In this hybrid meditation retreat, we will engage with Buddhist practices of love and compassion as a means by which to open the heart and access our deepest nature. As we explore how to open our hearts, we may well encounter the obstacles that arise when we try to do so.

In this way, we discover the power and potential of difficult situations and experiences to reveal our inherent compassionate nature and our capacity to care for ourselves, others, and our struggling world. Learning how to stand in the flames of our own charnel grounds with kindness and acceptance enables us to face forward in our lives with resilience, love, and the wisdom that can guide our steps. This retreat is focused on self-compassion and compassion for others to function reciprocally to deepen our ability to act in the world with wisdom, openness, and effectiveness.

Using both traditional Buddhist modalities and practices adapted for modern life, such as deep listening and inquiry, we will work to develop an awareness of how all experiences (pleasant or unpleasant) can become the path of awakening. Bodywork and movement will be part of this retreat.

To allow the meditation practices of retreat to permeate our lives as much as possible, Lama Liz and Camille ask all onsite retreatants at Wonderwell to maintain “Noble Silence,” and all online participants to maintain silence as much as they can wherever they are staying. This means avoiding idle chatter and only speaking as needed for practical needs.