Circling (Interpersonal Meditation) New Years Retreat - Dec 27 - Jan 3

751 Page Road,Lowell VT 05847

27 December, 2020

Description

Embark on a relational journey weaving together silent meditation and Circling (interpersonal meditation). Circling Week-Long Deep Dive Discover and train new mindful ways of relating with othersCome into direct contact with the dynamics that underlie relationshipsPractice the art of seeing and being seen in relationship for who we are without needing to earn attention or be any different than we are in this momentGlean relational blind spots and move toward freedom and healing through a supportive monastic communityJoin the Monastic Academy as we embark on a relational journey weaving together silent meditation and Circling (interpersonal meditation) for a New Years Immersion. This program is often a deeply transformative experience for empowering you to relate to others in more productive, fulfilling, and engaged ways. Interested but not sure about signing up yet? Want to attend future events but can't make this one? If you want to learn more or try a demo, feel free to email us at [email protected]. What is Circling?Circling is the practice of discovering and training new mindful ways of relating with others. The practice is done with others in pairs, small groups, and large groups. We practice directly the art of seeing and being seen in relationship for who we are without needing to earn attention or be any different than we are in this moment. We come into direct contact with the dynamics that underlie relationships and use this rich interpersonal space to glean relational blind spots, freedom, and healing. Often by dropping our views and slipping deeper into the immediate experience of relationships, a doorway to a world beyond words opens, offering a taste of transcendence.  Circling is also a wonderful way to integrate and bring our mindfulness practice off of the cushion into everyday relationships. Rather than falling back into small talk or habitual ways of relating, we can identify, name, and explore what's present right here in connection. As a practice, the more we circle, the more we learn how to bring this same level of presence and connection to all of our daily relationships such as with friends, family, partners, and clients. This provocative, and alternately unnerving and deeply calming practice of Circling will be complemented by traditional practices of silent sitting practice, chanting, and other monastic forms of authentic community. The skills that we learn in working directly with our own minds in turn support working with others and vice versa. This will be a time of deep practice where the days will be long, rigorous, and rewarding.  This immersion will be the eighth Circling residential program hosted by the Monastic Academy. The residents will be fully participating during the program with you. The contemplative community and beautiful surroundings of the Academy allow for a safe, trustworthy space for people to see new ways of being and relating. The Program Circling Week-Long Deep Dive Sunday 5 PM - Sunday 12 PM The Deep Dive will include advanced practices, group dynamic complexity, and opportunities to lead and be led by others in the group. We will explore the farthest edges of our comfort zone, transcend our fixed perspectives, and meet each other in new ways. Note: If your schedule does not allow you to join for the whole week, feel free to contact us for flexible dates. Price$1,400.00 for a shared room *If a ticket is sold out, please email [email protected] to be added to a wait list.**Cost of the program, room, and board is included in prices above.* For those unable to attend due to financial need, please contact [email protected]. There are limited discounted tickets available. Please contact us if you need a customized start and end days. There will be a dana talk (donation workshop) at the end of the program on how to stay connected and ways to donate to the center. All donations are 501(c)(3) tax deductible. Getting HereWe are located at 751 Page Road, Lowell VT 05847. The closest airport, Burlington International Airport, is about 90 minutes away.  We will run a limited, optional shuttle service from and to the airport on Sunday, December 27 and Sunday, January 3. A van will be available to pick people up on Sunday December 27 at 2 PM and drop off folks at the airport on Sunday, January 3 by 5 PM. There is an additional $25 shuttle service fee each way or $50 both ways. Teachers / FacilitatorsSeveral experienced facilitators will be leading the week alongside the Monastic Academy residents serving support. They include Xūramitra Peter Park, Renshin Lauren Lee, Sofia-Jeanne Roggeveen, and Miles Bukiet. Xūramitra Peter Park is a meditation and Circling teacher. He has been a resident at the Monastic Academy for over five years and a teacher at the Academy for the past two years. Years ago, he did a weekend immersion led by Circling Europe in NYC and was hooked. He has trained several years in their most intensive SAS 6-month programs. He also has led weekly circles at the Academy since 2015 along with drop-in groups such as Vermont Circling Zendo. He holds a Masters degree in Existential and Buddhist Philosophy. Renshin Lauren Lee is a Circling facilitator, trained in both meditation and rationality. She is currently a resident of the Monastic Academy. She has trialed all the major and some minor schools of Circling (Circling Europe, Integral Center, Guy Sengstock, The Connection Movement, Sara Ness). She has completed three SAS 6-month programs with Circling Europe (once as a participant, twice as a Training Leader). Sofia-Jeanne Roggeveen has been practicing meditation since 2010 and began training in Circling in 2016. She formally trained with Circling Europe, completing their SAS program. Since then, she has facilitated these practices in many formal and informal settings, from graduate school to family dinners. Group and interpersonal dynamics fascinate her deeply and she loves to dive below the surface to investigate the undercurrents of relationships. She is currently finishing up an MA in Organizational Psychology at Columbia University Teachers College and she works as an organizational consultant. DisclaimerPlease note that Circling and meditation are not replacements for therapy or medicine. If you have mental illness or significant challenges, you may be served better by seeking out a therapist or psychiatrist. This program is often intensive for folks as we lean into our triggers and traumas to allow us to experience and choose a new response  in trustworthy connection with others. By participating, you step into the program with the willingness to experience others and yourself with the basic skills of mindful self-awareness and the intention to