Cultivating Freedom, Stability, and Fulfillment

A Mindfulness Retreat in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh

Friday, May 12, 2023 through Sunday, May 14, 2023

We are busy in our daily lives and so occupied by the needs of our relationships, work and family that we rarely experience freedom and inner stability. Our hearts are wounded by the suffering of these times. We do our best to get through it, to be a good person, and make the difference we can. But we consume so much suffering with our eyes, ears, bodies and minds that we slowly water the seeds of anxiety and anger, and feel overwhelmed. We have not yet learned how to find fulfillment and refuge in the deeper truths of life.

The sage advice of our Spiritual Teachers reminds us that there is a Way of Beauty, Peace, and Healing. Down deep we know this; our heart senses it. With support and guidance we can cultivate freedom and inner stability. This year we will practice to develop inner stability and freedom, nourishing ease and fulfillment, while cultivating the innate capacity for healing.

Settling deeply with mindfulness, we will come to understand how the layers of our being work and support one another.
Developing understanding, we will touch the great refuge of the Two Truths, the interwoven nature of the Relative and Ultimate dimensions.
Meditating on the senses, we will clarify our perceptions and cultivate the transformational power of thought and intention.
Watering the seeds of strength and diligence through the practice of mindful consumption, we will build our capacity for healing.

Lay Teacher: Michael Ciborski

After ordaining as a monk under Thich Nhat Hanh and living and training for 7 years in the Plum Village Monastery (France), Michael returned in 2003 to the US, where he helped to establish MorningSun, a spiritual community & mindfulness centre. He continues to teach and lead retreats all over North America. For more about Michael, see his webpage Teaching and support in Mindfulness Practice and Meditation.

Non-residential retreat (with residential option) at Queen’s House of Retreats, Saskatoon

Our practice will include sitting and walking meditation, dharma talks, and dharma discussion. Please plan to attend all sessions: Friday: 7pm-9pm, Saturday: 9am-9pm, Sunday: 9am-4pm

Registration and Cost

A $60 deposit received by April 28th will secure your place at the retreat. The non-residential fee is $170 and includes lunch and supper on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. The residential fee is $320 and includes an austere single bedroom, shared bathroom facilities, and three meals on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. All meals are vegetarian. Complete payment should be received no later than May 6th. The retreat cost covers only our expenses in holding the retreat; our retreat leader does not charge for his teachings. Following tradition, there will be an opportunity to support the teacher by way of a donation (dana).

Scholarships may be available, please inquire with the registrar if financial assistance is needed.

The registration form has more information about the retreat. For additional questions, contact Janet at janetmacfarlane@gmail.com or 306-222-9347.

This retreat is organized by the Saskatoon Community of Mindful Living