Freedom and Ease of Being: A Meditation Retreat for Our LGBTQAI+ Community

Registration for this retreat is closed

Closed
Registration is closed for this retreat.
September 17 - September 19, 2021 (Friday to Sunday)


Meeting format (During program sessions, you will be able to see and hear the teacher, as well as other program participants, and they will be able to see and hear you if you want.)

We’ll create a virtual space of ease and support for LGBTQAI+ people to cultivate mindfulness, kindness and wisdom through insight meditation. Sharing silence and meditative space with community allows us to make greater peace with ourselves and our lives, one moment at a time. While listening to the teachings of wisdom and compassion and mindfully sitting, walking, eating and resting, liberating insights arise, and clarity and freedom are gained. We can learn to find an ever-deepening sense of well-being, touching joy and fostering the heart's release. We practice in this way both for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.

This retreat is open to both experienced and beginner meditators who self-identify as queer, questioning, trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, bisexual, lesbian, gay, agender, intersex or two-spirit.

Fees
For this program, sliding scale fees are $40, $80, $100, or $130. Please select the highest rate you can reasonably afford. We also offer a scholarship fee of $20, and no-fee enrollment for those who request a fee-waiver. Our “Pay What You Can Afford" system supports the cultivation of a dynamic and inclusive community and contributes to the health and vibrancy of the sangha. Select the rate of your choice when you register. Emailimsonline@dharma.orgfor more information or to request a no-fee enrollment.

Registration for this program closes 30 minutes prior to the opening session.

Teacher Support
Most IMS teachers—like insight teachers around the world—offer their teachings freely, and rely on the generosity of students for their livelihood. Teachers do not generally receive compensation from IMS program fees, though IMS may offer a modest advance to ensure financial support and the continuation of the teachings. Click here to learn more about teacher support. There will be an opportunity to offer a contribution to your teachers at the end of your program, or you may donate now.

Daily Schedule -all times listed in Eastern Time ET:
Note: all sessions will be recorded and posted so you can view it later if you missed one

Friday, Sept 17
7 pm - Opening and Sit - Anushka & Pascal (90 min)

Saturday, Sept 18
10 am - Instructions and Sit - Pascal (75 min)
1 pm - Sit and Q&A - Anushka & Pascal (75 min)
4 pm - Sit and Talk - Anushka (75-90 min)
7 pm - Heart Practices - Pascal (60 min)

Sunday, Sept 19
10 am - Instructions and Sit - Anushka (75 min)
1 pm - Sit and Q&A - Pascal & Anushka (75 min)
4 pm - Sit and Talk - Pascal (75-90 min)
7 pm - Sit and Closing - Anushka & Pascal (75-90 min)

Possible Personal Practice Schedule:
9 am - sit
9:30 am - walk
10 am - instructions
11:15 am - walk
12 - lunch
1 pm - Q+A
2:15 pm- walk
2:45 pm - siit
3:30 pm - walk
4 pm - talk
5:15 pm - meal
7 pm - heart practices
8 pm - walk
8:30 pm - sit
9 pm - rest

Information you might find helpful:
Guidelines For Your Home Retreat
IMS Online Program Etiquette
IMS Online FAQ’s

Teachers