Meditation is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and the world. The inner work we do, changes us, allows the golden shadow to awaken. As we build a loving and kind relationship with ourselves, we radiate that love and kindness to the world.

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A meditation retreat is a deepening on your spiritual path. It helps you break through obstacles and attain higher states of consciousness. If you have been feeling stuck, or just want to go deeper, this meditation retreat will assist you in that. 

 

Meditation in the traditional way ancient Buddhist masters practiced is in silence, stillness, and spaciousness (the 3 Ss). This retreat eliminates distractions, helps you breakthrough areas where you were blocked, strengthens your ability to work with difficult emotions, overcoming obstacles, and accessing deeper parts of yourself. 

 

This is a silent meditation retreat with brief dharma talks and private meetings with Melanie to help you learn how to work with obstacles that naturally arise with every meditation practitioner. 

 

True silence is not the absence of sound, but a calming of the mind’s internal chatter. Stillness is realizing that stillness is the pure, formless consciousness that allows for all experience. Stillness can be the most powerful action, allowing for true strength and clarity to emerge. In stillness, you can hear wisdom and insight that is often muffled by noise. Spaciousness refers to an internal state of mind that is expansive, nonjudgmental awareness that allows thoughts, emotions, and sensations, to arise and pass without the meditator becoming lost or overwhelmed by them. It is the mental and emotional “space”, where awareness exists - the space between thought and emotions and physical sensations. Spaciousness is a deep sense of peace and calm and wellbeing. A freedom of being conditioned by habitual reactions and patterns that allows more room for creativity, insight, and adaptable response to life’s challenges. 

 

Silence and stillness develop like building a muscle, it takes practice, and the mind naturally resists this, but the rewards are significant. 

 

Working with our minds deepens self-awareness, connects you to your inner voice and true essence beyond the constant stream of thinking. It allows you to discern priorities, understand your true needs, and see recurring patterns with your thoughts. It soothes the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and creates mental resilience. Meditation also provides space for new ideas, epiphanies, and creativity to emerge. It is a path of awakening the golden shadow. 

 

Each meditation retreat is designed to meet your needs, your level of practice, and an opportunity for deep healing and transformation. It involves sitting and walking meditation, aimless wandering, dharma talks, mindful eating, and creative expression. 

 

Meditation Retreats can be 2 full days to a 7-day weekthun. Food is prepared for you. Accommodations vary. Contact MelanieRyanLCSW@gmail.com