The Deep Practice of Everyday Mindfulness

Instructor(s): Susan Morgan, Bill Morgan

Program Description:

The emphasis in vipassana retreats is understandably upon deepening one’s formal meditation practice and, to some extent, developing continuity of mindfulness throughout the retreat itself.

Yet seldom do we receive specific instructions regarding daily life practice. Because of this there can be a tendency to view daily practice as less important. Sadly, this costs us by missing out on the multitude of practice moments that could be brought forward in our lives.

What might be revealed if we didn’t give preferential treatment to our formal sitting practice but instead held up all of the other moments of the day as if they were our cushion? How might our everyday activities show us the truth of suffering and the path to its end? How are the four foundations of mindfulness staring back at us?

Together we will practice the high art of integration while on retreat. Meet yourself right where you are and shine the light of awareness on some of the more mundane activities and in everyday nooks and crannies of your experience. Discover the bridges between the realm of formal practice and the world we predominantly inhabit. 

Let’s gather together in Noble Silence to inspire and support one another as a community of spiritual friends. In addition to receiving mindfulness teachings, instruction, and guided meditations, there will be opportunities to participate in small group discussions and explore personal practice questions.

Noble Silence:

This program includes dedicated periods of both wise speech and noble silence. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Cancellation Policy:

This policy applies to all residential programs, including Paths. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as soon as possible. Please note cancellation fees are at most $50 for those receiving financial assistance. As of 2023, 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date and there is a $50 cancellation fee if you cancel two weeks or more in advance. Beginning in 2024, prior to six weeks before the program start date, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs more than two nights and $25 for programs two nights or less. 50% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel between two and six weeks of the program start date. 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date.

Covid-19 Safety Protocol:

Please review our Covid-19 Safety Protocols here: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/covid-19/.

DEI:

As we work to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, we invite feedback/suggestions you may have regarding ways that we can make participation in the program more accessible and welcoming. Please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.

About the Instructor(s):
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  Susan Morgan

  Susan Morgan, CNS, is a psychotherapist in Cambridge, MA. She is a board and faculty member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and contributing author to Mindfulness and Psychotherapy. Susan has a longstanding meditation practice and recently completed a four-year meditation retreat at the Forest Refuge. She has been leading retreats, primarily for caregivers, for the last 15 years. Lovingkindness and mindfulness of the body are integral to her teaching.

• 

  Bill Morgan

  Bill Morgan, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, MA. He has participated in many intensive retreats in meditation practice over the past 40 years and recently completed a four-year meditation retreat at the Forest Refuge in Barre, MA. Together with Susan Morgan, he has been leading mindfulness retreats for 15 years.