VSG Maintenance Group
Quick Update - No access to scale for a month...
I just wanted to give my buddies a quick update. I am still at my sisters in Brookfield WI... in just a few days it will be 2 months. As much as I miss my hubby and my sweet puppy, this was a very wise decision to come here to heal, grow and learn about Buddhism.
On Sunday I am headed to Mt. Tremper, NY to the Zen Mountain Monastery. I will be there for a month, with no access to a scale...
My journey continues... Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I am still pretty fragile and reclusive, but much better than I was 2 months ago. I am hoping I am able to do this and can stay the entire month...
Cindy
Anyone intersted in what I will be doing can check out this link:
http://mro.org/zmm/residential.php
And I will be doing these retreats while I am there (check out the one for May 11-13, how cool is that?):
April 27 - 29 Introduction to Zen Training Retreat CLOSED
with Ryushin Sensei and ZMM Staff
This is the Monastery’s most popular retreat. Designed for those new to Zen, the weekend introduces the most important aspects of traditional Zen training within the context of the unique Eight Gates program...
May 3 - 6 Impermanence
with Shugen Sensei and Ryushin Sensei
The only true path to equanimity within an ever-changing world is through a deep study and realization of impermanence. But what is that path? In this retreat, which will include extended periods of silence, formal oryoki breakfast, and face-to-face teachings for all participants, we will examine how, through practice, we can use the very manifestation of impermanence that we encounter in any given moment to respond with wisdom and compassion.
May 11 - 13 Buddha's Therapy
with Mark Epstein, MD
Using what we have learned from psychoanalysis, in particular from the pioneering work of the child analyst D.W. Winnicott, we will discuss the impact of the Buddha's early loss of his mother on his journey toward enlightenment. In exploring things in this way, we hope to show how relevant the Buddha's psychology can be for those who have suffered early trauma, either the kind where something happened or the kind where nothing happened when something might profitably have. Rather than seeing emotional life as outside the realm of the dharma, this weekend's workshop will show how to bring the worlds of Buddhism and psychotherapy together.
May 11 - 13 The Sacred Art of Eating
with Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi
In this workshop we will use practical eating exercises and guided meditations to establish mindfulness around eating. We will experience the effects of certain food on our moods, learn about the seven types of hunger, and explore the central role of unsatisfied "heart hunger" in unbalanced eating. As we enjoy the delicious vegetarian meals offered at the Monastery, we will renew our enjoyment of eating, and re-establish contact with our inner wisdom around food.
May 21 - 27 Shuso Hossen Sesshin
with Shugen Sensei and Ryushin Sensei
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), work practice...
Glad to hear that you are continuing your journey towards wellness. The retreats sound wonderful and I am envious. I think it would be difficult for me to settle down enough, but that is what makes this adventure so healing. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you, when you are finished.
Take Care,
Gail
