Zen & the Undoing of Doing: A Body/Mind Retreat

This retreat for both experienced and beginning meditators is based on the teachings about meditation of Zen Master Dogen and body awareness taught by F.M. Alexander. These two teachers echo one another in embracing body/mind harmony.

Dogen-zenji (1200-1253), the founder of the Japanese Soto School, wrote instructions for zazen (sitting meditation) which include detailed guidance on how to sit and the spirit with which to approach meditation practice. His teachings embody the spirit of flexibility in body and mind by encouraging “Just Sitting” (Shikantaza) without an agenda. This “Just Sitting” can be understood as resisting the compulsion to do something in order to learn to live life as it is in each moment.

In our busy lives, even in our meditation practice, we are often not aware of the way we use our bodies. Both Dogen and F.M. Alexander recognized how debilitating unknown habits of body and mind can be, and they offer ways for us to re-learn how to use our mind/body coordination for greater ease in our lives.

This retreat will include sitting & walking meditation periods, daily dharma talks by Rev. Teijo Munnich based largely on Dogen’s teachings, small group sessions and Q&A. Each day, Meredith will also present Alexander Technique principles and basic anatomy of the muscles and skeleton as they are used in activity or sitting still. She will also offer gentle hands-on guidance during some zazen periods, work meditations, and in small groups.

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. Please be prepared to present proof of your vaccination upon request. We also 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!

Check-in from 4-6pm; Early arrivals may be accommodated – email registrar@southerndharma.org to request.

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.

For our 2022 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

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 now offering 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.