If there is one thing that we need now, it is joy. There is so much fear and devastation in the world, and we are bombarded with painful news at all hours of the day. Many of us have an unhealthy addiction to our phones and devices
 
This five-day retreat will involve Mahamudra, a sitting meditation practice, which brings us to earth and opens our heart. With an open heart, we will sing the four limitless ones—love, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanmity. We will also sing tonglen, sending our light and joy to others and dissolve their pain and sorrow into our heart. This brings a deeper sense of joy—sad joy. Overall, we will raise Windhorse or the confidence to connect to unconditional joy on the spot.
 
There will be time for talks, discussion, and walks outside. Come and celebrate the return of the sun in our hearts! All are welcome. 

John has been on the path of dharma for 47 years. He became a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1975 and studied and practiced the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings for twelve years with him, and in particular worked with him on translating Tibetan texts into English. He taught at Naropa University in the Buddhist Studies department and also studied intensively with Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. These days John finds himself going back to his roots and simplifying the profound teachings he has received over the years to make them more accessible for both himself and others. He lives in Port Williams, Nova Scotia in the Annapolis Valley with his wife, Rhiannon Wells. John has a daughter, Karuna, and a step-son, Julian.

We would like to make this program widely accessible. While we recommend you attend the full retreat, you may also attend for a day, or at a minimum a half-day.

Suggested Pricing:
All Four Days $300
One Day $75
Half Day $45
or pay what you can afford

If you are not attending the entire program, please note when registering which days you plan to attend. Choose the Pay what you can afford option and use the suggested pricing to calculate your program cost.

A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants a few days before the event. Be sure to include your email address when registering.

Also, please register at least 12 hours prior to the session you wish to attend.  It can take a few hours for registrations to process for you to receive the Zoom link.

This program is available hybrid for those out of town or who have difficulty traveling but we encourage anyone who is able to participate in person.

Limited scholarships are available for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Email [email protected] for details.