Adopting the "Grandmother Mind:" A One Day Retreat

We will explore the concepts of compassion, wisdom and heart within the framework of "Grandmother Mind". Our ancestors (blood ancestors and others) have a great deal to teach us. We will all become ancestors someday. What do we want to pass on to the generations to come? The emphasis during this day will be upon the female ancestors since this is the month of Mother's Day, but that kind of compassion, wisdom and heart is not limited to those who identify as women.

About the teachers

SoKai Charli Vogt
SoKai (she/her) has been a spiritual seeker as long as she can remember, through Lutheran Catechism, Pagan studies, Feminist spirituality and Buddhism. She has been studying Buddhism intensely since 2007, when she received the precepts from Thich Nhat Hanh and has studied with multiple Vipassana and Thai Forest teachers. She is currently studying with Sensei Shun’E Ulrike Greenway in the Zen tradition and received the precepts in a Jukai ceremony February 7, 2024.

Laura Vocarro
Laura Vaccaro is an LCSW and Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapist, who for the past 30 years has specialized in working with childhood trauma. Laura’s own spiritual journey began with music, and the deep sense of connection that she felt singing and playing Jazz. Difficulties with her voice led her to explore new directions, and in 1989 she became a licensed massage therapist. For as long as she can remember, Laura has been seeking ways to cultivate greater self-love, compassion and connection through music, touch, nature and spirituality. In 2023 Laura began studying Buddhism at Red Clay Sangha. She started a regular sitting mediation practice and received the precepts from Gareth Young that same year. She is delighted to partner with SoKai in exploring the topic of "Grandmother’s Mind” with you all!