Vipassana Meditation retreat North West Thailand
THE SEVEN-DAY RETREAT WILL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES:
Day One and Two
MEDITATION DE-MYSTIFIED: an INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS
Every thing we do begins with a thought. Mindfulness is a tool that
cultivates an awareness of our thought process and of the direction that
our actions take as a result of our thoughts. Yet there is mysticism
around meditation that can be intimidating and uncomfortable. In the
first two days of this retreat we begin de-mystifying the concept of
meditation and present it as a simple non-sectarian way of to relax, focus
the mind and live more in the moment. We will learn to act optimally
with a clear mind rather then react impulsively with a suboptimal
habitual behavior. The mind that has not been
developed or trained is
very scattered. That’s the normal state of affairs
for most people, but
it leaves us out of touch with a great deal of the richness of life.
We will clarify what meditation can do for you
personally and
experience several forms of meditation (sitting, walking, laughing,
movement, and more) allowing you to find a basic practice that suits
your individual needs.
Day Three
HEART/MIND and BODY CONNECTION MEDITATION
One way to look at meditation is as a kind of intra-psychic technology
that’s been developed over thousands of years by traditions that know
a lot about the mind/body connection. These ancient traditions teach us
to be aware that you are more then the thoughts that flow through
your mind. We discover the heart/mind-body connection, that stress is the
response to the demands placed on your mind and body. By moving our
awareness fully into the stress we notice the mind and body’s reactions
to stress and learn to let go of that reactivity . And then you find
that there is as inner stillness and peace within some of the most
difficult life situations that previously might have sent you spinning
out of control.
Within this journey of quieting the mind and opening the heart we use
repeated words, phrases, and images to cultivate a state of
friendliness, kindness, and acceptance towards ourselves and others.
Day Four
MINDFUL DECISION MAKING and MINDFUL STRESS MANAGEMENT MEDITATION
When you have a situation in your life that needs attention, awareness
meditation can help to develop options and responses which can assist
you in moving forward in creating better choices. The techniques
presented offer the foundation skill sets for practice in life
situations where options or results may seem to be limited by fear and
the uncertainty of it all. You will discover how to respond, consciously,
versus react, unconsciously, to challenging situations.
Participants practice a solution-focused approach and get answers to
their questions. Mindfulness meditation techniques are powerful tools
for reducing physical and psychological stress related symptoms and
promoting health and well-being. Your target areas contributing to
stress will be identified and mindfulness practices will be explored and
customized to suit your needs. Information and resources to support your
on-going stress management are provided to help you bring the practices
and their benefits home to your daily life.
Day Five
NATURE MEDITATION, PEACEFUL READINGS, ART AND SOUND
Through interacting with nature you will have the opportunity to
explore your “inner nature” as well. Using various nature-oriented
meditation practices, inspirational readings, flute music and chanting we
will cultivate a heightened sensitivity to and appreciation of the beauty
around and within us. Experience for yourself how meditation can help you
open to the healing power of nature, sound, and the wisdom of the ages.
Enjoy the fun and possible insights discovered through the practice of
meditative drawing. In this session we will explore themes of creativity,
self-expression, and change in our lives. No previous drawing skills or
artistic ability necessary.
Day Six
HEALING MEDITATION and MINDFUL RELATIONSHIPS
You will be gently guided through visualization practices designed to
cultivate healing, relaxation, and insight. Visualization accesses the power
of imagination to evoke positive physiological and psychological responses.
Time will also be allotted for discussion and integration of the meditative
experience.
Interpersonal relationships are often our primary sources of
joy as well as distress. The key to having conscious,
effective, and loving relationships is developing the skills
of mindful listening and speaking. In a safe and special
environment, both silent and interactive, you will learn to
bring awareness to your experience, acceptance to your
situation, and accuracy to your communication.
Day Seven
Creating a Meditation Practice at Home
We will explore and clarify what it is we want to practice,
what motivates us, what the potential benefits are, and ways
to work with common obstacles. New ideas for relating to time,
creating a conducive home environment, and understanding
various “stages” of practice will prepare and enthuse you to
integrate the insights of your practice into the realities of
every day life. Take home the tools you need to support your
being in the moment.
You may attend for as many days as you like.
Fee: For most programs we ask 1000 baht/day. Meditation is offered at a reduced fee of 600 baht/day for room and board. In addition the teacher accepts donations (dana) to support him and the his teachings.
Useful
Links
How to take part in this programme
We are situated in a perfect position for Vipassana mediation within the foothills of the Himalayas and the many mountains surrounding us. If you would like to take part please feel free to contact us to make an appointment.
Email us at homestay@lisuhilltribe.com or within Thailand call 089 998 4886 or from outside of Thailand call +66 89 998 4886