Auckland Insight Retreat at Bella Rakha with guiding teacher Jill Shepherd.

Befriending the Mind

One common misunderstanding of meditation is that it aims to stop thinking. However, the purpose of insight meditation is to develop a more skilful relationship to every aspect of our experience, including our thoughts and emotions.

During this five-day retreat, we will explore ways to befriend the mind: to let go of unhelpful mental habits, and to cultivate helpful ones. Using a variety of different meditation practices, we will train our hearts and minds to experience greater ease, happiness, and deep freedom, so that we can become better friends not only to ourselves, but to those around us too.

Most of each day will be spent practising silent sitting and walking meditation, with some guided meditation, dyad (pairs) meditation, and opportunities for individual meetings with the teacher.

There will also be a period of optional, gentle mindful movement each day.

Experience level: This retreat is best suited to people who have done at least one previous insight meditation weekend retreat.

To register and for details email: aucklandinsight@gmail.com