(Postponed, New Date TBD) The Heart of Recovery Retreat: Moving Towards Freedom and Joy

“The more we witness our emotional reactions and understand how they work, the easier it is to refrain.”
— Pema Chödrön

Grounded in meditation, the Buddhist teachings provide a practical means to support our recovery from addictions and compulsive behaviours, as well as help us release the clinging to thoughts and impulses that lead us to suffering, discontent, and harmful actions.

This Heart of Recovery retreat is grounded in the view that meditation can show us how to find relief from the suffering of addictions and compulsive behaviours of all kinds.

What is the relationship between meditation and recovery from addiction and compulsive behaviours?

During the retreat we will explore how meditation and mindfulness practices can support us not only in connecting to our inherent goodness, warmth, and intelligence as human beings, but also in engaging with and appreciating our world as further manifestations of these qualities.

We will discover and explore the wisdom and sanity that underlies all aspects of our existence, and how that wisdom gets twisted by fear and ego, and then manifests as neurosis, character defects, habitual patterns and addictive behaviours. And, we will learn how meditation trains us to notice when we are lost in a story, hooked by emotions, or caught by addictive energies and behaviours.

Instead of acting out or suppressing our emotions, we can learn to embody our experiences and open ourselves to the inherent wisdom that exists below the surface of emotional energy.

The Heart of Recovery Retreat Includes

• In-depth guided meditation instruction and practise
• Talks on meditation and recovery
• Group discussions
• Mindfulness techniques and exercises designed to support recovery and deepen our appreciation for life
• Instruction in techniques for working with emotions, urges and triggers when they arise
• Optional one-on-one meditation instruction
• Heart of Recovery Meetings

Who Should Attend

The retreat is open to both new and experienced meditation practitioners. Those who are personally working with recovery, as well as to those whose lives have been impacted by addiction (as parents, children, spouses, etc.) will also benefit.

Basic Schedule

October 9
Arrival: Sunday afternoon.
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Orientation & Talk: 7:45

October 10-14
8:00 am – 9:00 pm
With breaks for meals and mid-day relaxation. 

October 15
Breakfast & Departure

A more detailed schedule will be posted when you arrive.

Application Process

Because of the focus and depth of this retreat, the program will be limited to participants who are stable in their recovery and who are committed to developing a contemplative lifestyle in recovery.

We ask that participants complete an application questionnaire. Once we have reviewed your application, we will send you a password that will enable you to register online.

We require alcohol or chemically dependent guests to have at least three months of continuous sobriety before arriving for the program. Those with eating disorders and behavioural addictions (relationships, gambling, spending etc.) should have enough stability to embark on this work.

Costs

Tuition: $250 CAD
Meals: $120 CAD
Accommodations: Varies by selection. (Options can be viewed on the Registration Page.)

Useful Links

What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here
Financial Aid Form