Many of us experience a subtle fear of others. We are bringing our histories of woundedness into all of our interactions in different ways. It is often difficult for many of us to experience a sense of connection and openness as we interact with others. We can feel limited by our discomfort in our own experience or struggle with the need to protect ourselves and maintain boundaries. There is a way for us to begin looking at this fear in order to move beyond to experience a newer kind of intimacy with ourselves and others. The practice of intimacy is the practice of allowing our dharma practice to work with fears of ourselves and others so that we may actually began experiencing true closeness with ourselves and others while at the same time practicing and maintaining critical boundaries. This retreat will combine simple movement, meditation, contemplation, small group interaction, journaling, as well as structured and guided dialogue to help us break through the barriers that prevent authentic and intimate dialogue and interaction with others.
Lama Rod is considered one of the leaders of the next generation of Dharma teachers and is the co-author of Radical Dharma, Talking Race, Love and Liberation. He speaks to the intersection of meditation practice and social justice work from the cross sections of his life as a Black, queer male, born and raised in the South, and heavily influenced by the church and its community. The CEC is thrilled to host him in conjunction with the Centre for Mindfulness Studies’ Mindfulness Challenge, and part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to support their programs to bring mindfulness for mental health to marginalized people