Buddhist Recovery: Using Mindfulness to Overcome Addiction CANCELLED

In this second annual retreat, we introduce Mindfulness approaches toward addiction recovery, focusing on philosophical and practical tools that can support any recovery program that you are in. We welcome people to this retreat of all genders, sexualities, races, classes and cultures, who are working in recovery from any kind of addictive substance or behavior. This retreat will be co-led by Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, who co-founded Eight Step Recovery, Using the Buddhist Teachings to Overcome Addiction and Michael G. Burbank, Menla’s Director, who teaches Buddhism and has a passion for addiction recovery. Accredited Recovery Coach Andre Viel will assist.

Participation in this retreat will help you:

• Gain deeper knowledge of the basic Buddhist mindfulness teachings
• Learn how to integrate core Mindfulness principles into your recovery program
• Develop specific Loving Kindness and Mindfulness practices to support your daily recovery
• Explore how to break out of the vicious cycle of addiction
• Understand the intersection of Mindfulness and Buddhism as a recovery approach
• Explore the importance of cultivating Loving Kindness towards ourselves, and how this can help to support our sobriety of mind. Many of us with addictions have such low self-esteem or shame about our past actions that Loving Kindness is an imperative antidote for our “stinking thinking” and proliferation of thought.

Partial Scholarship Opportunities

We are very happy to be able to offer a limited number of partial scholarship opportunities for this retreat. Do note that these will be offered to guests in need on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to Michael Burbank at mburbank@menla.org for more information.

Work/trade options also available. This rate includes 50% off of program tuition, accommodations and meals in exchange for 3 hours of work a day. If you are interested in this option please email Amber at registration@menla.org

Schedule

Thursday, October 17th

• 3 – 7pm Arrival and Check-in
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:30pm Welcome and Evening Program – Michael and Valerie – Group Share and Q&A

Friday, October 18th

• 7 – 8am Morning Yoga with Selena
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9:30 – 11:30am Morning Program with Michael
  • Opening Sit
  • Break
  • Introduction to Mindfulness
• 12 – 1pm Lunch
• 1 – 4pm Free time for spa treatments, hiking, personal activities
• 2:30 – 3:30pm One-on-one with teachers (optional) (10 mins slots)
• 4 – 6pm Afternoon Program With Vimalasara (Valerie)
  • Opening sit – inquiry
  • Four Basic Need Heart
  • The Importance of Attention, Affection, Appreciation, Acceptance towards ourselves.
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:30pm Evening Program: 8 Step Recovery Meetings
• Silence Overnight until after breakfast

Saturday, October 19th

• 7 – 8am Morning Yoga with Selena
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9:30 – 11:30am Morning Program
  • Opening sit – Inquiry
  • Introduction to the 8 Step Recovery Program
• 12 – 1pm Lunch
• 1 – 4pm Free time for spa treatments, hiking, personal activities
• 2:30 – 3:30pm One on one with teachers (optional) (10 mins slots)
• 4 – 6pm Afternoon Program
  • Opening Sit – Inquiry
  • The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as the basis for recovery from addiction
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:30pm Evening Program: 8 Step Recovery Meetings
• Silence Overnight until after breakfast

Sunday, October 20th

• 7 – 8am Morning Yoga with Selena
• 8 – 9am Breakfast & Check-Out
• 9:30 – 11:30am Closing Program with Michael & Valerie
• 11am Check-Out of Room
• 12 – 1pm Lunch and Departure

* Please note that schedule is subject to change at any time