Zen Mind / Body Zen: The Undoing of Doing

This retreat for experienced and beginning meditators, is based on the teachings of both Zen Master Dogen and F.M. Alexander. These two deep practices echo one another in embracing body/mind harmony.

In our busy lives, even in our meditation practice, we are often not aware of the way we use our bodies. F.M. Alexander recognized how debilitating unknown habits of tension can be and discovered ways for us to re-learn how to use our bodies’ coordination for greater ease in any activity. In a class each day, Meredith will present Alexander Technique principles, basic anatomy of the muscles and skeleton as it is used in activity or sitting still and hands-on guidance. She will also use gentle hands- on guidance during some zazen periods (while observing the silence), during some work meditations and in a smaller group setting on one afternoon.

Dogen-zenji (1200-1253) who is considered the founder of the Japanese Soto School and established Eiheiji training monastery, wrote instructions about zazen which include detailed guidance on how to sit and the spirit with which to approach practice. Rev. Teijo Munnich will give a dharma talk each day based largely on Dogen’s teachings. She will also be available for small group Q & A/ discussion on one afternoon.

Practicing in the spirit of Dogen and using the principles of the Alexander Technique, this retreat offers a renewed experience of flexibility in body and mind and the possibility of responding to delightful or challenging situations with a livelier sense of ourselves and the environment around us.

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.