Programs

Rachel is offering a series of online mini-retreats this Fall. Join us if you've got an established practice and want some structure around an extended practice period; if you're new to practice and want some introductory meditation instruction; or if you're thinking about going on a silent mindfulness meditation retreat and want to get a sense of what it would be like.

Rachel is offering a series of in-person days of mindfulness. Each day of practice will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, dharma discussions, and opportunities for one-on-one discussions with the teacher. If you're used to meditating with an app and are interested in meditating in person with other people, or if you're considering signing up for a meditation retreat, this is a good place to start! We also welcome people who have an established meditation practice: instructions will be geared to the interests of the people attending.

Still Life
In Pablo Neruda’s poem Keeping Quiet he says,
“If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with
death.”

Let’s do our part to create a safe and peaceful world by joining us in finding a “still life.” Calming our restless minds and bodies with sitting and walking meditation, we can recover the joy of experiencing ourselves directly, not just thinking about ourselves. This weekend retreat is open to all levels of practice and experience.

New Year's Retreat - Letting Go and Opening to Possibility
Coming on retreat at the end of the year is a beautiful opportunity to release a little of some of the difficulties and burdens we’ve been carrying these past months. As we practice mindfully sitting, walking, and resting with what is, with kindness, there’s a natural unfolding and releasing so that we can see more clearly. As we let go a little, we can find there’s more space, ease, and a sense of possibility in our lives.

Faith in Oneself in the Dharma

This non-residential weekend retreat will emphasize developing a deepening trust in oneself and the teachings of the Buddha. Through guided meditations, talks, along with question and response periods, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the role of faith as a motivating force which leads us to what is most virtuous in a human life. The quality of faith is the vehicle which carries an individual to deepening levels of well-being, and ultimately, liberation from the forces of mind that cause stress. We hope that you will join us for this event.

This City Retreat has different participation expectations than a residential or online retreat. We invite you to simplify your schedule during the week so that you can participate in all of our live sessions. These sessions are scheduled so that people with day jobs can work as normal during the week, even while setting the intention to bring more mindfulness into their daily life.

Messy Minds, Winding Path, Joyful Hearts

With an open attitude, both playful and compassionate, we will journey over the weekend into the heart of our turbulent, confused minds. Our own benevolent presence will silently guide us, pointing out dangers and pathways. Pascal, through instructions and teachings, will also help us skillfully navigate the terrain of our lives. The adventure will bring us to the very gate of wisdom, where liberating perspectives await us.

Save the date!

Save the date!

Save the date!

Save the date!

Meeting Frequency: Weekly on Sundays

VIMS Sunday night sits are an opportunity to practice meditation and listen to dharma talks with our community sangha. The sits are led by dharma teachers and dedicated peer leaders. Everyone is welcome.

Meeting Frequency: Weekly on Sundays

Email Don McEachern for details

Meeting Frequency: Weekly on Sundays and Mondays

We sit weekly in south Duncan. Sunday at 10 a.m. and Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Email Judith Green for details.

Meeting Frequency: Weekly on Mondays

Meeting Frequency: Weekly on Mondays

Group is on break until 2024. Sign up to be notified when it resumes.