About this IMS Online Retreat

Saturday, December 9, 2023 - Sunday, December 10, 2023


To go in the dark with a light is to know the light.

To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight,

and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings,

and is traveled by dark feet and dark wings.

- Wendell Berry


As we approach the darkest time of the year, we'll make space for the quiet joy of presence in this online retreat. Over these days, we will explore how continuity of simple awareness, supported by a schedule of sitting and walking meditation, can uncover joyful presence in the midst of the conditions of our lives. We'll also bring in chanting to support the opening of the heart.

Choose your enrollment fee

Schedule

This retreat begins on Saturday, December 9, at 10:00 am ET and concludes Sunday, December 10, at 5:00 pm ET. A full home retreat schedule and instructions will be offered. The live session schedule with the teacher is as follows:

Saturday, December 9, 2023 and Sunday, December  10, 2023

10:00 am - 10:45 am ET (check local time)

11:30 pm - 12:15 pm ET  (check local time)

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET  (check local time)

2:45 pm - 3:30 pm ET  (check local time)

4:15 pm - 5:00 pm ET  (check local time)

Meet Your Teacher

Rachel Lewis

Rachel Lewis began practicing insight meditation in 2003, while completing her physics PhD at Yale. Since 2011, she has taught dharma and meditation classes and retreats in British Columbia and beyond. She completed the IMS/IRC 4-year teacher training in 2021, and is a guiding teacher of the British Columbia Insight Meditation Society. Her dharma teaching interests include the power of music, humour, and creativity to increase our capacity for learning, as well as the way that practice supports and is supported by social justice work. Learn more on Rachel’s website: rachelmeditates.ca

More Information

  • Equity Pricing Model

    As one part of our ongoing effort to expand access to the teachings of the Buddha, all IMS Online programs feature equity-based registration fees, including the opportunity to self-select a low-cost scholarship rate. No-fee enrollment is available for those who request a fee-waiver at [email protected], no questions asked. Our system supports the cultivation of a dynamic and inclusive community and is made possible by our generous donors and those who choose to support other students by contributing at the “Benefactor” level.

  • Registration Deadline

    Registration for this program closes on December 9, 2023 at 9:00 am ET.

  • Program Recordings

    This program will be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing after the live sessions. On-demand videos will be available to registered participants only for 90 days. Some sessions may not be recorded at the teacher’s discretion for reasons of student confidentiality and to create a safe container.

  • Additional Questions

    If you have additional questions please contact us at [email protected].