After a brief review of the foundations of wise speech and the eight guidelines for skillful speech when there are difficult or challenging situations, we explore the connection of inner practices with such situations. We look at two dimensions of such practice: (1) looking at and transforming conditioning that makes it hard to engage in such situations, such as related to negative views about conflict and anger, and discerning when there is spiritual bypassing in relationship to difficulties; and (2) bringing mindfulness, inquiry, and investigation to difficult emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, etc.,and to thoughts and narratives (especially generated by the judgmental mind). We will continue this exploration, including of difficult body states, next time..

Investigating our ways of perceiving self, to develop compassion and wisdom. How to relate to self at different times and in different ways, for our own benefit and for the benefit of all.

Dharmette & Guided meditation

An introduction to what will be explored on the retreat: looking at ways how we may construct the self; exploring how we can open up limiting 'senses of self' and reduce the suffering they bring, by using the Buddhist teachings on ‘not self' as liberating ways of seeing; experiencing the poetry and dance of 'self' that is beyond any fixed definition.