The Flowering Heart ~ a mindful self-compassion immersion

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IMMERSION DATES/TIMES: April 15th/16th

Daylong Experience: 8:45am – 6:00pm

Full Overnight Experience (preference for space given to overnight participants):
8:45am Saturday to 2:00pm Sunday.

***NOTE: Follow up Zoom Integration Session included – Wednesday April 19th, 6:30pm.

*Limit of 25 participants only at this time – reserve your space today!
**Please plan to stay for the entire duration that you sign up for!
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IMMERSION OVERVIEW: 🌻

“Searching in all directions
with your awareness,
you find no one dearer
than yourself.” ~ The Buddha

Establishing a foundation of heartfulness is fundamental to the path of healing, insight, and liberation. And there is no more transformative a tool than the practices of self-kindness and compassion.

We come together in a growing community to “turn the wheel of healing” and insight for ourselves, one another, and for the universe itself.

We offer a 35′ Yurt for meditation, an outdoor kitchen for meal prep and serving, a compost toilet and wash station, camping areas, and acres of forest and meadows.

We will provide a majority of your nutritional needs through a plant-based, allergen-free lunch, dinner and breakfast. Please plan to supplement your meals to meet your dietary needs. (See detailed notes on food and water farther below).

The immersion will include silent sitting and walking meditations, yin yoga, nature explorations, dharma talks, and group sharing – as well as time to rest and soak it all in. Much of the event will be held in intentional silence, with the exception of several periods for group sharing and connection.
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Immersions are guided by Justin Michelson, and are a synergy of:

– the Insight Meditation tradition and the Brahmaviharas (Theravada Buddhism)
– Internal Family Systems Theory
– Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MSBR)

Over the years, we’ve realized the value of group integration/reflection/connection after these powerful experiences. However, scheduling and location have always proved challenging for everyone. Hence, we’ve decided to begin pre-scheduling an integration session during the following week on Zoom. For this immersion, the Zoom-based Integration Session will be on Wednesday April 19th at 6:30pm (link in registration email).
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EQUITY AND SAFETY:

We are aware that this group is led and often attended primarily by people who occupy identities of privilege; often predominantly white, settler (people who are not indigenous to the lands they live upon) and cisgender (people whose gender corresponds with the sex they were assigned at birth). We want to invite shared responsibility for cultivating and maintaining a safe(r), inclusive, and equitable space for all and ask each of you (especially white and cisgender folk) to engage in any preparation needed for you to do to show up in practice with people occupying other identities. Here are two introductory resources on white fragility and gender diversity:

White Fragility with Robin DiAngelo:

https://genderrights.org.au/inf…/what-is-gender-diversity/

(Courtesy of Darcy Otto and Youth Passageways.)

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COVID-19 AWARENESS AND POLICIES:

We will continue to monitor and adhere to the Oregon Health Authority guidelines for group gatherings and events. At this time, masks and social distancing will be OPTIONAL. No testing or vaccination is required to attend our events.

Even though the severity has lessened, we understand that Covid-19 remains an ongoing concern in our communities, especially for those who are immunocompromised. As a matter of course, we will continue to require that anyone experiencing SARS-CoV-2-like symptoms (that started less than 10 days prior to the immersion) refrain from attending and will be refunded in full. This can be overcome with a negative SARS-CoV-2 test or a positive T-cell antibody test.

Please let us know if you have special requests or needs to be able to feel safer and more comfortable at these events. Thank you for caring for yourself and others. Deep gratitude 🙏
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FEES and DONATIONS: (work trade and scholarships available below)

1.5 days of Dharma (guided meditations, yoga, & discussion), Organic Meals, and Camping accommodations.

