Each moment, life as it is. The Zen teachings of Joko Beck “There is a foundation for our lives, a place in which our life rests.That place is nothing but the present moment, as we see, hear, experience what is. If we do not return to that place, we live our lives out of our heads. We blame others; we complain; we feel sorry for ourselves. All of these symptoms show that we’re stuck in our thoughts. We’re out of touch with the open space that is always right here.” Charlotte Joko Beck, Nothing Special Retreat in the Swiss Alps October 22nd to 26th, 2014 with Flint Sparks zen priest Zen practice continually invites us to meet life as it is, without negotiation and without resignation. Joko Beck’s teachings were based on her firm conviction that we should endeavor to turn toward each moment with full attention and a willingness to engage intimately with what is met. Rather than indulging our impermanent feelings, thoughts and habits, and also without exiling any parts of us that inevitably arise in response to life’s challenges, she showed us how to settle into the embodied immediacy of the present moment. Her teachings were often spare and fierce, because her view was clear and unflinching. Through her deep practice and mature perspective she was able to skillfully communicate the liberating potential resting inside of each of us, unfolding as our ordinary lives. “Joy is being willing for things to be as they are” Joko Beck, Nothing Special Please join us as we explore the foundation for our lives in the open space of the Swiss Alps. We will live together in deep silence, settle into the practice of mindful awareness, and inquire into the deepest truth of our being. The schedule will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, meals and breaks. Flint will offer daily talks on Joko’s teachings from her two books, Everyday Zen and Nothing Special (French translations of her writings will be available) and will meet with each person for practice discussion daily throughout the retreat. There will also be time set aside each day for spiritual inquiry in which we will have the support and space to examine our deepest questions about awakening in everyday life. Translation Although Flint’s primary language is English, French translation will be available. Costs Retreat Fee: CHF 550.Accomodation & organic food (per person): • A. In a room for 3 or 4: • B. In a room for two: • C. In a single room: 360.- CHF 460.- CHF 710.- CHF Booking before August 22nd 2014 Please submit your registration by mail or email and include the full fee payment of CHF 550.- If you use PayPal, please indicate that it’s for Flint’s retreat. For your Paypal payment, please copy-paste the next URL in your browser and click the button: www.corpus-animus.ch/paypal payable on arrival. In case of difficulties, let me know. Retreat limited to 25 participants Lodging and food to be paid on day of arrival. Venue Hôtel Beau-Site CH - 1927 Chemin sur Martigny Tel. +41 27 722 81 64 www.chemin.ch Time Arrival at Hôtel Beau-Site, Chemin Dessus (Martigny) on Wednesday October 22nd before 5 p.m. With care Sophie Cattier Information needed: Name: Surname: The retreat will start with the evening meal on that day and will end on Sunday October 26th around 4 p.m. Address: Contact Sophie Cattier 41, rue de la Tour 1004 Lausanne Switzerland e-mail: Tel. +41 79 226 48 31 e-mail: [email protected] Phone: Accomodation: A | B | C Diet type: Sex: woman | man Date: Signature: www.corpus-animus.ch