Healing, Resiliency, and Liberation 

Avila Center for Community Leadership, Durham NC

We are excited to once again offer a retreat with Lama Rod Owens November 12–15. It seems as if we are living through an apocalypse, struggling to learn lessons through economic instability, war, political unrest, climate change, continuing genocides, and various forms of systematic violence. However, this moment is also inviting us back to an authentic indigeneity. We are being asked to remember how to be in relationship to the land, to our brokenheartedness, and in gentle healing relationships with others.

In the face of so much change, we may find it difficult to maintain our physical and emotional balance. Resiliency is such an important skill to develop right now. Resiliency is about how well we can meet the challenges of our lives with a sense of openness and curiosity that helps us to regain our balance. Balance means understanding how to return to a sense of being grounded to meet challenges directly. During our time together, we will explore both personal and collective resiliency through somatic based mindfulness practice, grief work, chanting, and prayer. We will explore themes of spiritual abolition, liberatory care, grieving as care work, as well as what it means to be a love-centered agent of liberation in this moment.

The retreat begins on Thursday, November 12, and ends on Sunday, November 15.

A retreat allows us to do the deep work and healing that our minds, bodies, spirits, ancestors, and the earth are calling for so strongly. It is a gift we can give ourselves which also affects all the lives we touch.

If you are new to practice with Lama Rod or new to meditation retreats, you are most welcome. Also most welcome are those who have formed community during earlier retreats at Avila and previous retreats with Lama Rod.

We will meditate together and engage in movement, compassion, and earth-based ancestor practices and rituals. This is a residential-only retreat, and we have scholarship assistance available. There is an application process and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks will have priority.  

If you have questions about the retreat, email Karen at BhumiDurham@gmail.com. 

If you have questions about the registration process or about the retreat center, email Elaina at elaina@peacehillavila.org.

Learn more about Lama Rod Owens here.

Presented by Bhumi Durham in partnership with Peace Hill at Avila.

REGISTRATION PROCESS:

There is an application process for this retreat. Please note, you must have an approved application in order to register. To apply, please fill out the form at this link:

We expect this retreat to be oversubscribed, so preference will be given to BIPOC, LGBTQ people, and those who have been studying with Lama Rod. Admissions will continue until the retreat is full, after which applicants will be added to a waiting list. Often, there are last-minute cancellations which allow those on the waiting list to be admitted.

TICKET PRICING:

• Pay-it-forward Residential Retreat (includes single-room accommodations and meals): $900
• Residential Retreat – single room (includes single-room accommodations and meals): $800
• Residential Retreat – shared room (includes shared-room accommodations and meals): $600

Payment will be made in two installments: a $200 deposit will hold your place at the retreat, and payment of the remaining balance will complete registration.

All refund requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the retreat. A $30 processing fee will be deducted from refunds.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The retreat container
After the opening program on the first night until the noon meal on the fourth day, everyone is invited to enter into silence throughout the buildings and grounds. At times, such as the Q&A sessions, silence will be lifted in the meditation hall.

This supportive silence invites all yogis to refrain from verbal and written communication with others, including telephone calls, texts, and emails. There will be an emergency number for emergencies.

Meals
Coffee and tea will be available during the retreat. Meals will be vegetarian. Please let us know allergies and food intolerances when you register. We can usually accommodate dietary restrictions.

Lodging
A limited number of single rooms are available, and double rooms with two full-sized beds will be shared by two participants. Some rooms are more accessible than others; please let us know your accessibility needs on the application form. 

Accessibility
Please help us make this retreat as accessible as possible by telling us about your accessibility needs on the application.

Location of the retreat
The retreat venue is the Avila Center for Community Leadership, a 20-minute drive from downtown Durham and a 35-minute drive from the Raleigh Durham (RDU) airport.

Avila is a nonprofit community center, where people and groups connect, deepen their work, and rejuvenate. The mission of the center is to support and connect community organizers and leaders working together for systemic change in the South and beyond. The buildings are surrounded by 50 acres of green space and trails.

You can learn more about Avila at this link.

If you have questions about this retreat, please contact Karen at BhumiDurham@gmail.com