1) Retreat Fee:

Overnight, $100 – $150

$100 – Subsidized Donation or BIPOC Donation
$125 – Sustaining Donation
$150 – Supporting Donation

Day-Long, $50 – $100

$50 – Subsidized Donation or BIPOC DONATION
$75 – Sustaining Donation
$100 – Supporting Donation

*The “retreat fee” is designed to approximate the costs of administration, permitting, food, insurance, rent, outreach, supplies, movement-teachers, set-up/clean-up, etc. It’s not designed to offer the main teacher a living wage for preparing teachings, holding the retreat container, meeting with participants, follow up, or preparing for future offerings. Nor is it designed to help support our 501c3 non-profit in sustaining or expanding its reach and services. Hence, there is an additional practice opportunity of donating to those ends.

**Payment plans available (inquire within)

2) DANA – donation to Teacher and 501c3 mission.

“Dana” is the Pali word for generosity and, in this context, operates as a donation to the Teacher and 501c3 mission. It is offered at the end of the retreat via cash/check to Eugene Insight Meditation Center or “EIMC”. Paypal/Venmo are also options (at [email protected] and @eugene-insight).

*Offering mindfulness teachings on a donation basis comes from the tradition of Insight Meditation. It keeps these powerful mindfulness practices accessible, honest, and communal. However, it only works if attendees incline their hearts to understand and participate in it. We invite you to consider this as a spiritual practice of generosity and loving-kindness. This offering supports the livelihood of the teacher, the work of the 501c3 non profit, and keeps the “wheel of the dharma” turning for all beings.

**People often ask how much is appropriate. The guideline is to offer the teacher what feels generous to you while also within your financial means. However, when pressed for an amount, we often suggest $50-100 for the full overnight retreat. But sincerely, amount is welcomed.

Thank you. And let us know if you have any questions.
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REGISTRATION: There are limited spaces on the retreat. Reserve your spot through one of the following avenues:
1) Via card or PayPal at the bottom of this page.

2) CHECK/CASH:
Send to Eugene Insight Meditation Center at 135 N. Moss St. PO Box 53, Lowell, OR 97452.

If you use a check, please also send an email to [email protected].
If you need a special arrangement, please email [email protected].

Deposit of half the retreat fee is due to reserve your spot. Full payment due 1 month prior to the event. Payment plans accepted. See cancellation policy below.
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WORK TRADE: These positions require firm commitment and follow-through. Direct applications to [email protected].

1) Kitchen Assistant
This position requires a total of approximately 8hrs of focused work the day before the retreat, and covers the retreat fee. It requires travel to the site to work with the chef to prepare the meals.

2) Outreach and Registration Assistant (at least 1 month prior)
This position involves working with Nature’s Heart to tell more people about our programs through various online and in-person methods. It provides anywhere from a half to full trade for the event. Please fill out the application form at the following link: (coming soon)
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SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are available for low-income peoples and marginalized groups, including People of Color, Transgender, Elderly, and Disabled folks. Please contact [email protected] to share more about yourself. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

PAYMENT PLANS: We offer the option of payment plans for special circumstances. Inquire at [email protected] for more details.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Note, there is a $25 non-refundable registration fee.

The remainder of your payment is:
100% refundable if more than 30 days prior to the event;
50% if more than 14 days;
25% if more than 7 days;
No refund within 7 days of the event.
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TESTIMONIALS:

“What a soul enriching combination to be walking/hiking and meditating in nature, especially with a teacher/leader/guide like Justin, who so embodies his Love for both!! I am extremely grateful he is offering these day long/weekend retreats. Such a wonderful gift to give yourself! The ripple effect of deep peace I felt continued way beyond the experience itself!” – Past Participant

“The whole experience was really beautiful. Justin led us through various mindfulness exercises while also encouraging each of us to forge our own unique path of internal reflection and outward curiosity. I felt my energy take a huge leap forward during the retreat. Overall the experience was wonderful; I am definitely interested in a return experience this year!” – Past Participant

