Registration for Retreat 3 Only: Lovingkindness Practices (do not register here if you have already signed up for the full series*)
Metta, or lovingkindness, is one of the Four Immeasurables, the four aspects of love taught by the Buddha. It is the natural capacity of our heart-mind that views all beings as our friends and naturally seeks their well-being and happiness. Developing this capacity in ourselves brings a strong sense of inter-connection with all life and shows us how to live less egotistically and more harmoniously with others, and creates the basis for happiness and well-being for ourselves. It is an incredibly powerful energy to guide and motivate our lives.
This retreat will focus on the specific teachings and practices in our tradition that help us cultivate this peerless mind of love. These teachings and practices will be presented with clarity and concreteness through Dharma talks, guided meditations, experiential exercises and group dialogues so that they can become on-going life practices each participant can embrace.
The retreat is open to both FCM members and non-members and is appropriate for those who are newer to meditation and to the teachings and practice of Buddhism. The retreat will also be beneficial for experienced practitioners who wish to renew their understanding and practice of these fundamental teachings. The retreat will consist of a Friday evening session (7 to 9 pm) and an all day Saturday session (9 am to 4 pm). Remote (via zoom) participation is available for FCM members who are not able to participate in person.
This retreat will be led by Darlene Stewart, LMHC, who retired as Vice President of Clinical Services for Children’s Advocacy Center of Volusia & Flagler Counties, where she worked for 16 years supervising clinical trauma services to child victims and families of abuse and neglect. Before that, Darlene worked as Clinical Supervisor and Mental Health Counselor providing direct services to clients in outpatient mental health centers in Oregon and Florida, working with children & families, alcohol/drug treatment and general mental health issues. Darlene has practiced mindfulness in her daily life and at work since 1997.
* This retreat is part of a series of three non-residential weekend retreats on the Entering the Path to Wellbeing - July, August and September, 2019. This is the third and final of the series.
Safety Information and Release
We care deeply about your well being and want to ensure you are able to fully participate in this Event and maximize this opportunity to enrich your practice. We want to ensure you are aware and understand that this Event may include activities that may impose a risk to you, which include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Physical activities such as yoga or other movement activities
- Outdoor walking or other activities
- Experiencing emotional states that may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
Please reflect on whether you understand this and are really able to participate in this Event.
Please understand that by registering for this Event, you are participating with the full knowledge and acceptance of the potential risks involved from participating in these activities. You also release FCM and its representatives from all actions, claims or demands that you, your assignees, heirs and legal representatives now have or may hereafter have for injury or damages resulting from your participation in this Event.
Please be aware that we may record or broadcast, or take pictures during this Event. By registering, you grant FCM permission to use your likeness in any and all of its publications if such photographs and/or videos are taken, including website entries and social media platforms and that these materials are the property of FCM.
