Awakening Joy Daylong Retreat

Saturday April 15th, from 10 am to 4:30 pm ET at Rising Fawn Gardens, GA
Retreat cost: $40 registration fee plus dana* for the teacher.
Register for this retreat.

This retreat will focus on the cultivation of Mindfulness (Sati) and Appreciative Joy (Mudita).

“Mudita strengthens the capacity to experience joy and happiness. It is likened to a flower at full bloom. It is the ability to appreciate something as it is blooming and releasing the fragrance of its happiness, without falling over the edge into a skeptical sardonic reaction such as “What is the point? It will only last for a moment.” The practice of mudita lifts the heart out of its preoccupation with insufficiency. As a result, the buoyant energies of gratitude and generosity begin to restore the human spirit.” – DaeJa Napier

The retreat will be held in noble silence and will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement, instructions, and reflections, with a mid-day lunch break to practice mindful eating. The schedule will also include an optional discussion period to reflect on how to skillfully apply the wisdom of the practice in our daily life.
This retreat is suitable for all levels of practice; however, some meditation experience is suggested.

We’ll be gathering at the Yoga House at Rising Fawn Gardens, Georgia. This beautiful 600-acre farm is nestled between the natural boundaries of Lookout Creek and the western slope of Lookout Mountain.

Bring your lunch and any appropriate props you will need for your sitting meditation practice. Rising Fawn has chairs, large bolsters, and blankets. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking outside.

*Dana is a practice of expressing gratitude through generosity. Dana or generosity, the practice of giving and receiving, is the heart and foundation of the Buddhist path. The Buddha taught generosity as a means of liberating our hearts, transforming clinging, and encouraging non-attachment.
Janka is dedicated to offering the teachings and her guidance freely. This means that she receives no compensation for teaching retreats and relies instead on the generosity of retreat participants. There will be an opportunity to offer dana to Janka at the end of the retreat.

There is one work-study scholarship available for those in need. Please email Janka to inquire.