The holding of silence on this retreat can allow us to listen to subtler conversations, emotional and bodily, not just verbal. Meditation through the body supports listening in to the non-verbal conversations within as we give attention to what's being communicated through direct experience.

Sankhara can be thought of as programs, the root program resulting in the fundamental subject-object division. In meditation there can be a re-programming, a still g of sankhara, making way for a more peaceful and pure state of being.

(Starts with standing meditation; ends with sitting meditation.) Verbal language and thought conception are very quick and dynamic, always generating more. The potential for becoming tangled and overwhelmed is great, so care should be taken with what is brought to mind.

Tune into the natural intelligence of the body, starting with the hands, allowing them to "find" and "know" each other. In walking, notice how natural walking is more circular, like walking in a space bubble. Find the body's natural expression when walking within that bubble.

In and out breathing has the potential to smooth out and calm the body's energy field. Use the thinking mind to point to and stay with the energy of the breath. The affective sense (citta) will respond by becoming more settled and bright. Unifying the mind, body and citta in this way is the samadhi process.

Reality gets constructed almost automatically, like magnetically being pulled into being. That pull comes from sankhara; it's the dynamic that binds, so it also unbinds.

When we're on the move, ground can feel fragile and shaky. We can absorb into the ground beneath us that is given and welcomes us. Notice the sensations and mental tones as you relax and rest into being held.

Contact is not a small matter - it can trigger a flood of perceptions and unskillful responses. These triggers can be found and unplugged through a practice of grounded embodiment and skillful attention and engagement.

Through the kamma of meditation we have the possibility to potentize agreeable and pleasant states in our own minds. Self tendencies can be relaxed so the beauty of the natural mind can come through.

(Begins with 30 min guided meditation) With self view there is a tendency to meet experience with pre-formed responses of who I am, why they are, and what's needed. Orienting around citta allows a more natural and spontaneous response, one where empathy and preciousness are infused in intentions and actions.