Through the Gateless Gate

This unique retreat draws from two profound traditions, End-of-Life Doulas and Zen Buddhism. They offer different perspectives, but share a deep commitment to exploring fundamental questions: Who are you really? What does it mean to die? and, How do you live—and even die—with a deep sense of meaning?

The end-of-life doula approach carries wisdom that comes from a clear-eyed view of what human life looks like from its final vantage point; what people wish they had known or done sooner, and what matters when almost nothing else does. Zen Buddhism offers a direct inquiry into the nature of the self, mind, and reality using meditative practices as a means to investigate direct experience rather than relying on belief. Together they form a profound way to face the fear of dying, reduce the suffering of attachment, discover how to live a meaning-focused life at any age, and awaken to one’s true nature.

Over the four days you will:

• Experience guided imagery to face impermanence in your life
• Engage in creative activities that reveal the shape of your life and core values
• Write legacy letters to yourself and people in your life
• Acknowledge and honor losses through journaling with prompts
• Work in pairs and small groups with experiential exercises to explore meaning
• Practice Zen-style meditation, including koans, to start realizing the nature of mind and self
• Use ritual to let go of that which no longer serves you
• Take mindful walks in nature, to connect to what is larger than yourself
• Offer compassionate presence to fellow participants to support their growth
• Have the opportunity to meet with the instructor to receive personal guidance.

At the end of the workshop retreat participants will make personal vows to integrate their insights, discoveries and new found sense of meaning as they go back to inhabiting their lives. They will also commit to continuing their meditation practice at whatever level fits into their goals, responsibilities and style of life. Then, during the next six months two online evening meetings will offer the opportunity to discuss how they are doing with the vows and meditation practice, the obstacles they may have encountered and how to overcome them.

Schedule:

Monday, August 17

• 3 pm Check In
• 3:35 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Working Session, Exercises, Nature Meditation, Creative Practices
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:15 – 7:25 pm Meditation
• 7:25 – 9:15 pm Evening Session, Exercises & Discussion
• 9:15 – 10 pm Opportunity for Private Interviews with Teacher (Dokusan)

Tuesday, August 18 – Thursday, August 20

• 7 – 7:25 am Zazen (Sitting) Meditation
• 7:25 – 7:40 am Kinhin (Walking) Meditation
• 8 – 9 Breakfast
• 9:15 – 10:15 am Morning Teaching Session
• 10:15 am – 12:15 pm Guided Imagery, Small Group Exercises, Creative Practices
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 3 pm Rest, Journal Time, Personal Practice, Opportunity for Spa Session
• 3 – 3:25 pm Zazen Meditation
• 3:25 – 3:35 pm Kinhin Meditation
• 3:35 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Working Session, Exercises, Nature Meditation, Creative Practices
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:15 – 7:25 pm Meditation
• 7:25 – 9:15 pm Evening Session, Exercises & Discussion
• 9:15 – 10 pm Opportunity for Private Interviews with Teacher (Dokusan)

Friday, August 21

• 7 – 7:25 am Zazen (Sitting) Meditation
• 7:25 – 7:40 am Kinhin (Walking) Meditation
• 8 – 9 Breakfast
• 9:15 – 10:15 am Morning Teaching Session
• 10:15 am – 12:15 pm Guided Imagery, Small Group Exercises, Creative Practices
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch and Checkout

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.