"A Space Apart
Yesterday I had it. I attended a retreat. I have a friend who offers retreats – partly guided, partly free – at her home on a magical parcel of land. Pond, gardens, paths through the woods, and the house itself, lovingly built over decades by her partner. He is still building – currently constructing a tiny house on the property, and the hum of his skilled, intentional effort vibrates throughout the land, the house, the gathering of souls who congregate to find their place, their space apart from their daily lives. It is with intention that I went there. I can’t say purpose, rather – intention. Intention to be away from my daily existence, even though I love and appreciate and am completely grateful for every aspect of my daily existence. The intention was to carve out that space, separate from all the rest of me – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I followed my friend’s guided instruction, I toyed with the idea of leading my own retreats (which I have done in the past), I sat and wrote in my journal, using her prompt as a jumping off point to expand, swim deeper, explore without reservation or judgement. I drew, I painted, I walked on the land, I breathed, I ate a lunch I did not prepare, did not purchase in a restaurant. I spoke to some of the other participants, but also sat and moved in silence amongst them. I did not think of bills and goals and meals to prepare and classes to teach. I simply was. I allowed it. I allowed myself this space. I allowed myself the time." M. Seale, Retreat participant 2019
Yesterday I had it. I attended a retreat. I have a friend who offers retreats – partly guided, partly free – at her home on a magical parcel of land. Pond, gardens, paths through the woods, and the house itself, lovingly built over decades by her partner. He is still building – currently constructing a tiny house on the property, and the hum of his skilled, intentional effort vibrates throughout the land, the house, the gathering of souls who congregate to find their place, their space apart from their daily lives. It is with intention that I went there. I can’t say purpose, rather – intention. Intention to be away from my daily existence, even though I love and appreciate and am completely grateful for every aspect of my daily existence. The intention was to carve out that space, separate from all the rest of me – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I followed my friend’s guided instruction, I toyed with the idea of leading my own retreats (which I have done in the past), I sat and wrote in my journal, using her prompt as a jumping off point to expand, swim deeper, explore without reservation or judgement. I drew, I painted, I walked on the land, I breathed, I ate a lunch I did not prepare, did not purchase in a restaurant. I spoke to some of the other participants, but also sat and moved in silence amongst them. I did not think of bills and goals and meals to prepare and classes to teach. I simply was. I allowed it. I allowed myself this space. I allowed myself the time." M. Seale, Retreat participant 2019
Mindfulness & Meditation
For the past three years, I have been offering a Mindfulness & Meditation Series seasonally at In Sync Mind Body Therapy Center in Carbondale, Illinois. The classes are small (8) and suitable for those who are new to meditation and/or mindfulness practices as well as those who are wanting to renew or energize their practice. This year I was invited to offer a monthly meditation group at the Carbondale Public Library. If you are interested in joining a local weekly meditation group in our area, from various traditions, I'm happy to make suggestions.
Part I - Foundational Techniques
These classes are both experiential and instructive. Participants will find them to be suitable as a review or as first time basic teachings. Foundational techniques include: posture and alignment; breath & body awareness; how to work with our busy minds & outside distractions; working with various meditation & mindfulness practices.
Dates: Mondays - online - TBA
Time: daytime - TBA
Location: online via join.me (only 5 participants accepted)
Cost: $50 (payable by check via mail or Paypal)
Part II - Building on the Foundation
We will continue practicing meditation together and delve into mindfulness techniques to promote deepening self-awareness and presence. In between classes we have simple practices that involve noticing and being aware. Past participants have said that these practices, combined with meditation have given them a sense of ease and decreased reactivity in relationships, the workplace and their own minds.
Note: Part I is a prerequisite for Part II.
Dates: Mondays - online - TBA
Time: daytime - TBA
Location: online via join.me (only 5 participants accepted)
Cost: $50 (payable by check via mail or Paypal)
Center For Lost Arts - Meditation Group
Dates: Mondays beginning March 9th, 2020
Time: 5:30 to 6:30pm
Location: Currently online during the pandemic.
Leader: Bonnie Burton
Requirements: Local participants are encouraged to take the Mindfulness & Meditation Series, Part I & II, offered by Bonnie seasonally. (Details about next series above). If you are unable to attend the series, speak with Bonnie to find out if this group is a good fit for you. All are welcome.
