Betsy Arizu
For some of us the inner critic is a constant companion, an unrelenting voice that judges everything we say and do. It endlessly compares us to others, berates us for our shortcomings, and even demeans our sense of value as a human being. The patterning of the inner critic arises in childhood basically to keep us safe and out of trouble, and is a result of parenting and cultural conditioning. Over time, having incorporated unskillful and often unkind tactics to manage, correct and motivate us, it creates in us a limited and distorted sense of who we are. Left unexamined and unchecked, the influence of the inner critic can lead to chronic anxiety, self-doubt, and depression, sabotage our relationships and spiritual practice, and thwart our creativity, well-being and peace of mind.
In this weekend retreat we will explore the inner critic and how it operates within us, and begin to shift our relationship to it. We will practice ways to disengage from its destructive aspects and learn how to cultivate a more kind, wise, and discerning mind, so as to allow for an open and spacious way of being and responding in the world. We will use the powerful tools of meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection, along with Dharma talks, experiential practices, and group discussion to gain insight and practice skills to take with us on our path of healing and transformation.
Retreat Logistics
The retreat will begin Friday evening, May 6 and end Sunday at noon, May 8. It will consist of a Friday evening session (7 pm to 9 pm), all-day Saturday (7 am to 9 pm), and a Sunday session (7 am to noon). The retreat will be conducted entirely on Zoom.
This retreat is open to both FCM members and non-members and is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about how to gain freedom from the inner critic.
Retreat Scholarships are available; please click here to see FCM’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an Application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat. The teachings are offered in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, wherein the teachers freely give of themselves to the students out of gratitude for what they’ve received from their teachers and a desire to be of service. The student’s response is also based on Dana, i.e. generosity that naturally flows from a sense of appreciation of the value of Dharma and gratitude to the living lineage. All retreat dana will go towards supporting the programs that FCM offers.
The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants before the retreat, including daily schedules, Zoom instructions and suggestions to help prepare you for a meaningful retreat experience from your home.
The last day to register for this retreat is May 5.
Retreat Leader
Betsy Arizu embarked on a path of healing and transformation over 30 years ago immersing herself personally and professionally in the areas of humanistic and existential psychology, arts and consciousness, organizational transformation, and counseling. Eventually becoming a student of Dharma Teacher, Fred Eppsteiner and a member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness, she has been involved in leadership, teaching and mentoring activities at FCM. Topics of retreats, workshops and intensives led include emotional healing and transformation; deconstructing the myth of self; transforming the inner critic; relationships as a path of transformation; and cultivating aspiration, intention, and commitment. In addition, she teaches meditation and mindfulness practices for youth-at-risk.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Betsy at betsyarizu@gmail.com.
