About this IMS Online Retreat

Friday, October 20, 2023 - Sunday, October 22, 2023

The Buddha advised us to not only overcome unhealthy states but to cultivate states of true well-being such as gratitude, kindness, and compassion. What’s more, he encouraged us to deepen these states when possible. A profound support in doing this is to connect with the unnameable mystery from which all states emanate--what Ven. Ajahn Sumedho called "The Shining through of the Divine." In this online practice retreat we will focus on cultivating these states and rather than taking ownership of them, to keep connecting to the source within us from which they arise. As they shine through, they become a gift to everyone in our lives. This retreat is for practitioners who want to deepen their meditation practice through heartfelt connection to our natural goodness, well-being and joy. Periods of meditation with instruction, practice-oriented talks and practice discussions with the teachers.

Schedule

This retreat begins on Friday, October 20, at 7:30 pm ET and concludes Sunday, October 22, at 12:00 pm ET. A full home retreat schedule and instructions will be offered. The live session schedule with the teacher is as follows:

Friday, October 20, 2023

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm ET (check local time)

Saturday, October 21, 2023

10:00 am - 12:00 pm ET (check local time)

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET Session (check local time)

Sunday, October 22, 2023

10:00 am - 12:00 pm ET (check local time)

About the Teachers

James Baraz

James Baraz is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. James started the Community Dharma Leader program, the Kalyana Mitta Network, the Spirit Rock Family Program and helped create the Heavenly Messengers Training Program. James has been leading the online course Awakening Joy since 2003. He serves as a guiding teacher to One Earth Sangha, a Virtual EcoDharma Center devoted to Buddhist responses to Climate Change. His books include Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness and Awakening Joy for Kids.

Alexa Redner

Alexa Redner has been practicing meditation since 2003. She holds a BA in Visual Arts and MA in Creation Spirituality from Naropa University. Alexa has been an educator in many realms over the last twenty years, dancing between the worlds of being a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher, program teacher for Mindful Schools, and Eating Disorders/Body Positive Educator at Beyond Hunger. Alexa is currently a mentor for Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Certification Program and teaches for Cloud Sangha, leading weekly community discussion groups, meditations, immersion sanghas, and individual mentoring sessions. As a Body Love activist, Alexa is interested in exploring how dharma practices can unwind the mind from the cultural conditioning of body shame and open to the heart to the sacred quality of living in a body on the Earth. As a student of Rob Burbea and Catherine McGee’s Soulmaking Dharma, Alexa brings a playful and soft approach to meditation practice. Alexa lives with her fiddler husband and young son in Portland, Oregon.

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 Friday, October 21 at 7 pm 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 for 90 days.

  • Additional Questions

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