LGBTQIA++* Retreat: Cultivating Resilience for Troubled Times A retreat with Maru Moonlion, Desiree Damen, Françoise Pottier and Shelley Anderson Meeting the Moment: Cultivating Resilience for Troubled Times We are happy to announce that we will again be offering a LGBTQIA++* Retreat in the EIAB to everyone practicing in the Plum Village tradition who identifies under the LGBTQIA++ umbrella. Resilience is the ability to face obstacles and disruption with a calm and clear mind. It is a grounded way of being in the world, but not overwhelmed by the world. Resilience is a practice, and a skill that can be cultivated. Our world is facing deeply troubled times.

Authoritarianism is rising and undermining the hard-won safety and wellbeing of people everywhere, especially that of marginalized peoples. Climate change means we, and all the species that share our precious planet, face an uncertain future. We need to meet this moment collectively, with openness, and with all our compassion and wisdom. Practicing together, we will explore the theme of resilience and learn to cultivate and deepen our inner resources, especially our peace and happiness. Together we will share our difficulties and our joys with each other, always aware that the present moment is a wonderful moment, and that the conditions for happiness are available to us by being present right here and now. We want to create a safe place where we can be openly and truly ourselves, together.

Our hope is that this retreat will strengthen, refresh, and help each of us realize we have the capacity to meet this moment with openness and joy. The future is created by what we do in this present moment. We look forward to practicing together. During these days, we wish to co-create spaces of mindful encounter, characterized by openness and loving kindness — spaces where we can open up, be visible and share ourselves with the Sangha.

We assume that participants are familiar with the practices of sitting, walking and eating meditation, stopping with the bell and Dharma Sharing. If you have questions regarding the retreat, please contact us at Sanghatogether at yahoo.com * Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, + The retreat facilitators kindly ask for a donation. Please give it directly to them during the retreat.