We are no longer taking online registrations for this workshop.
This retreat focuses on Buddhist mindfulness meditation as a foundation for working with the 12 steps.
As we gain a new understanding of recovery from a Buddhist perspective, we discover the spiritual dimensions of recovery and learn skills for maintaining a daily practice at home. With Kevin Griffin, an inspirational expert in this emerging field, we combine the 12-step approach to recovery, the deep stillness and peace of Buddhist practice, and the power of community sharing.
The retreat includes periods of silent sitting and walking meditation, exercises in mindful speech and mindful eating, periods of inquiry, and talks by Griffin. The retreat is open to anyone interested in the themes of recovery and Buddhism, whether or not you are in a 12-step program for recovery.
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be better able to:
- Demonstrate skills in the practice of mindfulness meditation
- Explain and demonstrate the value of mindfulness for addicts in recovery
- Describe key correlations between Buddhism and the 12 Steps and their relationship to the process of recovery
- Use and explain Buddhist lovingkindness and compassion practices in healing trauma and abuse
- Apply skills in the daily application of mindfulness in movement, speech, and their relationship to food
- Develop skills in identifying cognitive distortions and reactive tendencies.
No meditation experience is required; introductory meditation instruction is provided. Helping professionals in the areas of addiction and recovery will find this retreat beneficial to their work.
People with substance abuse addiction should have at least 30 days clean and sober before attending this retreat. The week includes an optional Wednesday evening danceable peformance. Griffin will perform songs from his new CD, Laughing Buddha, a collection of songs with Buddhist-inspired lyrics set to African, reggae, latin, and rock grooves.
