The Buddha taught that much, if not all, of our experience of dissatisfaction and suffering in this life can be attributed to what we are doing within our own minds rather than the external conditions of our lives. Because of this insight, the path toward cultivating well-being in the Buddhist tradition is largely an inward journey where we learn to work directly with our own minds.

For many of us, however, when we turn our attention inward, we find it to be an uncomfortable, sometimes even unbearable, experience. Fortunately, for the last 2600 years, teachers in the Buddhist tradition have given numerous teachings and practices that aide us in learning to be present to this discomfort and suffering, so that we can do the work of healing and transforming these afflictive aspects of our mind into ease and well-being.

This Daylong retreat will include meditation, guided reflection, Dharma talks and discussion. We will be working with Buddhist teachings and practices which, when cultivated, can give us the ability to fully embrace whatever mind-states are arising within our minds with equanimity, thus allowing us to do the work of healing and transformation.

Bryan Hindert has been following the Buddhist path since 2008, when a strong desire to make changes in his life and to develop a better relationship with his mind drew him to the Florida Community of Mindfulness. This path has helped Bryan to transform his life in profound ways and continues to be a source of guidance, support, and joy in all of his endeavors. In addition to helping to develop and lead Wake Up Tampa Bay, a mindfulness and meditation group for people in their 20s and 30s, Bryan has served by teaching classes and presenting on mindfulness and on Buddhism, leading intensive practice periods, and serving as the Assistant to the Teacher.