“Though brief, the weekend felt spacious thanks to the flexibility afforded to us – we could move around as needed, tend to our own vital needs, and one on one support was offered by both a licensed mental health provider and Justin. Along with delicious, nutritiously dense, plant-based food, we were well-nourished by a gentle yoga practice that I felt was integral to the experience as well and enabled us to go deeper into practice. Perhaps most compelling for me was the repeated invitation to allow emotions of sadness and grief to emerge as felt comfortable, and to hold these with care as we cultivated a “field of care”. Coming out of the retreat, we received guidance to take it slow and gentle with ourselves – I found myself feeling more like my true self, having a greater stress tolerance, feeling more loving and understanding towards all beings, feeling far more connected to nature, and experiencing more clarity in general. All in all, I believe we all need more of “this” in our lives given the culture we live in and to give each of our broken hearts a chance, and as Justin so aptly put it, that I will paraphrase here, healing occurs naturally when we allow the space for it to – we don’t have to try or force anything – it simply happens in the room we make for it. I urge each of us to please make room – and to do so here with Justin would be a gift to yourself, your loved ones, the rest of us, and the planet. Many thanks.”

– Past Participant
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RETREAT SCHEDULE: (approximate)

SATURDAY:
8:45am: Arrive at Mandala
9:00am: Welcome & Orientation
9:15am: One-One Conversations & Journal
9:30am: Dharma Talk #1
10:00am: Yin Yoga
10:45am: Seated Meditation
11:15am: Walking Meditation
11:45am: Seated Meditation
12:15pm: Walking Meditation
12:30pm: Lunch
2:00pm: Mini Dharma Talk
2:15pm: Yin Yoga
3:00pm: Seated Meditation
3:30pm: Walking Meditation
4:00pm: Seated Meditation
4:30pm ~ Walking Meditation
5:00pm ~ Short Sit, Dharma Talk and Group Sharing
6:00pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Seated Meditation
8:00pm: Walking Meditation
8:30pm: Partner Meditation
9:00pm: Candle Lighting Ceremony
9:30pm: Continued practice or sleep

SUNDAY:
6:00am: Wake Up Bell & Hot Tea
6:30am: Seated Meditation
7:00am: Walking Meditation
7:30am: Yin Yoga
8:00am – Breakfast
9:30am – Seated Meditation
10:00am – Walking Meditation

10:30am – Seated Meditation
11:00am – Dharma Talk
11:45am – Journaling
12:00pm – Final One-One Conversations
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Short Sit, Group Sharing
2:30pm – Short Talk & Questions
3:00pm – Departure & Clean

*Optional individual and group meetings with the teacher will be held during meal breaks, walking meditations, and movement sessions.

**Please stay for the entire duration, unless there is an emergency.

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LOCATION: 30 minutes outside of Eugene, OR. Precise directions will be given to registered participants via email several days prior to the immersion.
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FOOD and WATER: (you will need your own dishware and water bottle)

– We encourage you to eat a hearty breakfast before arriving on Saturday morning (or on the way up), as we won’t be breaking again until 12:30pm.
– For Lunch on Saturday, we will provide a fresh green salad w/ toppings, hard boiled eggs, and a dressing on the side. Please supplement with your own food.
– For Dinner on Saturday, we will provide a simple hearty soup with a grain, toppings, and hard boiled eggs. Please supplement with your own food.
– For Breakfast on Sunday, we will provide breakfast grains, fruit/nuts, and hard boiled eggs. Please supplement with your own food.
– For Lunch on Sunday, we will provide leftovers from the previous meals.

* Let us know of any particular dietary needs/restrictions – we may be able to accommodate. We may also have a little extra fridge or cooler space. Please inquire if you are in need of this.
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GUIDES:

Justin Michelson – Nature’s Heart Meditation Teacher and Wilderness Guide.

Justin is a Eugene-area meditation and mindfulness teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition (Thai Forest). His passion for the Dharma and his love of Nature have informed and inspired one another for over 20 years, taking him from retreat centers to mountain-tops to the plant nursery. He harvests the fruits of his contemplative journey to best serve people and the Earth at this challenging time.

Since 2000, he has practiced with his root teacher, Rodney Smith, who asked him to share the teachings of the Dharma. He has also completed Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Community Dharma Leadership program, Mark Coleman’s Awake in the Wild nature-meditation training, and has begun the MBSR certification through UC San Diego. He has also practices and incorporates the healing modality of Internal Family Systems theory with his students.

