Day of Mindfulness (Mid-Atlantic Region)

Day of Mindfulness: Togetherness and Healing

Regional DOM with sanghas of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Sunday, September 17, 2023

from 9:30am to 5:00pm – (Arrival 9:15)

All traditions and levels of experience welcome (Ages 16+)

 

The larger your beloved community, the more you can accomplish in the world. -Thich Nhat Hanh

 

Where: 9 Old Mill Lane, Rose Valley, PA 19063 | at the beautiful, historic ‘Old Mill’

One half-mile from SEPTA Rail (R3/Moylan-Rose Valley Station); 2mi from Media, PA

20 minutes from Center City Philadelphia by car

 

• We will practice the art of mindfulness through relaxation, sitting, dharma sharing and walking. 
• Wonderful nature trails along Ridley Creek
• Plentiful free parking
• Shuttle available by request (plan to arrive Moylan Train Station at 9:21)

 

What to Bring: Please bring a cushion for sitting and a mat or blanket for resting (we will have very limited mats and cushions available) | anything you need to be comfortable for the day | loose clothing appropriate to the weather and air conditioning, |a bagged lunch, including utensils | a healthy snack to share if you wish |We will provide tea, cold drinks, cups, and sweets | Shoes for easy walking on well-cleared trails in the woods | sunscreen and insect repellent if needed | a smile ☺

 

Purpose: Our teacher has emphasized the importance of gathering together with the wider sangha body for days of mindfulness in order to nourish our togetherness and deepen our practice. 

 

Register in advance at this link by September 8th: https://forms.gle/wsJkhziNKNCxrfPz8

It is also possible to register at the door | Please let us know you are coming – text: 267-235-7888

 

Suggested dana (donation) $20-40

All proceeds benefit the new sister’s residence at Blue Cliff Monastery

Need detailed directions, have questions? rfabian@kosmosjournal.org tel: 267-235-7888 (text is fine) 

Togetherness and Healing | A Regional Day of Mindfulness

(Septa R3 arrives at Moylan Station from 30th Street at 9:21 AM)

PROGRAM

We cherish the diversity of humanity, a diversity which includes differences in sex, age, race, ethnicity, and national origin, range of abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, financial means, education, and political perspective.  Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. 

9:00-9:30 AM: Registration

 9:30-10:00 AM – Singing, Opening and Welcome

 10:00-10:30 AM – Silent Sitting meditation; plenty of chairs available

 10:30 – 10:45 AM – Mindful Movement/Qigong

 10:45-11:00 AM – Tea Break

 11:00-11:45 AM – Dharma Talk 

 11:45 -12:30 PM – Walking Meditation (outdoors if feasible)

 12:30-1:15 PM – Picnic Lunch (indoors or out)

 1:15 – 1:30 Transitional time

 1:30-2:30 PM  –  Themed Workshops (TBA) and Sharing

 2:30-3:00 PM – Small Closing Circles/Dharma Sharing 

 3:00-3:15  PM  – Tea Break

 3:15 – 4:00 pm -Choice of Deep relaxation or Qigong

 4:00 -4:30 pm – Closing / Offering the Merit

 4:30-5:00 PM – Clean-up

 5:00 pm – Retreat ends; Departure

Considering an overnight stay? The Hampton Inn/Media or Inn at Swarthmore are suggested.
You might also consider Pendle Hill Quaker Retreat Center. All are $90-150/night.

A DAY OF MINDFULNESS from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book, The Miracle of Mindfulness.

“Choose a day of the week, Saturday or Sunday perhaps, during which you will be entirely mindful. 

Do all your activities in a calm and relaxing way. Follow your breath, take hold of it, and don’t let your thoughts scatter. Measure your steps with quiet, long breaths. Maintain a half smile.

In the morning, make yourself a pot of tea. Sit and drink it in mindfulness. Drink it slowly and reverently, as if it is the center of the universe. Do not rush the future. It will come when it comes. Live in the present moment instead. Don’t worry about things you have to do yet. Don’t think about what will happen next. Just be.

Be as distant from your phone and computer as you can manage. Try to spend a good part of your day outside, whether that’s walking in nature or working in your garden. Take some time to simply enjoy the natural world. Watch the clouds or the birds. Breathe in the outside air. Watch the sunset if you can see it. Then, when it’s time, return to your bed and fall asleep in mindfulness.”

We look forward to seeing you on September 17th!