We are pleased to conform that Kirsten Kratz will be leading a two day non-residential retreat on:
Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October 2024
At the Whirlow Spirituality Centre S11 9SY and Online.
To Expect Wonders
‘Though I do not expect a plant to spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.’ Henry David Thoreau
Buddhist teachings explore how to nourish and cultivate wholesome seeds of intention, liberating ways of looking, that can connect us directly with our yearning for true happiness. During uncertain, confusing and frightening times, one of our habitual reflexes is to create limiting, separating or even polarising narratives, thus perpetuating suffering for others and ourselves. We can discover an increasing freedom from our conditioned painful reactions, which are often futile ways to attain some sense of safety and certainty, allowing us to attend to life from a place informed by connection, care and wisdom. During the weekend we will explore the heart-mind’s capacity for compassion, balanced presence and engagement.
There will be periods of sitting/stillness and walking/movement meditation, practice suggestions, guided practices, reflections as well as opportunities to ask questions. There may be some guided interactive practices. The sitting and walking meditation periods will typically last no longer than 40 minutes.
The retreat will be held in companionable silence, including during the lunchtime. Chairs, mats, meditation cushions and hot drinks will be available. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
KIRSTEN KRATZ has practised Buddhist meditation in Asia and the West since 1993. She started teaching in 2006 and since 2015 she has been ‘teacher in residence’ supporting those on personal retreat at Gaia House. Her love and understanding of Dharma has been strongly influenced by, among others, the teachings of her friend and teacher colleague, Rob Burbea.
One of her particular passions is exploring how wisdom teachings can foster appropriate responses to the challenges of our time, and Kirsten sees her involvement in activism as an important expression of her practice. Kirsten is co-initiator of the “Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement” (DANCE) and supporting teacher of Freely Given Retreats.
You can listen to one of Kirsten’s talks on Dharmaseed, : “Calm and kindness”. https://www.dharmaseed.org/talks/19051
Booking
You can attend in person or online – tickets for each option are available. To reserve your place on this retreat, please click on the Book Here button below.