Evening Practice at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension

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Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us that we have the ability to transform suffering into happiness. At any moment, we can nurture peace and joy by noticing the wonder that surrounds us, such as the song of a bird, the smile of a child. He writes in No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering:

We each have many kinds of “seeds” lying deep in our consciousness. Those we water are the ones that sprout, come up into our awareness, and manifest outwardly.

So in our own consciousness there is hell, and there is also paradise. We are capable of being compassionate, understanding, and joyful. If we pay attention only to the negative things in us, especially the suffering of past hurts, we are wallowing in our sorrows and not getting any positive nourishment. We can practice appropriate attention, watering the wholesome qualities in us by touching the positive things that are always available inside and around us. That is good food for our mind.​

For many of us, family time is often busy, and sometimes chaotic. How often do we get the chance to slow down and really enjoy each other? We invite you to join us at Charter Hall over the weekend of May 1-3, 2020 as we water the seeds of joy. We will share family-oriented practices for nourishing our joy and mindfulness.

Our mindful weekend offers a gentle rhythm of mindfulness practice, arts and crafts projects, nature exploration, planned and free play, and service to our retreat sangha. Children are invited to learn and lead basic practices of mindful living in community. Adult practice is supported by early morning sitting and walking meditations, as well as dharma discussions on parenting and family-oriented practices for nourishing our mindfulness and our joy. The setting at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay provides opportunities to explore and engage in mindful play and activities in a variety of natural habitats.

The community will share responsibility for three meals on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each family unit will help 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 retreat will be held at the Charter Hall Retreat Center near Perryville, Maryland, about 75 miles from downtown Silver Spring.

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

For those staying in the lodge the suggested donation is $160 for each adult and $60 for each child. For those wishing to offer additional support to the community, the benefactor donation is $200 for each adult and $80 for each child. The limited income donation is $100 for each adult and $50 for each child.

For those wishing to camp the suggested donation is $80 for each adult and $40 for each child. The benefactor donation is $120 for each adult and $60 for each child. The limited income donation is $50 for each adult and $30 for each child.

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, the 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.

The limited-income contributions covers Still Water's accommodations and direct expense costs. All amounts contributed above the limited-income level are documented as voluntary tax-deductible donations.

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

Cancellation Policy
If the registrant cancels 8 days or more before an event, the entire amount will be refunded. If the registrant cancels 7 days or fewer before the event, 75% of the amount paid will be refunded.

For more information, please contact info@StillWaterMPC.org.