This two-day retreat explores how curiosity about our thoughts and emotions and the precision and openness of meditation can expand our awareness and provide us a more realistic and accurate relationship to our world. One aspect of awareness is the sense of space in our perceptions. Another is seeing the connections between our thoughts and emotions, to be able to separate our projections about people and things from how things actually are. An awakened heart allows us to communicate and connect with our world. It allows us to live without resentment or expectation and begin to discern between what we are making up and direct perception of our world.

The Shambhala teachings are a fresh way of connecting to our innate, basic goodness. These teachings explore how we can be fearless and gentle—with both ourselves and others—and how we can connect to a sense of magic in the living environment that is always there and available. Shambhala is a path of personal transformation and offers entry into the wisdom tradition of Shambhala teachings, as well as the foundational teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

Awakened Heart: Shambhala Training Level IV, builds on the presentation of basic goodness, the teachings on “cocoon”, and the exploration of fearlessness. With trust in basic goodness and daring to experience the sharp edge of reality, we move forward with gentleness, increased awareness, and inquisitiveness about the world, as it is. We can extend ourselves to others fully and with kindness.

In this weekend retreat we will expand our meditation practice further and explore real techniques for how to be even more present for both ourselves and others with care and curiosity.

Limited scholarships are available for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Email Lisa Federico at [email protected] for more information.

Those who have already completed the Heart of Warriorship levels are invited to come for free. We want and need the older students to mix with the younger students. This will allow the newer people to learn from the more experienced people, and equally important, the more experienced folks to learn from the newer folks!

This program is hybrid. You will receive a link upon registration.

Jackie Muse is a founder of the Atlanta Shambhala Center and has been practicing meditation since the early 70’s. She trained with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and leads meditation classes, programs and teacher trainings. Jackie and her husband Keith are the grandparents of four. She continues to enjoy bringing the dharma to others and invites you to come practice with the Atlanta Shambhala Community. You may feel like you found a home as many others have done.