In the midst of inner city Melbourne, or online in your home, we’ll be creating a refuge for practice together to explore the quality of metta (translated as loving kindness); an essential component of a dedicated meditation practice.
What supports us to embody this quality and allow it to permeate our cells?
Alternatively, how might we keep it at arms length?
Some of us might find this quality of inner or outer warmth threatening. Maybe, we’re more familiar with the energy of aggression as a mobilising force.
Perhaps, we deem ‘loving kindness’ as weak. Or march on without it, only later to be confronted with fatigue, disconnection, or loneliness.
This quality can remain elusive, even if we know it brings a feeling of relief and release.
We’ll be exploring metta as an essential quality that provides sustenance, and the metal needed to continue to look at ourselves and life with eyes wide open.
We’ll look at when metta might fall into naivety, self abasement, a kind of ‘idiot’s compassion’ – and touch on its disarming power when coupled with insight.
The retreat will include:
- Meditation instruction
- Sitting, walking and lying down practice
- Discussion and questions
- Dharma talk
- Guided relaxation practice
What you might need:
- Meditation cushion / stool / chair
- Shawl / blanket
- Lunch and water
Date: 6 & 7 May 2023, 10 am – 5pm in person + online
Location: The Oratory, Abbotsford Convent
Cost and bookings:
In person $110 + dana or donation for Jess’s teaching. Please book here.
Online $60 + dana or donation for Jess’s teaching. Please book here.
All welcome.
Enquiries: insightretreats@hotmail.com