Evening Practice at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension

Those of us who have practiced stopping and dwelling in the present moment are able to touch the many conditions of our happiness that are available in the here and now.  We find out that we don’t need more, because these conditions are more than enough for our happiness.  Stopping is very important.  As long as you continue to run, happiness is very difficult.  Stopping allows your body and mind to rest.  Stopping allows you to recognize the conditions for your happiness that are already there. -- Thich Nhat Hanh, from Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children

Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that true happiness is not outside of us, in the next purchase, the next activity, the next vacation.  The seeds of joy and happiness reside inside of each of us.  However, it nearly impossible to touch those seeds in our hectic lives as rush from here to there, from activity to activity, never slowing down long enough to present for ourselves and our loved ones.

The Still Water Mindful Families Retreat offers us an opportunity to stop and begin to develop the habit of dwelling in the present moment in a family-friendly environment.  We invite you to join us over the weekend of May 5 through 7, 2017, as we share child-oriented practices for stopping, becoming aware of the present moment, practicing mindfulness throughout the day, and learning that every step and every breath can be an opportunity for joy.

The retreat will be held at the Charter Hall Retreat Center near Perryville, Maryland (about 75 miles from downtown Silver Spring and one and one half to two hours from Washington) at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.  

The community will share responsibility for three meals on Saturday and two on Sunday.  Each family unit will purchase and prepare one or more vegetarian meals.  All participants will help wash dishes after each meal and share in age appropriate community chores during the retreat.

The Still Water MPC has established a sliding scale for our retreats so that all may attend:

You are welcome to contribute any amount between the limited-income contribution and the benefactor contribution (or more if you wish), in accord with the urgings of your heart and your means and circumstances.

With your contributions, Still Water MPC is better able to meet its financial obligations, support its teachers, develop new programs, create space for those with limited incomes, and offer no-cost community events. If contributing at even the limited-income level would be a hardship, please let us know and we will endeavor to make other arrangements with you.

NOTE: All contributed amounts above the Limited Income level are considered by the Still Water MPC to be voluntary, tax-deductible donations.

Space in the lodge is very limited, so please register early.

Register now

For more information, please contact the retreat registrar, Lori at swmindfulfamilies@gmail.com.