Turning inwards
I’m writing to this after a full teaching month with three week-long online meditation retreats. My heart feels incredibly full from the exchanges, and I’m constantly amazed at the transformation that can happen through Zoom. If anything, it points to the power of the practice (and not the power of Zoom 😝).
Most of you know that I’m based in Montreal, a place that operates under Daylight Savings Time, so this weekend we turned the clocks back one hour. All of us in the Northern Hemisphere are also preparing to enter the darkest days of the year.
What I’m realizing, through reflection and conversations with loved ones, is that self-care practices and rituals are more important this year than ever before, particularly at this time of year. We are in a period where we are being asked to slow down, pandemic-wise and weather-wise – can it be used as an opportunity for self-reflection? For going inwards?
As we wrap our minds around the idea of spending another Winter in isolation (we just got news our second lockdown got extended); as we question what the holiday season will be like in our current reality; and as we continue to live through multi-layered collective trauma, it seems absolutely necessary to create space for meaningful connection, in whatever way we can. To support turning inwards at this time, I recorded a meditation en français seulement pour l’instant.
OFFERINGS
Join me for the following multi-day or multi-week explorations of mindfulness or Buddhist teachings.
Starts tomorrow!
4-weeks of Dharma: The Three Marks of Existence
Wednesdays November 4-25 6:30-8:15 PM ET
Online retreats offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in intensive meditation practice from the comfort of your home, helping you seamlessly weave practice and home life together. Below are dates I’m teaching - book them off if you’d like to join! Registration links to come.
January Insight Meditation Retreat with Howie Cohn and Erin Treat
Wednesday January 6 - Saturday January 9
The Wisdom of the Heart with Devon Hase, Devin Berry, Craig Hase, Dalila Bothwell, Kaira Jewel Lingo
Sunday January 17 - Sunday January 23
Remembering: Coming Home to the Heart and Body with Gullu Singh and Tere Abdala-Romano
Monday February 1 - Sunday February 7
True North Insight Meditation Retreat with Yong Oh
Saturday March 13 - Sunday March 14
My regular public offerings this Fall include my twice weekly Beditations and monthly contribution to the True North Insight weekly BIPOC group.
Beditation on Instagram Live
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 AM ET
A 15-minute guided meditation from my bed to yours!
TNI BIPOC Group
Mondays 7:15-8:15 PM ET
*Although this sangha gathers weekly, I’m leading on Mondays Nov. 9 and Dec. 7
WATCH. LISTEN. DO.
Here are just a few of the many things supporting my turning inwards these days. May it be so for you as well.
Watch.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
A peaceful 2003 South Korean film about a Buddhist monastery that floats on a lake in a pristine forest. The story is about the life of a Buddhist monk as he passes through the seasons of his life, from childhood to old age.
Listen.
A Call for Rest & Tenderness
In one of my favorite podcasts, Jocelyn Glei encourages us to adopt a new attitude toward what it means to be “productive,” one where rest and tenderness are as much of a priority as speed and efficiency.
Do.
Forest Bathing
Apply a balm to your heart with Forest Bathing. For those on strict lockdown without access to greenspaces, garden-therapy can work in a similar way, while house plants provide the same stimulating sights and smells even when you’re stuck inside.
