Retreats // Cultivating Presence through Feldenkrais, Meditation & Poetry
January 7 & 8, 2023
With John Brehm & Alice Boyd
Honolulu, HI
“The greatest gift we can give our world is our full presence, and our choice, moment by moment, to stay present.” —Joanna Macy
When we’re fully present, even for a moment, we find the stillness and peace we long for are always already right here, waiting for us. Such moments can be a refuge, a safe haven from the anxiety of accelerating change and collective trauma we are all living through right now. They can also be, as Joanna Macy says, our greatest gift to the world.
But being present isn’t easy. In this two-day workshop, we’ll explore three related practices—Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons, meditation, and mindful poetry discussions—that strengthen our capacity to stay present even in the midst of challenging conditions. Unwinding habitual ways of moving, resting in the stillness of mediation, and engaging with poems not as puzzles to be figured out but as rich experiences to be enjoyed, all help orient us toward the present moment.
Participants may choose to do one or both sessions. The basic format and practices will be the same on both days, though the specific content will be different. Both days will feature:
- A brief talk on Cultivating Presence
- Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson
- Guided Meditation
- Mindful poetry discussion
For our poetry discussions, we’ll draw on two of John’s books: The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness, and Joy and The Dharma of Poetry: How Poems Can Deepen Your Spiritual Practice and Open You to Joy.
The distant mountains
are reflected in the eye
of the dragonfly
–Issa
We hope you’ll join us!
Alice & John
$60 Saturday only
$75 Sunday only (including reception with appetizers and tea)
or $125 for both