Awakening Joy: A Daylong Retreat led by Janka Livoncova

This retreat will focus on the cultivation of Mindfulness (Sati) and Appreciative Joy (Mudita).

“Mudita strengthens the capacity to experience joy and happiness. It is likened to a flower at full bloom. It is the ability to appreciate something as it is blooming and releasing the fragrance of its happiness, without falling over the edge into a skeptical sardonic reaction such as “What is the point? It will only last for a moment.” The practice of mudita lifts the heart out of its preoccupation with insufficiency. As a result, the buoyant energies of gratitude and generosity begin to restore the human spirit.” – DaeJa Napier

The retreat will be held in noble silence and will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement, instructions, and reflections, with a mid-day lunch break to practice mindful eating. The schedule will also include an optional discussion period to reflect on how to skillfully apply the wisdom of the practice in our daily life.
This retreat is suitable for all levels of practice; however, some meditation experience is suggested.

Bring your lunch and any appropriate props you will need for your sitting meditation practice. Rising Fawn has chairs, large bolsters, and blankets.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking outside.

Cost: $40 registration fee + dana* for the teacher

There will be an opportunity to offer dana to the teacher at the end of the retreat.
*Dana is a practice of expressing gratitude through generosity. Dana or generosity, the practice of giving and receiving, is the heart and foundation of the Buddhist path. The Buddha taught generosity as a means of liberating our hearts, transforming clinging, and encouraging non-attachment.

Janka is dedicated to offering the teachings and her guidance freely. This means that she receives no compensation for teaching retreats and relies instead on the generosity of retreat participants. There will be an opportunity to offer dana to Janka at the end of the retreat.

There is one work-study scholarship available. To inquire, please email Janka at janka@breathingbody.net.

To read more about Janka, visit www.breathingbody.net and www.chattanoogainsight.com.

To read more about the practice of dana, go here: https://tricycle.org/magazine/dana-practice-giving

SPACES FOR THIS RETREAT ARE CURRENTLY FULL. IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO OUR WAITING LIST, PLEASE EMAIL janka@breathingbody.net