A Path for Our Times: An Insight Dialogue Retreat

When we come into a relationship of acceptance with the immediacy of what’s happening, we have supportive conditions for expansion, for loosening identification, and for transforming tension and reactivity into understanding.

In this retreat we will investigate how being fully present with habits of turning away from the unpleasant and unwanted clears the way for seeing the transitory nature of discontent and desire and our innate capacity for happiness. Becoming familiar with the sticky process of selfing and othering can unveil a path of liberation, supporting freedom and greater ease in the midst of life’s changing conditions and difficulties. Our minds can be experienced as instruments of peace, clearly seeing things as they actually are with an ever deepening compassion for ourselves, others, and all beings.

The heart opens to the true nature of belonging, courage, and acting in the world with responsiveness and care.

Insight Dialogue (ID) brings together relational meditation, the wisdom teachings of the Buddha, and friendship on the path to reveal the nature, source, and release of human suffering. It supports the integration of the meditative process into daily relationships at home, at work, and in communities.

The retreat will be held in noble silence as we explore the power of mindfully listening and speaking out of silence. There will be times of silent sitting, mindful movement, and dialogue in groups of 2 or more, with a precise direction of contemplation.

This retreat is suitable for all with or without prior Insight Dialogue experience. Prior meditation experience is advised and retreat experience is suggested. If you have questions about the suitability of this retreat Phyllis would be happy to answer them. Please email her at phyllishicks@gmail.com

More information about Insight Dialogue and a short video demonstrating the practice can be found here: https://insightdialogue.org/relational-practices/insight-dialogue/getting-started/

We no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations to attend our programs, but do still require testing. We require all registered participants to present negative results from a Covid test performed in the 3 days prior to the start of your retreat AND that you consent to being tested upon your arrival at Southern Dharma. Any rapid antigen test is acceptable for testing, including over-the-counter at-home tests.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our staff, teachers, retreatants, and larger community!

NEW IN 2024: First-time retreatants at Southern Dharma must arrive by 5pm ET on the first day of retreat. Check-in begins at 3pm. Returning yogis can check-in between 3 and 6pm.

Departures will take place by 2:00pm on the last day of retreat. Please make sure that you can attend the full program before registering.

All registrations are subject to our new 2024 cancellation policy. All retreatants must review and agree to this policy upon registration.

For our 2024 retreats, three fee tiers are offered. Please choose the option that best fits your ability to give in this time. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Your confirmation email is your receipt for tax purposes.

We are deeply grateful for your support.

Note that registration fees do not include dana for the teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition the teachings are offered freely and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They rely on dana contributions from students. Similarly, Southern Dharma keeps registration fees low to ensure the Dharma is accessible to all. Fees cover only a fraction of Southern Dharma’s operating expenses. We appreciate your practice of generosity to continue the dissemination of the Dharma.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. We are currently offering six housing options:

1. Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
2. Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
3. Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
4. Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
5. Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
6. Basic Tent Platform (camping with your own gear)

Please use the appropriate field in the registration process to let us know your preferences in regards to housing, if any, and also specify if you insist on or prefer being housed with others of the same gender. All housing options are priced the same except for the Basic Tent Platform.

Southern Dharma is offers 50% scholarship awards for BIPOC and Young Adults, in addition to those with financial need. Indicate your interest in a Southern Dharma in-house scholarship during the registration process.

This program is also eligible for Hemera Contemplative Fellowships. Please note that you must apply for the Fellowship prior to registering for any program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.