Calm Mind, Wise Heart: Mindfulness & Lovingkindness Retreat | June 15-18, 2023
(All Event Times Listed are Central Standard Time)
Sewanee, TN 37375
This retreat will focus on cultivation of Mindfulness (Sati) and Lovingkindness (Metta).
“Loving Kindness is in everybody’s heart, everybody’s mind, everybody’s life. There may not be a single living being who does not have the root of Loving Kindness. Most human beings don’t know this. They don’t know how much loving friendliness they have within themselves. It is buried under the rubble of hatred, anger, and resentment. It is something we have within ourselves all the time and we have to find a way to bring it out. When somebody cultivates Loving Kindness, that person’s heart becomes warm. When we cultivate Loving Kindness within ourselves, only then do we know how relaxed, how comfortable, how peaceful we can feel.” – Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
The retreat will be held in noble silence and will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement, 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. This retreat is suitable for all levels of practice, however, some meditation experience is suggested.
Our retreat will begin with dinner at 6 pm on Thursday and end at 11:30 am on Sunday with to-go lunch. Check in will be between 3 and 5 pm on Thursday, to allow for plenty of time to settle in and check out will be after lunch on Sunday. St. Mary’s Retreat Center is in the Central Time Zone.
Space is being limited to 20 participants.
Pricing is per person and includes all meals and accommodations. It does not include Dana* for the teacher.
*Dana is a practice of expressing gratitude through generosity. Dana or generosity, the practice of giving and receiving, is the heart and foundation of the Buddhist path. 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. What this means is 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.
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. Emergency contact information will be provided to share with family, should you require it.
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.
Janka Livoncova has been a dedicated student and practitioner of meditation since 1994 and started sharing her practice with others in 2004. Janka has been practicing and studying the dharma for over two decades. Initially in the Soto Zen tradition and, since 2007, under the guidance of her mentor, DaeJa Napier. 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 maintains a daily meditation practice and regularly attends Vipassana retreats with her dharma teachers. Visit her website at www.breathingbody.net
Deposit & Cancellation Policies
St. Mary’s Sewanee-Sponsored Programs and Retreats:
A $100 non-transferable deposit is required to confirm your registration for an event. It can be fully refunded if cancelled within three (3) days of booking; this deposit is nonrefundable after that. The remaining balance is due seven (7) days prior to arrival. The credit card on file will automatically be charged the balance unless other payment arrangements have been made. There are no refunds within 7 days of the event date and payments are non-transferrable.
If you are registering online, payment in full is required at the time of registration. If you prefer to only make the $100 deposit, please register by calling us at 931-598-5342
Financial Assistance Available
St. Mary’s Sewanee Retreat Center wants anyone who is seeking spiritual transformation here to be allowed that opportunity. If you find it difficult to afford a program, please, contact Reservations for information about financial assistance.
Due to the generous donations of some St. Mary’s Sewanee supporters, there are limited scholarships available and applicable to any sponsored event.
To apply, contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org or 931-598-5342 and request an application.
All are welcome here to find Rest, Renewal and Reconnection.