A Mindfulness Retreat with Therese Fitzgerald
Compassion, “feeling with,” or empathy is one of the great human capacities. And yet, through life's trials and tribulations, we develop habits of mind that obstruct the way of compassion. Vulnerability becomes a dreaded experience, and we get better and better at putting up protective armor that has its function but can become an obstacle to our full awakening. We will study the Buddhist archetype of compassion and investigate the workings of compassion in our own mind-hearts, so that we have the best chance of drawing on this deeply sustaining human quality, starting with self-compassion.
Silence, meditation, mindful meals, Dharma discussion, yoga, and talks by and personal interviews with the teacher are intended to provide conditions favorable for remembering and cultivating the profound resource of compassion towards ourselves and all beings.
This non-residential weekend retreat, held mostly in silence, is recommended for both beginning and experienced meditators.
Therese Fitzgerald received Dharmacharya ordination by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1994 and Soto Zen priest ordination by Richard Baker-roshi in 1986. She is Co-Founder of the Community of Mindful Living, which developed Thich Nhat Hanh's teaching and Vietnamese social work base in the United States. Together with Maxine Hong Kingston, Therese helped start the Veterans' Writing Group. Therese now lives on Maui, where she works as a meditation teacher and Co-director of Ala Kukui/Hana Retreat Center. She is a native of Charlotte, NC. See
http://dharmafriends.org for more information.
Facility We have full use of the
Self Discovery Center, including kitchen, well-ventilated meditation hall and
three guest rooms. The center provides a wonderful pocket of calm within the City of Atlanta.
We are across the street from the historic
Olmstead Linear Park which provides the ideal venue for outdoor walking meditation or quiet reflection.
Schedule The retreat begins Friday evening with orientation at 6:30pm and ends at noon Sunday followed by an off-site lunch.
Please indicate your schedule if you plan partial attendance so that we don't worry about you. Space preference will be given to full attendees.
Meals Three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday are provided. Meals are vegetarian with dairy (labeled). Coffee, tea and snacks will be available during breaks.
Receiving The Precepts will be offered early Sunday morning.
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Cost The Red Clay Sangha's policy of generosity and abundance of the Dharma allows us to offer this retreat at $10 per person. This covers the cost of four meals, but does not include overnight accommodations. The cost of the teacher and facility is provided by member pledges.
Registration is required for members and the public.
Preparation Please view these two video presentations by Brené Brown: