Healing the heart, refining the mind, finding freedom
In the Buddha’s teaching, going on retreat can be understood as a powerful form of “taking refuge,” by temporarily retreating from our external responsibilities to take care of our inner life. The peaceful natural environment of Te Moata supports deep rest and renewal, which in turn, supports the strengthening of our inner resources, our connection with sangha/community and our capacity to live with more ease and freedom in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.
Beginning with a brief overview of the five training precepts (Di), then connecting to our retreat aspirations, relinquishment of mobile phones and some relational practice exploring dāna as a support for Wise Effort (Jill)
How taking refuge in the natural environment of Te Moata, together with the support of sangha, helps strengthen mindfulness and investigation, which lead to freedom of heart and mind
Beginning to deconstruct our experience into its component parts, beginning with sense contacts and feeling-tones, and seeing how these condition reactivity when there's no mindfulness
