Group Shot!

The mandatory group shot at the end of the retreat! It was a very successful and wonderful retreat, the 2 teachers....Kalsang, the tall guy in the maroon robes standing behind the sofa, and Ani Lhamo, sitting next to me......were so gracious and caring and patient with all that was asked of them! I enjoyed this retreat a great deal because there was lots of room for dharma talks (Buddhist philosophy), and much space given to the participants to explore some of what elements are confusing to them. We did of course do a few hours of sitting and walking meditation, always a totally different experience to meditate with a group of like minded people.....such a positive and open place.

We ended the retreat with a huge feast of course.....and after a day and half of silence during meal times, there was great amounts of laughter, story telling and other offerings. It is a bit misleading to say the retreat was done in silence, because during the talks and discussions there is lots of dialogue of course. What gets left out is the 'small' talk that can play a big part in any group setting. I loved sharing my meals with 11 others, all of us in our own space....but together! it's a very comfortable way to eat! We should do it more often! But, it's also good to share stories and have good conversations around meals.....so i guess a middle ground is what would be best!