Donation: Cash or check payable to Center For Lost Arts
Day Retreats
Day Retreats can be a half day - 9am to noon or 1pm to 4pm or full day - 9am to 4 pm. We begin the day with seated meditation and then follow a loose schedule on our own for the morning, afternoon or a full day. Options for journaling time, creative expression and mindfulness practices are offered according to the needs of the group. Options are available during the day for a 15-30 minute check in/guidance.
Date/Time: As requested by individuals or groups
Costs: $60/day(vegetarian lunch included) or $25/half day for individuals. *Discounts for groups of 8 or more.
Personal Overnight Retreats
If you've never been on retreat before I will assist you in deciding what your intention for this time will be. Retreating for awhile gives us a chance to move from an outward focus to an inward one. We move from a state of accomplishing & doing to one of relaxing & being. Your retreat time may include: silence, meditation, walking, journaling, expressive art, reading, writing, music, mindful time in nature, yoga, massage, energy work, healthy food and being present to the simple aspects of life. You may wish to create a retreat for yourself or with a partner, family member or friend. Maybe you are in a time of transition and are not sure what you need. Let's talk about it.
Overnight retreats are available at Eva's Roost and Tiny House of Paul on the property of Center For Lost Arts HERE.
Contact me, Bonnie, to discuss options that might best suit your schedule & needs.
For the past three years, I have been offering a Mindfulness & Meditation Series seasonally at In Sync Mind Body Therapy Center in Carbondale, Illinois. The classes are small (8) and suitable for those who are new to meditation and/or mindfulness practices as well as those who are wanting to renew or energize their practice. This year I was invited to offer a monthly meditation group at the Carbondale Public Library. If you are interested in joining a local weekly meditation group in our area, from various traditions, I'm happy to make suggestions.
Part I - Foundational Techniques
These classes are both experiential and instructive. Participants will find them to be suitable as a review or as first time basic teachings. Foundational techniques include: posture and alignment; breath & body awareness; how to work with our busy minds & outside distractions; working with various meditation & mindfulness practices.
Dates: Mondays - online - TBA
Time: daytime - TBA
Location: online via join.me (only 5 participants accepted)
Cost: $50 (payable by check via mail or Paypal)
Part II - Building on the Foundation
We will continue practicing meditation together and delve into mindfulness techniques to promote deepening self-awareness and presence. In between classes we have simple practices that involve noticing and being aware. Past participants have said that these practices, combined with meditation have given them a sense of ease and decreased reactivity in relationships, the workplace and their own minds.
Note: Part I is a prerequisite for Part II.
Dates: Mondays - online - TBA
Time: daytime - TBA
Location: online via join.me (only 5 participants accepted)
Cost: $50 (payable by check via mail or Paypal)
Center For Lost Arts - Meditation Group
Dates: Mondays beginning March 9th, 2020
Time: 5:30 to 6:30pm
Location: Currently online during the pandemic.
Leader: Bonnie Burton
Requirements: Local participants are encouraged to take the Mindfulness & Meditation Series, Part I & II, offered by Bonnie seasonally. (Details about next series above). If you are unable to attend the series, speak with Bonnie to find out if this group is a good fit for you. All are welcome.
Donation: Cash or check payable to Center For Lost Arts
Day Retreats
Day Retreats can be a half day - 9am to noon or 1pm to 4pm or full day - 9am to 4 pm. We begin the day with seated meditation and then follow a loose schedule on our own for the morning, afternoon or a full day. Options for journaling time, creative expression and mindfulness practices are offered according to the needs of the group. Options are available during the day for a 15-30 minute check in/guidance.
Date/Time: As requested by individuals or groups
Costs: $60/day(vegetarian lunch included) or $25/half day for individuals. *Discounts for groups of 8 or more.
Personal Overnight Retreats
If you've never been on retreat before I will assist you in deciding what your intention for this time will be. Retreating for awhile gives us a chance to move from an outward focus to an inward one. We move from a state of accomplishing & doing to one of relaxing & being. Your retreat time may include: silence, meditation, walking, journaling, expressive art, reading, writing, music, mindful time in nature, yoga, massage, energy work, healthy food and being present to the simple aspects of life. You may wish to create a retreat for yourself or with a partner, family member or friend. Maybe you are in a time of transition and are not sure what you need. Let's talk about it.
Overnight retreats are available at Eva's Roost and Tiny House of Paul on the property of Center For Lost Arts HERE.
Contact me, Bonnie, to discuss options that might best suit your schedule & needs.
