Description
Sandwich Retreat
November 14&15, weekend retreat, 10am-5pm
November 16-20, evening retreat, 6pm-8pm
November 21&22, weekend retreat, 10am-5pm
If we cannot be happy in the midst of our difficulties, what good is our spiritual practice?
~ Maha Gosananda
In ordinary times we may not question the importance of joy as an essential inner aspect of the path of awakening. After all, joy is recognized as one of the Seven Factors of Awakening as well as one of the Brahmaviharas, the four beautiful qualities of heart that grow with practice.  Our hearts and lives need joy. Without it, the path is dry and our understanding of it is woefully incomplete.
However, in times of extreme stress in the world at large, we can neglect – and even reject – a practice of joy. It can seem callous and insensitive to cultivate joy in the midst of widespread suffering.  It is essential in these times to turn to a joy that includes the realities of life, a meditative joy that does not avoid or negate the fact of suffering.
Meditative joy arises when we learn how to include all circumstances in awareness, letting go of the striving and demand for only pleasant experiences. By learning ways to open to all, we can know the unconditional joy of liberation here and now.
The sandwich format is ideal for integrating the depth of retreat into the breadth and busyness of daily life.  CIMC Guiding teachers Narayan Helen Liebenson and Matthew Hepburn are delighted to return to this tried-and-true form together.  The two weekend retreats (the bread of the sandwich) include dharma talks, instructions, question and response periods, and opportunities for small group and individual interviews with the teachers.  Each weeknight group (the delicious sandwich fillings) explores a different aspect of meditative joy – rich opportunities to learn and reflect on joy in daily practice.
The sandwich format challenges the belief that a true retreat is only possible in a far-off, perfect, quiet setting. Together we can experience deep practice, learning, community and joy right in the middle of ordinary, daily life – exactly where it’s needed.
Attending an in-person retreat
- CIMC is a refuge. Out of compassion for those with chemical sensitivities, please avoid using scented products—lotions, deodorant, after-shave, hair products, perfume, clothes laundered with scented detergent, or dryer sheets—before you come to the Center.
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in and find a comfortable place in the meditation hall.
- Parking at CIMC is limited; we suggest you take public transportation to the Center whenever possible.
- Retreats are held in silence. Please power off your cell phone, smartwatch, and other electronic devices for the retreat. All phones, pagers, beeping watches, and other electronic devices must remain completely turned off while you are at the Center.
- Please leave your shoes on the shoe shelves on the first floor and keep your valuables with you.
- We provide vegetarian meals at day-long, weekend, and multi-day retreats. We are unable to accommodate special dietary needs, however. If you have dietary restrictions, we invite you to bring your own vegetarian meal. Please note that nuts may be used in our kitchen.
- Retreat Meal Dana: In keeping with tradition, we invite you to sponsor a retreat meal as a simple and meaningful act of generosity. You can share a dedication of your generosity, perhaps to someone in your life, a special occasion, or an aspiration. Please contact the office for more information on offering Meal Dana for this retreat.
- The meditation halls do not allow food and beverages, including water.
- We strongly recommend you dress in layers since the temperature in the meditation hall varies throughout the day. The hall thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature range; however, it’s best to have a range of clothing options, as individual preferences for warmth or coolness differ widely and cannot be accommodated.
- Masks are optional. Some masks are available at the entrance of the Center.
- CIMC provides zafus (round cushions), zabutons (large mats), meditation benches, blankets, and chairs. At the end of the program, we request that participants brush off their zabutons and plump up their zafus. All other items should be returned neatly to where they belong.
Attending an online retreat
- Sitting a retreat at home and online is undoubtedly different from coming to a meditation center. Tending to your comfort and giving yourself a quiet, private sitting and walking space (if possible, in your environment) will help keep your attention focused and support your practice and learning. Plan to bring as much simplicity and ease to your day as possible. The retreat schedule is structured to support your well-being and training with regular breaks and time for mindful movement.
- We will use Zoom for this retreat. Before your retreat begins, be sure to download Zoom and familiarize yourself with using the program, including the chat feature. Specifics about how we will use Zoom during your retreat will be covered initially; however, we cannot provide technical support.
- We ask that you treat our virtual meditation hall as if we were together in person, in the same room. The teachers and other yogis benefit significantly from your full presence and careful attention.
- Join each session of the retreat a few minutes early. This will support the teachers and your fellow retreatants.
- Please maintain noble silence as much as possible for the duration of the retreat and take any necessary steps to limit external distractions such as incoming emails, texts, or other interruptions to maintain the integrity of our practice together.
- Close all programs on your computer other than Zoom and turn off all notifications on your devices.
- Ideally, power off phones and smartwatches for the entire time scheduled for the retreat each day. Please don’t check your devices during breaks. We suggest you put an “away” message on your email and voicemail and leave your devices in another room during your retreat hours.
- Please keep your video on during our time together as much as possible. This supports a sense of connectedness and sangha.
- You will receive a welcome email from CIMC that includes the Zoom link, retreat schedule, and further information a day or two before your retreat.