Big Sky Mind & Big Ocean Body Retreats

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Big Sky Mind/ Big Ocean Body Retreats offer a non-denominational and non-traditional approach to meditation and inquiry. Founded by Toni Packer, the Center believes the spirit of the retreat is in being together in the simplicity and open space of silent awareness. There are no set beliefs that are necessary to participate in the retreat. It is meant to be an atmosphere which invites participants to discover that which they are seeking.

The retreat integrates meditation as practiced in the spirit of Springwater Center and Toni Packer’s teachings with Continuum movement-based somatic work. At these retreats, guests are invited to discover the intimate relationship that exists between movement and stillness and how they work together to create a mind-body balance.

Ms. Packer adheres to the belief that there is a meeting point between meditation and Continuum and that is where we find Open Awareness. During the process of meditation, we are immersed in this awareness. It is those moments of stillness that we seek to find while we are sitting, standing, reclining and breathing during the meditative process. In Continuum, we become immersed in open awareness through the movement, breath and sound that accompany the process.

The retreats are designed to create the ideal balance between periods of meditation/stillness and Continuum/movement.

In the beginning of the program, there is an opportunity for all participants to learn the movement of the body and the rhythmic process of meditation. During these sessions, guests engage in group discussions and work together to co-create a community feeling in the practice space. The final four days of the retreat are dedicated to immersion into the community/collective and creative silence.

Continuum is a big part of the process as it is a modality of somatic inquiry that utilizes movement, breath and sound to engage our fluid nature. From a holistic standpoint, this process leads us into a conscious relationship with all other living things. When this piece of our consciousness awakens it infuses every part of our being with spontaneous grace and ease, allowing for the body-mind awakening and healing that we seek.

The Center is open to all people of all faiths and seeks to create a community where all feel welcome to take part. To learn more about costs and upcoming sessions go to springwatercenter.org.