Saturday, October 2, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Taught in the style of U Tejaniya, an approach to mindfulness emphasizing relaxation and careful attention to the attitude one has toward one’s experience; mindfulness in the context of one’s daily life.Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period.
During this daylong retreat we will explore a relaxed open awareness with an emphasis on exploring qualities of mind, and the attitude towards one’s experience. Such an open awareness practice supports both the formal meditation of sitting and walking, as well as awareness of our normal daily activities. The schedule for the retreat will alternate periods of sitting and walking with instructions and discussion. Aside from the instruction and discussion periods, the day will be primarily in silence. It is recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Andrea Fella has been practicing Insight Meditation since 1996, and began teaching meditation in 2003. She is particularly drawn to intensive retreat practice, and has done a number of long retreats, both in the U.S. and Burma. During one long practice period in Burma, she ordained as a nun with Sayadaw U Janeka. Andrea teaches residential retreats for IMC, and at other centers around the country.