Open Way Spring Retreat
“Nourishing and Protecting the Heart of Peace”
Welcome!
Open Way Sanghas invites you to our Spring Family Mindfulness Retreat
with Dharma Teacher, Michael Ciborski
Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp on beautiful Flathead Lake
May 2nd - May 5th
Adults $395; plus teacher dana
Youth Ages 12 - 17 $335
Child Ages 4 - 11 $195
PLEASE NOTE; WE HAVE ROOM FOR ABOUT 10 MORE ADULTS AND A FEW MORE CHILDREN/YOUTH. PLEASE EMAIL OWRETREATS@GMAIL WITH QUESTIONS. At this time we have 10 in our children’s program and 5 in our youth program.
From our Teacher, Michael Ciborski
These days, our hearts are burdened with fear and anger in relation to politics, climate and terrible violence in the world. We need, more than ever, to be care-filled and intentional in the work of healing and transformation. With teachings and meditations on breathing, walking, deep listening and loving speech we will practice together. We will invite our ancestors, with both their suffering and their happiness, to join and support us, as we offer our awakening for the benefit of our families, our society and the Earth.
During this program we will focus on fundamental practices - skill building to solidify our experience of inner stability and freedom. Guidance on conscious breathing and walking will be a base for deepening our communication and understanding within ourselves and with our loved ones. Sessions of guided deep looking will support us to reflect on the way we have been living our life, to understand what deep habits and fears have been driving us, and to find new understanding and compassion to realize transformation.
For more information about our Dharma Teacher, Micheal Ciborski, please visit: Michael Ciborski – Teaching and Support in Mindfulness Practice and Meditation (truemiddleway.org)
Spring “Family” Retreat
As a sangha, we are all family, so you are all invited to attend whether you are coming as a single, with friends, or with your children and extended family. We will provide children (ages: 5 - 12) and youth (ages 13-17) mindfulness programs filled with joy, songs, art, and nature. We will be asking for lots of support for our spring retreat with opportunities for everyone to be involved in making this a beautiful and joyful garden.
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. Open Way Sanghas provides a $50 scholarship. If a payment plan or additional scholarships are requested, please contact your local sangha.
DANA/DONATION REQUEST: Dharma Teacher Dana (Generosity) By tradition, Dharma teachers do not charge for their services and the retreat cost does not include teacher dana. For regularly employed participants, we suggest $100.00, less if conditions are not favorable at this time and more is appreciated if conditions allow. Dana is not a requirement but is always greatly appreciated. There will be a Dana Box at the retreat for contributions.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received BEFORE April 17th will be granted a full refund, less a $10 cancellation fee. If you cancel after April 17th, you will receive NO refund because we will have already turned in our numbers, and the camp will charge us for you whether you attend or not. EXCEPTIONS: If we fill your spot, we will do our best to refund your portion.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH STATEMENT: This meditation retreat is not a physical or mental health treatment and does not provide physical or mental health treatment resources. If you are under treatment for a physical or mental condition, please consult your medical provider regarding the appropriateness of this experience for persons with your condition. If you are experiencing life trauma, emotional upheaval, or instability that might require individual support beyond our scheduled meetings with teachers, the retreat format may not be a good match at this time. Should you have questions, please contact the retreat organizers listed.
LODGING & ROOMS Most retreatants are assigned to shared lodging options, which will spaciously sleep about 4-5 people, have their own bathroom, and are well-heated. Single housing is limited; we will do our best to house you with adequate space in cabins, dorms, or rooms. Families will be housed together.
If you wish to camp, you may bring a tent or a camper. There are NO hookups available on site. You will have access to a shared heated bathhouse.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
CHILDREN SCHEDULE: The children and youth programs will tend to be at the same time as the adult programs. The children and youth programs will include mindfulness activities that include sharing & listening, nature time, art, music, and play. All other times will be integrated with all retreatants.
Thursday
5:00 p.m. Arrival, check-in
5:30 p.m. Dinner served
7:00 p.m. Welcome, Introduction to Mindfulness Retreat
7:45 p.m. Orientation Talk and Relaxation
8:30 p.m. End of Day, Noble Silence until after breakfast
Friday
6:00 a.m. Wake up
6:30 a.m. Morning meditation (sitting, walking, sitting)
7:30 a.m. Sutra Service
8:15 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Dharma Talk (begins with short children’s talk)
11:00 a.m. Walking Meditation
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Personal Practice
2:00-2:30 p.m. Deep Relaxation
2:45-4:15 pm. Mindfulness Trainings Panel
4:30-6:00 p.m. Dharma Sharing
6:15 p.m. Dinner / Retreat Leaders meeting
7:30-8:30 p.m. Touching the Earth and Sitting
End of Day, Noble Silence
(Note: 1:00pm-2:40pm Consultations with Teachers)
Saturday
6:00 a.m. Wake up
6:30 a.m. Morning meditation (sitting, walking, sitting)
7:30 a.m. Sutra Service
8:15 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Dharma Talk (begins with short children’s talk)
11:00 a.m. Walking Meditation
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Personal Practice
2:00-2:30 p.m. Deep Relaxation
2:45-3:30 p.m. Questions and Answers
3:45-5:15 p.m. Dharma Sharing
5:30 p.m. Dinner / Retreat Leaders Meeting
7-8:30 p.m. Campfire Singing / Evening Meditation
End of Day, Noble Silence
(Note: 1:00pm-2:40pm Consultations with Teachers)
Sunday
6:30 a.m. Morning meditation, transmission ceremony
8:30 a.m. Personal Practice Time; packing meditation
10:00 a.m. Brunch
11:00 a.m. Dharma Talk (begins with short children’s talk)
12:30 p.m. Closing Circle
2:30 p.m. All clear of property
If you want to be on our email mailing list for retreats or have questions, please email owretreats@gmail.com.
RETREAT ORGANIZERS: SANDI, GINA, AND BOB
RETREAT REGISTRATION: LESLIE AND LORI