The Quest for True Belonging

The Quest for True Belonging

Online half-day retreat

Date: Sunday January 8th, 2pm -8pm  (GMT)

(9am - 3pm EST)

Paris Bartholomew Host

Tibetan bowls Tia Sunlight

kulkalkan Williams - Retreat lead

We are delighted to present the 7 healing mindfulness practices from Tibetan philosophy. This is a workshop designed to initiate a journey of self-discovery, transformation and belonging through mindfulness practice. This intensive, deep process involves powerful transformative practices such as standing meditation for stability, over-toning for somatic resonance, nature of mind practice for expansiveness, storytelling for fun, chanting for connection and Tibetan bowls for healing.  There will be group discussions, breakout rooms and a libation ritual.

1. What is the 'Nature of mind practice'?

Nature of mind is a practice and philosophy from the Tibetan tradition, which is a combination of visualization, breathwork, developing discernment or vipanisa. It helps put perspective on the actual nature of how objects arise, the conditions that sustain them and how ability to be fixated or overwhelmed by them. The nature of mind or primary factor is referred to as Rigpa, which is absolute, its uncreated, It’s outside of time and space, and untouched by life and death. Rigpa is the primordial, pure, pristine awareness that is cognizant, radiant and awake. This beyond religion, science it simply is. It is often concealed, enveloped and obscured by the secondary factors of the mind. The glimpses there is a real sense of liberation and freedom

2.What is overtoning?

Overtoning is a practice of chanting or harmonic singing where we make a sound and modulate the voice so that we can produce other sounds or notes simultaneously. This  helps the body to resonate the primordial sound of OM. This is applied to the Shakras of the body, and is a helpful way of bringing our attention to the sensations of the body.

3.Milarepa Mantra

Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum

It is one of the leading Buddhist mantras. This mantra is very useful both for learners and for the most advanced practitioners.

Its significance follows this message: The whole Universe is like a crystal (in some translations – a pearl), which is inside my heart (or inside a lotus flower – representation of the 'I').

This mantra is chanted, meditating on the connection between us and the Universe, with a sense of altruism, love, and dedication.

4.What is Tibetan bowls healing?

Tibetan singing bowls affect our inner vibrations in the body. Sound therapy with Tibetan singing bowls is an ancient form of regeneration. The first bowls were made from an alloy of various metals and were used 6000 years ago in the Far East. ...

The physical effect: deep relaxation

Mental/emotional effect: * relaxed mind, mental/emotional tensions and blockages are eased .

5.What is standing meditation?

Standing meditation is a powerful method of healing the body from injuries and chronic illnesses. Standing meditation increases vitality, internal strength and fitness, as well as overall body power.

Standing meditation makes use of five very specific standing postures to deeply release long held stress and tension. The legs, spine and shoulders become very strong yet relaxed. Unnecessary tension is released from the joints and muscles, making them more flexible and elastic.

Standing meditation makes use of specific relaxed abdominal breathing and mental imagery, and awareness of the inside of your body

6.Storytelling- The story of MilarepaWas famously known as a murderer when he was a young man, before turning to Buddhism and becoming a highly accomplished Buddhist disciple and saint. He is generally considered one of Tibet's most famous yogis and spiritual poets, whose teachings are known among several schools of Tibetan Buddhis

7.Libation ritual and dedication of merit

In many cultures across the world – especially in Africa - libations are poured in order to pay homage to the ancestors. During public functions, libations are used to invite the ancestors to participate in the function with the living, and also to ask God or deities to watch over them.

If you lose all differentiation between yourselves and others, fit to serve others you will be. And when in serving others you will win success, then shall you meet with me; And finding me, you shall attain to Buddhahood.

'Belonging' Online Retreat schedule

1:45 - Doors open; chanting

2:00 Checking in and welcome, setting boundaries, group intentions

2:30 What is nature of mind according to Buddhist philosophy?

3:00 Breakout rooms and group discussion.

3:30 Break-

3:45 Standing Meditation and overtonng- Somatic healing

4:00 Story of Milarepa

Exploring areas around personal and collective alignment

vulnerability sacredness, and our true home through our narratives.

5:00 Meal break

6:00 Chanting followed by Breakout room

6:30 - Discussion - Q &A

7:00 Tibetan blows and over toning

7:30 Closing comments and ritual

Libation Ritual- Dedication of merit.