His teachings weave together kindness and compassion, dharmic wisdom and insight, and a deep love for the natural world and the Northwest Bioregion.

He has a background in environmental education, non-profit management, farming/gardening, and now owns a native plant nursery outside of Eugene. He lives in an earthen cabin at a retreat center in Dexter, OR, from where he leads retreats, runs his nursery, and teaches at the nearby Eugene Insight Meditation Center.
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WHAT ELSE YOU’LL NEED:

-Supplemental Food (see above)
-Water Bottle
-Personal Dishware (please bring these items in a small separate bag or container that can be placed in a tote designated in the kitchen area)

-Clothes for warm and cool weather (long sleeves/pants and; close-toed shoes for poison oak prevention.)
-Sleeping bag and pad
-Personal Tent, if desired (or sleep in the Yurt with other participants)
-Yoga mat
– Meditation cushion and mat

-Toiletries (if staying the night)
-Journal and pen
-Dana
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THE POWER OF NATURE MEDITATION:

On their own, mindfulness practices have been medically proven to have a plethora of beneficial effects. Mindfulness can provide relief of anxiety, depression, phobias, ADD and other mental ailments; they encourage greater relaxation, joy, peace, and other positive attitudes/emotions; they have shown to increase physical healing, immune system function, and reduce chronic pain. Mindfulness practices even have been shown to increase generous, compassionate, and kind actions in the world!

Likewise, on its own, spending time in Nature – in the presence of living things (plants/animals) or the elements (being outside) – has shown amazingly similar positive effects from a growing body of international research studies. Nature immersion can provide relief of distressful states such as depression, and anxiety and encourage wholesome states such as relaxation and joy. It can increase mental focus, improve our immune strength, heal lifelong traumas, and work through intense life changes. Nature immersion can even catalyze transformative insights and “spiritual” experiences that we can carry through the rest of our lives!

Mindfulness and nature-immersion are showing themselves as unmatched medicines that produce well-documented positive effects on our overall well-being and happiness. When both of these medicines are consciously combined they become an incredibly potent tonic for our body, mind, and soul. Combining the intentional activity of mindfulness with the healing presence and transmission of Nature itself amplifies the positive potentials of both.

Whether we are looking for physical, emotional/mental, or spiritual help, or all of the above, practicing mindfulness in nature is a very promising solution that may help us on our journey!

For more information, see the “About Us” tab on our FB home page.

INSPIRATION:

Buoyancy by Rumi

Love has taken away my practices
and filled me with poetry.

I tried to keep quietly repeating,
‘No strength but yours,’
but I couldn’t.

I had to clap and sing.
I used to be respectable and chaste and stable,
but who can stand in this strong wind and remember those things?

A mountain keeps an echo deep inside itself.
That’s how I hold your voice.

I am scrap wood thrown in your fire,
and quickly reduced to smoke.

I saw you and became empty.
This emptiness, more beautiful than existence,
it obliterates existence, and yet when it comes,
existence thrives and creates more existence!

The sky is blue.
The world is a blind man squatting on the road.

But whoever sees your emptiness
sees beyond blue and beyond the bind man.

A great soul hides like Muhammed, or Jesus
moving through a crowd in a city
where no one knows him.

To praise is to praise
how one surrenders
to the emptiness.

So the sea-journey goes on, and who knows where!
Just to be held by the ocean is the best luck we could have.
It’s a total waking up!

Why should we grieve that we’ve been sleeping?
It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been unconscious.

We’re groggy, but let the guilt go.
Feel the motions of tenderness around you,
the buoyancy.
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HOSTS:
Nature’s Heart LLC has merged with Eugene Insight Meditation Center 501c3. We are now a single 501c3 non-profit located in Eugene, Oregon. Find out more about us at

www.eugeneinsight.com
www.naturesheart.net

💙🙏

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