“Touched by This World” with Kirsten Kratz

The Power of Connection, Contemplation and Action

Nourishing our courage for the great adventure of global justice and ecological renewal

Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th July 2020 // Gayles Retreat, South Downs nr Eastbourne, Sussex

Opening to the challenges of our times can feel overwhelming. It requires us to keep stretching our hearts, to challenge and take a stance. Living in these times can be seen as a burden or as an invitation to cultivate and bring forth the very best in us, to honour and celebrate the beautiful potential of being truly human. What can nourish and sustain us on this journey, allowing us to more fully express our love and deep care for this world?

During our time together, we will explore these themes, drawing upon meditation practices from the Western Insight Meditation Tradition, alongside guided group processes from the “Work that Reconnects” by Joanna Macy. The retreat will be held in silence with opportunities to share, inspire and support each other in our yearning for a more just and sustainable world.

KIRSTEN KRATZ has practised Buddhist meditation in Asia and the West since 1993. She started teaching in 2006. Currently she supports those on long term personal retreat in Gaia House (https://gaiahouse.co.uk). One of her particular passions is exploring how wisdom teachings can foster appropriate responses to the challenges of our time. She is co-initiator of the Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement: DANCE. In recent years, as one way to highlight the lack of appropriate responses to the unfolding climate emergency, mass extinction and environmental degradation, Kirsten felt called to get involved in nonviolent actions of civil disobedience in Germany and the UK.

For full details visit www.retreattogayles.co.uk, phone Sharon Grattan on 07895 534311, or email kirstenatgayles@yahoo.com.

1 -1 5 March 2020

European Institute of applied Buddhism nr Cologne, Germany

https://www.eiab.eu/index.php?index=129&action=ShowDetails&id=c73581ea-ffc3-11e9-a0d5-b62aa61a0880

A retreat with Sr. Chan Duc, Sr. Luc Nghiem and other monastics

In this retreat we will take a close look at the basis for our actions, in order to alleviate suffering in the world.

Whether we are campaigning for a sustainable way of life for all species on earth or for a sustainable way of life in harmony, freedom and justice, we will consider how we can avoid drowning in a sea of anger, sorrow and violence. The practice of mindfulness, concentration and insight, which helps us to cultivate the energy of compassion, joy and peace, should be our daily diet if we want to be and remain happy human beings.

In this retreat we will create a safe and protected space in which each of us can learn, heal and transform, so that we can strengthen our deep aspiration to achieve change and transformation, as well as to be a stable refuge for those who need us.

We will hear Dharma talks from monastic Dharma teachers from Plum Village as well as some talks from people who already practice ‘mindful activism’, take part in circle-sharing, and have time for ourselves, to rest and relax, and reflect on our lives.

A deep ambition to help the world is not enough, if we don’t know how to take care of our own body and mind. That is why it is so important to learn the art of stopping, so we can take a look at our own body and mind and to check where we are before we push ahead with our actions in the world outside. Thanks to the practice of walking meditation, mindful breathing, sitting meditation and mindful eating together during meal times, we will cultivate the ability to stop, relax and allow ourselves to deeply touch the sanctity of life and the wonders always available in the present moment.

This retreat is being organized by nuns and monks from Plum Village and members of Wake Up.

The talks and presentations, and the circle-sharing will be predominantly in English, If required translation into German will be made available.