Martin explores how our various views condition our experience, and keep us locked into viewing and reacting to life in all too familiar ways. We look at the way our views limit our experience of who we are, and how investigating those views can lead us into a more ambiguous, and more liberated sense of our participation in life.
We look at several ways to practice when strong, difficult emotions and thoughts are present. 1) Finding antidotes - ways to get unstuck if we are stuck; 2) mindfulness using various tools; and 3) wisdom.
In this daylong retreat we’ll explore the uses of Buddhist practices and teachings in recovery. Blending mindfulness and the12 Steps we will see how fundamental Buddhist teachings like the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Lovingkindness, and others can be used as fundamental tools in a program of recovery. The day will include lecture, discussion, and interactive exercises, as well as an introduction to mindfulness meditation.
Of the three forms of right intention, renunciation helps overcome greed, craving and clinging. Renunciation also helps with cultivating simplicity and ease, and allows us to taste the deep contentment born out of emptiness.