show up and engage. COVID-19 Safety Measures Please note that all guests must fulfill the Vermont state guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety measures: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel Note that due to various circumstances around our communal living, we can't guarantee a risk-free environment here at MAPLE. The training environment involves us being <6 ft apart from each other at various points throughout the day (eating, sitting, chanting). We also share rooms and bathrooms, host other guests, and residents and apprentices sometimes run errands in town. We ask that all guests receive a negative test result before coming to visit MAPLE. If you begin to exhibit symptoms, or have come into contact with someone who is exhibiting symptoms or who has tested positive, we will fully refund your payment. We will be quarantining together during this retreat and we ask that no one leave the property so as to keep each other safe. Please reach out if you have any questions about this and we’d be happy to go over it together. When you register, there will be a mandatory check box to certify that you comply with Vermont COVID guidelines. Testimonials from Past Circling Guests:"My heart was blown wide open during the circling retreat. I experienced an awareness of oneness that I had never known before. I realized that when I have any judgement my awareness becomes slanted and I can not see. I can only truly see through the eye of my heart. The Monastery was beautiful and so clean and I felt good to be there. The food was delicious and all the facilitators and apprentices were warm and welcoming. Peter know each of our names before we even met. I loved the chanting, meditation , breathing, swimming in the cold pond, and eating great warm soup. Incorporating all this in my life will help me be better at everything I do. I'm planning on learning more about circling and I am excited to be closer to my son and understand him better. The circling has also been effective in helping me work with my acupuncture clients." - Sophia "On a few occasions Peter has gently shattered my old reality and shown me a new and undeniable dimension of existence that has been an experience of love, and being seen and known, and accepted. Also because he's taught me skills through circling that have helped me to be more present and loving, and now I can change my own life and other people's lives for the better" - Jennifer "My experience circling at the Monastic Academy was incredible; I was surrounded by caring individuals, skilled teachers and hardworking residents who took great pains to ensure that I felt safe and cared for. I felt so thankful to all of the facilitators. Peter Park demonstrated acute instincts and an ability to "slow things down" to allow individuals to get in touch with the deeper feelings that go beyond surface layers of thoughts and stories. Michael Blas demonstrated deep compassion and a flexibility and openness that encouraged play and genuine expression. ...Similarly, I had a profound shift that I could not have had anywhere else; during one circle, I was able to briefly allow my self-critical inner voice to be present with my experience rather than outside of it, and experienced a feeling of incredible elation and lightness as a result. As I expressed myself from a place of integration rather than division, the others in the circle joined me and were witness to and participants in that experience." - Shannon "I had an incredible life changing experience at the Monastic Academy circling immersion. I clearly saw new insights about my life, work, and relationships. I explored new and deep ways of connecting with others. The impact has been profound afterwards in how I relate to people in my work and life. I'm looking forward to going back and would highly it to others." - Lindsey "The retreat was amazing, eye and heart opening for me! I returned from it changed! It is so healing to be fully received and loved unconditionally with presence for who you truly are." - Catherine "Full of curiosity and interest, I jumped in without many expectations or knowledge of where I was going...I felt at ease to express my feelings and thoughts, but also my needs. I felt like I was offered a safe, loving, and welcoming container, to explore my experience, whatever it might be." - Stécie "Wow! What a uniquely special retreat where we can more deeply connect on an authentic level with ourselves and others in a safe environment. I highly recommend this for anyone remotely interested in either meditation or Circling!" - Anonymous Property MAPLE is located at the end of a mile long private driveway that winds high up a hill. Our 123 acres are abundant with wildlife and boasts commanding views out over the Green Mountains with wonderful trails through the woods. Recharge and re-examine your life in this peaceful setting where the trees, the rains, the winds, the sun, the snows, the frogs, and the stars still speak. Facilities Our buildings are newly built with an elegant simplicity. With wood and plenty of light and air throughout they have a comfortable and human feel. Our beautiful new meditation hall serves as the main event space. There are also two lounges and a loft that are great for reading and relaxing. Accommodations Every room has wonderful views, wood floors, a comfy bed with linens, and shelves for storing personal items. There are shared bathrooms. Food We serve simple, healthy vegan meals twice a day. Fragrance-Free Please be fragrance-free before arriving at the center. Members of our community are very sensitive to fragrance, which is found in personal hygiene products (soaps, shampoo, body wash, make-up), clothes washed with some laundry detergents and dryer sheets, and perfume or cologne. Please be fragrance-free before arrival. Learn how here. About Us The Center for Mindful Learning is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to developing trustworthy people to create trustworthy culture.  MAPLE (Monastic Academy for the Preservation of Life on Earth) is a full-time leadership and meditation residential training program to cultivate leaders who embody wisdom, power, and love for all living things. Learn about our residential apprenticeships. You are welcome to come for a guest visit and other programs. Contact Us Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at: +1 (802) 540-0820 Refund Policy Whole Week: Up until December 6, 2020 12 AM, you may request a refund minus a $300 non-refundable deposit. This is necessary for us to plan and schedule activities accordingly. We will extend full refunds if we cancel or postpone the event, as well as if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or have come into contact with someone who is exhibiting symptoms or who has tested positive for COVID.