The Werk of Getting Free

Avila Center for Community Leadership, Durham NC

We are living through an apocalypse, a period of deep truth unveiling. This revelation seems overwhelming especially as it calls into question our participation in social systems that perpetuate violence, including racism and white supremacy. Through skillful practice, we can meet these challenges, remember who we are, and lean into love, community, and belonging. Join Lama Rod Owens as he guides us into relationship with our suffering and with both the seen and the unseen worlds to do the work of abolishing systems of violence. Through connection to the elders, the elements, land, indigenous wisdom, our magic, and our practice, we can learn to be the medicine we and our communities need.

During our time together on retreat we will share the work and werk of getting free, which will include:

• Meditation
• Movement
• Ancestor practices
• Earth-based rituals and practices
• Group dialogues and discussions
• Laughter and joy
• Love and compassion practices

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

REGISTRATION PROCESS:

Those interested in attending the retreat should submit an application by May 15 to be considered in the first round of admissions. You will not be asked to pay until you are accepted into the retreat. To apply, 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. The first group of applicants will be admitted in May, after which all remaining applicants will be added to a waiting list. Admissions will continue until the retreat is full, and often there are last minute cancellations which allow those still on the waiting list to be admitted.

TICKET PRICING:

• Residential retreat (includes single-room accommodations and meals): $500
• Residential retreat (pay it forward to help us provide support): $600
• Supported residential retreat (scholarship rate): $350
• Non-residential retreat (commuter ticket includes meals but not overnight accommodations): $300

The Thursday evening talk is included in any of these registration options.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The retreat container
After the opening program on the first night until the noon meal on the third 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 on your application form.

Lodging
All rooms are single, and some are more accessible than others.  Please let us know your accessibility needs on the application form.  Some of the rooms that require stairs are large double rooms, and a limited number of these can be shared at a lower cost upon request.

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 Avila Center, a 20-minute drive from downtown Durham and a 35-minute drive from the Raleigh Durham (RDU) airport.

The Avila Center for Community Leadership 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 or your registration, please contact Karen at BhumiDurham@gmail.com