Releasing and Renewing:
Strengthening the Two Wings to Awakening
Traditionally, the New Year is a time to take stock of our lives, to let go of what no longer serves, and to reconnect more fully with what inspires us. In service of this, SIM’s annual seven-day retreat will provide an opportunity to deepen an experiential understanding of insight meditation, exploring a variety of different practices taken from the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as well as the four Brahma-Vihara heart practices, of kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. 
Together, we will strengthen both the wisdom and compassion wings of awakening, through a mix of guided and silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, group discussion and individual meetings with the teacher.
​​There will be periods of relational meditation on some days, while the middle of the retreat will be in full silence. 
Relational or interpersonal meditation involves working in dyads (pairs) to practice mindful speaking and listening, using the guidelines of Insight Dialogue. For more information about the practice of Insight Dialogue, please see https://metta.org/insight-dialogue-3/
There will also be a period of optional, gentle mindful movement each day.

The teacher: Jill Shepherd is a graduate of the IMS / Spirit Rock Insight teacher training program in the US under the guidance of Joseph Goldstein and Gil Fronsdal.  She teaches regularly in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. For more info about Jill, see: http://jill0shepherd-insightmeditation.com or go to our teachers page.  
The Venue: The Brahma Kumaris Centre for Spiritual Learning in Wilton offers comfortable shared rooms with ensuite.  A limited number of single rooms are also avaiable. Camping or staying in a campervan is unfortunately not allowed. 
 Picture



​


​When: Friday 27 December 2019 to Sunday 3 January 2020
Times: Arrive 4-6pm Sunday, finish 2.30pm Sunday
Where: Brahma Kumaris Centre for Spiritual Learning, Wilton (Southern Highlands), NSW.
​Cost: Includes accommodation and all meals.
Standard (twin share) - $980 + dana*. 
Single (limited) - $1,240 + dana. 
Concession (twin share) - $880 + dana. For full time students, pensioners and unemployed. If you need assistance and do not qualify for the concession you may wish to apply for a scholarship (see below).
​
Additional cost: 'Dana' (act of generosity) to support the teachers and the teaching. In keeping with a 2,500 year old tradition no fee has been charged for the teachings. You are invited to give a donation to support the teachers to continue their work.
​ Registration & Scholarships
Registration is a two step process
Step 1: Book and pay click here
Step 2: Download and complete your registration form
and then send to: sydneyinsightmeditators@gmail.com 
Note: If you will be requesting a scholarship, please complete the registration form as well as the scholarship form below.
Scholarships 
Scholarships for SIM retreats are available for people who need assistance paying the full fee and do not qualify for the concession.  Click here for more information.