Perfection of the Present Moment

How can we be present in all the varied and often difficult experiences of our lives open heartedly and with acceptance? The simple technique of mindfulness, taught by the Buddha, teaches us to do just that. This silent virtual retreat will have periods of sitting and walking meditation, opportunities to talk with a teacher, and formal presentations. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced students from any faith tradition. The schedule will follow a simple daily rhythm.

Live sessions conducted via Zoom. Pre-recorded sessions shared via links or e-mail.

Retreat begins Wednesday evening at 7pm and ends Sunday about 4pm via Zoom. All times are Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Wednesday schedule:
6:30pm optional tech check-in time with Lina;
7-9pm opening session.

Thursday-Saturday schedule:
8:30am optional PH worship;
9:30-noon morning sessions on Zoom (include some sitting, yoga movement, and meditation);
2:00pm group sit leading into individual practice times;
5:15 group sit;
7:15-9 evening sessions on Zoom (including some sitting and a dharma talk).

Sunday schedule:
8:30am Meeting for Worship (Pendle Hill Zoom);
9:00am walking practice (on own);
9:30-noon morning sessions on Retreat Zoom (include some sitting, yoga movement, and meditation);
12:30-2pm lunch break;
2:00-4:00pm closing session (Retreat Zoom).

Click here to view the complete schedule.

Leader(s)

Mary Grace Orr is a teacher emeritus at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County (CA) and the founding teacher of Insight Santa Cruz. She is deeply interested in Christian mystical traditions and is a graduate of the Living School, where she studied under Richard Rohr, Jim Finley, and Cynthia Bourgeault. She now teaches from both the Buddhist and Christian perspectives. A beloved teacher at Pendle Hill, Mary Grace has led retreats here since 1997. She lives in Hawaii and teaches both there and on the mainland.

Anne Briggs is a lifelong Quaker who also leads the Insight Meditation Community of Chestertown (MD). She completed the Community Dharma Leader Training (CDLT) at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and has assisted Mary Grace for many years.

Larissa Kitenko, a longtime practitioner of Insight Meditation, studies and practices Buddhism in the Theravadan tradition. She completed the CDLT at Spirit Rock Meditation Center with Mary Grace as mentor, and the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) Program teacher training with Jon Kabat-Zinn. A volunteer hospice and hospital chaplain, Larissa teaches MSBR, leads the Easton Meditation Group, and leads classes and retreats in Eastern Maryland.

Rebecca Kronlage has been a student of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga for over three decades. Her teaching is deeply rooted in Buddhism and the Kripalu Yoga Center tradition where she lived as a resident and senior teacher. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she brings a deep sense of awe, love, and respect for yoga and mindfulness as a healing practice that has saved her life. She has lead women’s international travel adventures and now resides on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi where she co-founded Treehouse Yoga Studio.

Financial aid may be available. If you are seeking funds to participate in this program, click to review and complete our Financial Assistance Application and a Pendle Hill staff member will follow-up with you shortly (please do NOT register online). Thank you for your interest.

Travel directions to Pendle Hill.