Mindfulness & Justice: a 5-day silent meditation retreat

We are pleased to welcome new friend Cheri Maples and long-time friend La Sarmiento for what promises to be a deeply transformative silent meditation retreat. Experience “Thaypassana”, a beautiful synthesis of the Thich Nhat Hahn and Vipassana traditions, delivered by two long-time meditation practitioners and social justice activists. Participants will explore how to maintain equilibrium while working for social justice. Sitting and walking meditation, guided meditation, metta practice and instruction are just a few examples of what will be offered during this retreat.

• Explore how to maintain equilibrium while working for social justice
• Sitting and walking meditation, guided meditation, metta practice and instruction are just a few examples of what will be offered during this retreat
• Both individual and community practice will be utilized

The fee is a sliding scale of $300 – $500 and covers meals, indoor housing, and materials.  Lower-cost camping options and partial scholarships are also available.  In keeping with tradition, participants will have the opportunity to offer “dana” or generosity for the teachings at the end of the retreat, to support the teachers and manager in continuing to freely offer and make the teachings accessible to all who seek them.  The retreat will be held at The Stone House, a center for spiritual life and strategic action on 70 acres in Mebane, NC.  The retreat begins on the 25th with dinner and ends on the 2nd after lunch.

to register:

click here for a copy of the flyer and registration form and return the form as soon as possible
make your deposit either by check or via the website below to reserve your space
call La Sarmiento at 202-997-1399 for more information or email la_sarmiento@yahoo.com

teachers:

Cheri Maples was ordained a dharma teacher in 2008 by Zen Master & peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh, her long-time spiritual teacher.  Cheri has incorporated her 25-year career in the criminal justice system, as well as her background as an active community organizer,  into her mindfulness practice.  Her teachings focus on helping people manage the emotional effects of their work while maintaining an open heart and healthy boundaries.  Cheri is a former Assistant Attorney General, Head of Probation & Parole, and police officer in Wisconsin,  as well as the former Executive Director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

La Sarmiento has been practicing vipassana meditation and has been a member of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington since 1998. Since 2005, La has been the guiding teacher/leader of the IMCW Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) and People of Color sanghas. She integrates concepts of Respectful Confrontation and Non-violent Communication into her gatherings to create a sacred space for group wisdom to arise. La is a senior retreat/event manager committed to bringing diverse teachers and programs to IMCW and to making mindfulness meditation accessible to all. She has been a body/energyworker in private practice since 1992 and teaches mindfulness-based Reiki classes with her life partner Wendy Taylor in Adams Morgan, DC.