Sunset on New Hope Bluff
This retreat will focus on cultivation of Mindfulness (Sati) and Appreciative Joy (Mudita). “Cultivating joy as a way of being in the midst of all the conditions and events of our life is an invitation to radically transform our understanding of joy, experiencing it not as a state but as the place where our hearts rest. We learn to cultivate the gladdened heart in the midst of life with all its difficulties and challenges.” – Christina Feldman
The retreat will be held in noble silence and will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement, chanting, instructions, and reflections. The schedule will also include optional discussion periods to reflect on how to skillfully apply the wisdom of the practice in our daily life. While the retreat is open to practitioners of all levels, some prior meditation experience is recommended.
We request that you agree to refrain from using cell phones and other communication devices for the duration of the retreat.
This includes phone calls, emails, texts, and other internet use. We will provide emergency contact details for you to share with your family if needed.
For questions about the content and suitability of this retreat please email Janka, janka@breathingbody.net
For all other questions, please contact St. Mary's Sewanee at 931-598-5342.
Led by Janka Livoncova
Janka is an Insight Meditation Teacher and a trained Somatic Movement Educator. She has been practicing and studying the dharma for over three decades. Initially in the Soto Zen tradition and, since 2010, under the guidance of her Vipassana mentors Kittisaro and Thanissara. She is a graduate of Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders program and the Sacred Mountain Sangha two-year Dharmapala training with Kittisaro and Thanissara. Janka leads the Chattanooga Insight Meditation Community and retreats in Chattanooga area.
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This retreat will honor the practice of “Dana”.
Dana (Generosity) Practice: Dana is a practice of expressing gratitude through generosity. The Buddha taught generosity as a means of liberating our hearts, transforming clinging and encouraging non-attachment.
Janka is dedicated to offering the teachings and her guidance freely. This means that she receives no compensation for teaching retreats and relies instead on the generosity of retreat participants. There will be an opportunity to offer dana to Janka at the end of the retreat.
Each participant will gift Janka according to their ability and expression of gratitude at the end of the program. Please, bring cash or check.
*This payment is in addition to the registration paid to St. Mary’s Sewanee Retreat Center.
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After 72 hours of registration, a $100 cancellation fee applies. All balances are due 7 days before the arrival date.
There are no refunds within 7 days of the program arrival date.
Scholarships are available. Contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org for an application.
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Lodging in Anna House (motel style room, private bathroom), meals
Lodging dorm style (private rooms, shared bathrooms) and meals