Touching the Earth
with
Susie Harrington
5-day Residential Retreat
July 30 - August 3, 2024
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre
Cochrane, Alberta
In the storms of our lives we need refuge, nourishment and support - a place to replenish our tired bodies and troubled hearts. When the Buddha taught meditation, his first instruction was to go sit under a tree. The beautiful surroundings at Mount St. Francis are ideal for practicing together in the age-old tradition of being outside in the company of the natural world, while also offering the flexibility to “retreat” indoors, if needed.
In this silent retreat, we will explore tapping into the natural stillness and dynamism that surrounds us and which can teach us balance. As we integrate the stillness and movement, we move toward being active participants in the world while maintaining balance and ease in our hearts and minds.
About the teacher
Susie Harrington has trained in the Insight tradition since 1989 and is the guiding teacher of Desert Dharma in Moab, Utah. In 2005, she was invited into teaching by Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, and Guy Armstrong. Susie often offers retreats outside, believing nature to be a profound teacher, and a gateway to our true self. She also brings the skills of inquiry, relational dharma, and the psychological/spiritual interface to her teaching, informed by her ongoing study of the Diamond Approach by A.H.Almaas and as a graduate of Hakomi Therapy (a somatic psychotherapy modality). She was an outdoor professional for over 30 years, including years as a river guide, mountaineering guide, and backcountry ranger, and now finds her greatest delight in sharing her love of the dharma and the natural world.
Questions? Please contact info@calgaryims.org
Details
Dates:
Tuesday, July 30: Arrive at Mount St. Francis 1 – 1:45 PM, with retreat opening at 2 PM
Saturday, August 3: Retreat closes at 2 PM
Location: Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane AB
Accommodation: Private single rooms with sink and shared washroom and shower rooms
Meals: Fees cover supper July 30, three meals/day July 31 - Aug. 2, and breakfast and lunch Aug. 3.
~ All meals are vegetarian and food allergies are accommodated
~ There is a coffee/tea station and daily fruit/protein snacks
~ A small fridge is available for small personal food items
Indoor spaces:
~ Private bedrooms with shared washrooms
~ Meditation hall
~ Dining room
~ Lounge area
Outdoor spaces:
Weather and air quality permitting, most practice will occur outdoors, with indoor spaces used as needed. We will provide a list with the retreat package to help make sure you have the supplies/clothing options needed to support an outdoor retreat.
~ Large mowed lawn surrounded by treed areas with walking trails
~ Some Adirondack chairs and participants will be encouraged to bring folding outdoor chairs for outdoor meditation comfort if desired
~ Please note this is a Catholic retreat centre and there are outdoor statues and plaques representing Christian themes on the lawn and trails
Retreat preparation and commitment
Dedicating to five days of silence is a special commitment to yourself, and a precious gift. Please be prepared to refrain from podcasts, interactions with the internet, e-mail, and/or mobile phone, and extensive reading or journalling, so you can settle into the inner journey. Please be prepared to stay at the retreat center for the full duration of the retreat.
noble silence
The retreat will be held in noble silence except for discussions with the teacher. You are encouraged to take care of all errands and personal matters before the start of the retreat so that you can create a quiet mind which will support your retreat.
To support the retreat experience for you and other participants, cell phones should be turned off or left at home.
pre-retreat (or pre-registration) support
If you haven’t been on a residential retreat before (or even if you have!), you may have questions about the experience. It might seem intimidating to think about meditating throughout the day and maintaining silence, or you might have other questions or concerns. Please contact info@calgaryims.org and we’ll be happy to offer information and support to help create a positive retreat experience.
Registration & Fees
Retreat capacity is limited - register early to reserve your spot.
The registration deadline is July 14.
Fees
The fees you pay cover the cost of the facility rental, meals, and teacher transportation, accommodation and meals. Susie does not charge a set fee for leading the retreat, but offers her guidance and teaching on a dana (donation) basis. (Please see “What is dana”, below.)
The retreat fee is offered on a sliding scale basis and you may choose which level is best for you.
Supported: $500 - discounted rate
Base: $635 - actual cost/person
Benefactor: $700 - supports scholarships and the cost of the supported fee rate.
Scholarship: If cost is a barrier to your attending, please contact scholarship@calgaryims.org to request a partial bursary.
What is dana?
Dana: In continuation of a practice that began in the time of the Buddha, Susie does not charge a set fee for leading the retreat and mentoring yogis, but gratefully accepts donations. Dana supports her ability to continue sharing the Buddha's teachings as her livelihood, enables students of Dhamma to engage in their own practice of generosity, and allows individuals of various means to attend retreats now and into the future.
There will be an opportunity to offer cash or cheque dana to Susie near the end of the retreat. Information on how to offer dana online or by e-transfer will be included in the retreat package you’ll receive prior to the retreat.
For more information about dana, please see this article.
Cancellation Policy
Prior to completing the registration form, please read the cancellation policy for residential retreats, here.