When we understand that direct experience is not solid and not separate in the ways it normally appears (Emptiness), we can embrace experience in its changing conditions with the heart of compassion and inclusion born of non-clinging (Suchness). This offers us the freedom to respond with wisdom and care to the challenges we experience in ourselves and in the world, rather than reacting out of habitual conditioning. As we release reactivity, we uncover our inherent capacities for joy, connection and creative responses.

With a group of experienced practitioners, we will have the conditions to take a deep dive into the teachings and direct experience of Emptiness and Suchness as this online weekend retreat unfolds. You will be invited to deepen your explorations on the themes through teachings, guided meditations, inquiry, daily life instructions, and discussion with the teacher.

Specific areas for exploration include the interface between Emptiness-Suchness relating to:

The physical body

The sense of self

Mental-emotional activity

Objects at the six sense doors

External phenomenon 

Teachings and practices will be offered from the perspective of the Southern Thai forest tradition in the lineage of the MahaSati Emptiness-Awareness. For more information about MahaSati Emptiness-Awareness, which Heather teaches, please visit www.mahasati.info.

To support deepening practice, there will be a couple of optional sign up Small Groups, as well as daily opportunities to ask questions about the teachings and practices. 

This will be an immersive retreat. Participants are encouraged to take time off from work and not schedule social engagements during this retreat time. In this way, participants will get the most out of the retreat time, by fully focusing on the teachings and practices offered.