Daylong Retreat: Wise Speech

Practical Information
Date: Sunday February 9
Hours:  9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, with optional social gathering from 4:00 – 4:45 PM
Location: The Innerwork Center, 213 Roseneath Rd, Richmond, VA 23221 (Google Maps)
Cost: $25 (for renting the space), plus a donation (dana) for the IMCR group and for the teacher
Suggested donation for teacher: sliding scale: $25 – $125 (see below for more information)
Teacher: Marjolein Janssen
Registration: Please register here

Description
During this Daylong Retreat we will be exploring the topic of Wise (or Right) Speech. Speech is one of the most common ways we express ourselves, whether through conversations, texts, social media, or the internal dialogues we have with ourselves. Often, we don’t pay much attention to how we speak, yet our words shape our experience, influence our relationships, and reflect our inner state.

Through guided meditation and reflection, we will examine the practice of wise speech, which is closely linked to cultivating a wise view and wholesome intention. By learning to speak with kindness, honesty, and clarity, we can foster deeper understanding, reduce conflict, and promote compassion both for ourselves and others.

There will be (guided) meditations, Dharma reflections, and interpersonal exercises.

Everyone is welcome, but some prior meditation experience is advised. For those new to meditation we do ask that you watch the series of four videos on the page for beginners.

During (pat of) the breaks you will have the opportunity to engage with other participants, to put into practice what you learn about Wise Speech. We do ask you to turn off our phones and other devices, in order to minimize external distractions, promote mindfulness and inner stillness, and respect the practice of fellow meditators.

After the retreat there is an optional social gathering from 4:00 – 4:45 PM, some snacks are provided.

Payment and Scholarships

The cost for the day-long retreat is $25 for renting the space. You can pay via  PayPal, check or cash:

• PayPal: Click this link to pay via PayPal. Put “IMCR Feb 9th Day-Long” in the description. If you don’t put this in the description we might think that this is a general donation.
• Check: Write a check to ”Insight Meditation Community of Richmond” for “IMCR Feb 9th Day-Long” and bring it with you to the retreat.
• Cash: bring cash to the retreat.

If you need any accommodations, would like a scholarship, or have anything that would be helpful for the organizers to know, please email to info@imcrva.org.

Generosity for the Teacher and the IMCR Group
The costs for this retreat is $25, to compensate for renting the space. However, the teacher is not compensated and relies on generosity. There are two ways to practice generosity for this retreat:

• Generosity for the teacher: the suggested donation for the teacher is: $25 – $125 (sliding scale).
• Generosity for the IMCR group: we appreciate donations of any amount you feel comfortable and generous giving.

Your donation to the teacher provides support to allow Marjolein to continue offering these teachings, and your donation to the IMCR group allows the continuation of the IMCR group. Please give as feels appropriate and generous for you. Please delight in your generosity and know that the dharma continues to be offered to you and others through our collective acts of sharing. All are welcome, no donation is required.

After the retreat there will be the opportunity to offer a cash donation, or a donation by check. You can also donate online to Marjolein and/or the IMCR group.

More information about the concept of dana, generosity, in Buddhism.

Important

• Please register in advance by filling out this form.
• Please bring a bagged lunch. (Tea and water are available)
• If you use a meditation bench, please bring one (if you don’t have one, let us know and we can bring one for you).
• Other meditation supplies like cushions, yoga mats, blankets and chairs are available.

Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us.