Chicago Meditates

Everyone is welcome to join our weekly meditation on Monday evening at 7:00pm. All levels of experience are welcome. If you are new to meditation, make that known to the facilitator so we can provide some guidance for you. We have up to 30 minute silent sitting sessions, so some level of acclimation to stillness is helpful. Though we are secular, you'll find Buddhism, Vipassana, and mindfulness are common themes here. THIS MEETING WILL BE LIVE AT HOLY TRINITY, 1218 ADDISON, CHICAGO, 2ND FLOOR, ST. MARK'S ROOM.

The evening will include silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, a reading and reflection with time to share with one another. Some times there is very accessible Qigong as a way to tune into the body.
Parking passes are available for the lot behind Missio Dei, 1242 Addison (the lot is accessed from the alley behind Missio Dei). 383 neighborhood parking passes are available for $1.

**Please note: in order to secure your place for this retreat you must register by way of the link at the end of this summary. Your RSVP here will only declare your intention to attend.

What this weekend is

Open to all men.

We slow down, get quiet, and notice how thoughts are a constant distraction to being in the present moment. With simple mindfuless sitting practice, walking meditation, and movement like Qigong and yoga we can become more aware of our inner world and let things slow down like the silt that settles at the bottom of a pond, providing more clarity to what lies beneath the surface. This also allows us to look honestly at how we were shaped as men and how those patterns show up today. With awareness, we can release what no longer serves and choose what does.

The container
This weekend will be in noble silence. Most of the time we will not talk, including during meals. The stillness created by prolonged silence is a specific goal. The intention to connect is present, primarily at the edges: an opening circle to arrive together and a closing circle to integrate, ideally around the campfire on Saturday night if weather allows.
How we practice

• Seated and walking meditation, mindful movement, and intentional pauses
• Clear guidance for newcomers and depth for experienced practitioners
• Open time outdoors on the grounds
• Simple agreements for confidentiality, respect, and phones off

Who it’s for
Men new to meditation and long-time practitioners who are willing to sit, listen, and engage respectfully.
Schedule

• Friday: arrive and register by 4:30 p.m., dinner at 5:30, opening practice at 6:30
• Saturday: practice blocks, movement, optional nature time, evening open circle by the fire
• Sunday: morning practice, integration, depart at 2:00 p.m.

Comfort
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a cushion or bench if you use one. Chairs are available. Bring shoes and warm clothes for walking the grounds.
Investment

• Double occupancy: $495
• Single occupancy: $455

Includes two nights lodging with private bath, towels and bedding, meeting room, and six vegetarian meals starting Friday dinner. If on-site rooms sell out, nearby hotels are available and retreat fees will be adjusted. No donation ask. Prices cover all costs.

With David Haskin, Jan Cittasubha Sheppard & Steven Spiro

We have within us the ability to be as solid and upright as a mountain and to have an open and spacious heart that joyfully embraces all of life, the challenging and the comfortable. When we live in this way, there is happiness and ease.

This practice is how we strengthen our ability to remain unshakeable and open to all experience. Please join us for the sixteenth annual Thaypassana retreat, at which we will, in supportive community, practice the teachings that lead us to steadiness and spaciousness.

Friday, January 16, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, January 17, 8:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday, January 18, 8:00am - 3:00pm

This retreat is in-person (residential and non-residential). Residential availability at Holy Wisdom Monastery is SOLD OUT; additional lodging is available at nearby hotels.

Non-residential Cost: $215 Residential Cost: $445

Steven Spiro is a Zen Chaplain ordained by Roshi Joan Halifax of the Prajna Mountain Order. He is the creator of Breathing Earth Qigong, which is offered as classes and retreats. He teaches the Dharma, as well as meditation and mindfulness in prisons, and heads the Wisconsin Prison Dharma Teachers’ Sangha. He’s an artist, spouse, grandfather, gardener, and dog lover.

Janice Cittasubha Sheppard is a Lay Buddhist Minister in the Theravada Thai Forest lineage of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho, and a Community Dharma Leader through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She teaches retreats in the Midwest, leads a weekly meditation group, and offers Buddhist pastoral services and mindfulness training in Wisconsin prisons.

David Haskin has been a student of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 1993 and is an ordained member of his core practice community, The Order of Interbeing. David teaches mindfulness and meditation in WI prisons and to people in recovery, combat veterans and to men’s groups.

Non-Residential: $215: Retreatant will not lodge overnight at Holy Wisdom Monastery, but commute to the retreat (from home/hotel/etc.), while still doing one’s best to maintain Noble Silence/the retreat atmosphere for the duration of retreat. NOTE: ALL RESIDENTIAL SPOTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN.

Above costs include 3 vegetarian lunches & 2 dinners, (& continental breakfast & lodging for residential retreatants), coffee/tea, retreat facility fees, and other retreat expenses.

DANA: Following ancient tradition, the cost includes no compensation to the instructors. However, a contribution (dana) to the teachers is encouraged (more info provided at time of retreat).
Financial Assistance: There may be a limited number of partial scholarships available, depending on donations. Contact Maureen at maureenieb8@gmail.com for more information.
Deadlines & cancellations: Please register early for the retreat, as it always fills. All cancellations are subject to a nonrefundable $50 fee; cancellations on or before Dec.15 will be refunded the retreat fee, less $50. No refunds can be given if cancellations are received after Dec.15.