ON SITE: Nurturing Equanimity through Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation

According to yogic and Buddhist philosophy, there are four noble qualities, known in the Buddhist tradition as the Four Immeasurables or Four Limitless Ones: loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, and sympathetic joy. We are all born with the seeds of these traits, and with practice we can cultivate them to develop strength, steadiness, and openness in any situation—independent of external conditions.

Although these four qualities are inter-related, in this retreat we will explore equanimity as a means to remain openhearted during times of tension and strife, whether personal or global. Equanimity is freedom from powerful reactions, positive or negative, to another person or an event—the ability to be even- and open-minded toward everyone, no matter how they behave. This practice brings clarity to situations where we may be moved to react from passion or bias. Expanding our view to one of engaged impartiality allows us to respond to life’s challenges with wisdom—even at times with a sense of humor.

Each day will include periods of silent and guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, and the practice of hatha yoga postures and breath awareness.

Yoga poses help us move into our bodies and regulate the breath. They build flexibility, endurance, and balance for more ease in sitting meditation and in life. As we observe our body from the front, back, sides, and inside, we can also shift to a broader perspective in observing the world around us. When you move into a yoga pose, can you find mental and physical ease? Can you discover the places where you hold dissatisfaction? By honing and practicing these qualities on the yoga mat, you learn to transfer them to daily life to become more peaceful and accepting—intentionally nonreactive and non-biased to external circumstances.

Cindy Dollar will be assisted on this retreat by Tammy Kaousias. Tammy teaches yoga in Knoxville, TN and has studied with Cindy for over a decade.

Until further notice, registration for our residential programs is restricted to individuals who have or will receive their final Covid-19 vaccination at least two weeks before their arrival on site. We will be restricting total retreat capacity to allow for comfortable, unmasked participation, as well as the option of outdoor dining in keeping with CDC recommendations. Please be prepared to present proof of your vaccination upon request.

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

For our 2021 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.

Registration fees do not include dana for the teacher. 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 four housing options: 1) Bed in Lodge in a shared double room, 2) Bed in Lodge in dorm with privacy partitions, 3) Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom), 4) Tent Platform. 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 or prefer being housed with others of the same gender.

Southern Dharma is now offering 50% scholarship awards for BIPOC and young adults in addition to those with financial need. Indicate your interest in a scholarship during the registration process. More information available here.