Delight the Natural Heart: Cultivating Kindness, Compassion, Apprectiative Joy and Equanimity with Robin Craig

Nature is an active, dynamic force that reflects and embodies the principles of dharma. The Buddha and early monks and nuns spent much of their time practicing in direct relationship with forests, living creatures, the elements, and the rhythms of the world. There was no false sense of separation and insight arose from this intimacy.

In this camping retreat, we will explore the qualities of the Brahmavihāras (Kindess, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity). These qualities can be accessible and heart opening, yet at times the practices to develop these qualities can feel dry and disconnected. In this Buddhist based retreat we will explore these Brahmavihāras outside in connection with place, with human and other-than-human nature.

Held in relationship with the elements, this retreat incorporates practices of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. There are daily dharma talks, meditation guidance, small group practice discussions, and Question and Response time.

While this retreat will be held mostly in silence, there will be time at the beginning and ending of the retreat to intentionally connect with other retreatants. During the retreat, you will be asked to refrain from using cell phones, computers or accessing the internet in order to fully engage with the experience.

Registration Details:

• Registration closes May 10, 2025.
• This retreat is limited to 12 people to create a sense of community and connection. Each application will be carefully reviewed. In some cases, a personal or phone interview will be conducted with the teacher prior to determination of suitability for this type of retreat.
• All applications are processed by date received. We will respond within two weeks from receipt of your application. Once you have applied, if you realize you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible.
• Wait List: Once the retreat is full, you will be notified and placed on a wait list, and we will contact you. If a space becomes available, we will notify you to confirm your registration.

Who is this retreat for:
This retreat is for practitioners who have experience with camping and are comfortable being outdoors day and night for 7 days.

Cost:

The retreat is offered on a donation basis. This means that the teacher does not receive any compensation from the fees. This structure is based on the practice of Dana, a Pali word meaning generosity. At the end of the retreat you will be given the opportunity to offer a donation to the teacher and to FIMC. Your financial support allows Robin to continue to offer these teachings and FIMC to offer future retreats.

Other Practical Details:

• Participants will bring and prepare their own food
• Participants will bring their own equipment: tent, sleeping bag and pad, cooking gear, etc.
• A full list of recommended gear and food will be provided
• THIS IS A BASECAMP RETREAT. This means we will be camping, off grid and outdoors the entire time of the retreat. Please only apply if you have experience and are comfortable with being outdoors for many days at a time.
• The retreat will be in the forest in Northern Arizona, USA. You will receive details of the exact location closer to the time. Note that the location may shift due to fire restrictions.