course here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the online meetings, and also some material to read and prepare for the day. Here is the link where you can make a contribution on PayPal. If you would rather do a bank transfer, or have any other questions, please write to me here - I will be in touch. 

I look forward to exploring more in your company!

Image: StockSnap by Pixabay, used with thanks, and edited by PlayofNow