[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] FAQ: Downtown Dharma Retreat (Sep 20-22)

Hi friends,

We've gotten many questions in recent weeks from community members interested in Downtown Dharma's weekend mindfulness retreat, on September 20-22.

If you're considering the retreat, but are keen to learn more before signing up, please scroll down for answers to FAQ, such as:

• Is this retreat appropriate for those new-ish to meditation?
  
• Are scholarships available?
• Are rides available to/from the retreat center in Virginia?
  
• How much of it will be in silence?
  

The official registration page is here:

https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=1519

If you have other Qs that aren't below, please feel free to reach out with any of the friendly volunteers on the retreat planning team (Ana María, Kristin, Travis, Nate).

With love,

Vince

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I've never gone on a mindfulness retreat before. Am I welcome to join?

Yes, we hope you will join us! We expect many participants at this retreat who are new to meditation, along with others who have years of experience with retreats. We will be offering lots of guidance and support to help everyone feel comfortable and ready to benefit from the gift of a residential retreat experience.

Are scholarships available? Unfortunately I can't afford the full registration fee.

Yes! IMCW (Insight Meditation of Community of Washington) has a scholarship fund that assists those who'd otherwise be unable to go on retreat. If you need financial assistance, please submit this Scholarship Application. Funds are limited, so please apply early.

I don't have a car. Are rides available to/from the retreat center?

Yes, we will connect those who need a ride with drivers who are able to offer one. When registering, please indicate if you can OFFER a ride, or NEED a ride, and include location details. We'll follow up closer to the retreat to help rideshare folks connect with each other.

How much of the retreat will be in silence? And why would silence be beneficial on a retreat that emphasizes awakening in community?

After meeting each other over dinner on Friday, and breaking into small groups for introductions, we'll enter into a period of shared silence that will extend through Saturday. This is a rare period of quiet that gives our overloaded senses a breather, so that we can spend time connecting intimately with our own hearts and minds. 

Any period of silence can be a little uncomfortable at first, particularly if you've never spent a day without talking before. Yet this stillness is actually a rich sanctuary from the distractions and stimulations that agitate the mind in our busy lives. These distractions keep us from experiencing deeper moments of peace, clarity and perspective. Embedded in nature, and silently supported by a community that values conscious living, we'll explore the possibility of an unexpected sense of connection with others, ourselves, and the natural world.

On Sunday, we will carry the effects of our shared silence into a structured period of mindful speaking and listening, focused on how to integrate mindfulness into daily life.

Do I have to participate in every activity that's scheduled?

We will be creating an atmosphere of shared respect and support for each other throughout the retreat weekend. Within this container, you are not only completely free, but encouraged, to use your own wise discernment.

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FAQ here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GfRBmBPRcipPHDy5c9PkWXB-j2yLySqXUIwfgOpngks/edit?usp=sharing

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