Private Retreat of the Heart
The most intensive form of the IAM training is the retreat.
Here we can dedicate ourselves to the spiritual practice of opening and
developing the heart through Heart Rhythm Meditation.
How is a retreat conducted?
We are drawing upon an ancient spiritual tradition of
retreats, following the example of those masters, saints and prophets
who have pioneered the method of spiritual retreats, and utilizing the
deep and long experience of the IAM retreat guides.
The retreat is conducted in solitude and silence, in a
specially dedicated environment: either in Tucson in a small, separate
retreat house, or in a suitable place in or near your home.
In Tucson, One hot meal a day is provided; the other meals
are simple and self-serve.
The diet for the retreat is typically vegetarian and non-dairy,
although exceptions are made.
The retreat guide meets you twice a day for instructions in
the schedule and practices. Each meeting is approx. an hour long.
In Tucson, this meeting is in person;
otherwise it is over the phone.
What is the concept of the retreat?
The retreat has three movements.
- The first movement is digging into the heart.
- The second movement is immersing in the Heart
- The third movement is environmenting the heart
In the first movement, digging into the heart, we explore the depth and the width of the heart to
calm anxieties and fears, overcome resentment, heal guilt and pain, and develop forgiveness.
We avoid introspection in your usual state of being. We strive for a new perception and feeling
toward your self and the life you've built so far.
In the second movement, immersing in the Heart, we discover the Heart of your heart,
the Heart of Humanity and the Universal Heart. Here we dive into the emotions without reason,
the impersonal emotions, and finally the universal emotions. This removes the constraints the heart
has been entrapped within and gives a far-reaching scope to the future development of your heart.
In the third movement, environmenting the heart, we strengthen the channel between the
Universal Heart and the personal heart to that both can be experienced simultaneously.
Then the heart within radiates out into expression and application to your life's challenges.
We will give voice to the heart and connect it to the needs of your present situation.
What are the tools used in this process of transformation?
Breath work, Heart Rhythm Practice, sounds, prayers, songs, daily Heart Rhythm Yoga, music,
walks in nature, journeling, and talks with the guide are all tools in the process.
The retreat guide perceives the state of the retreatant and suggests practices for the appropriate
next step.
The basis of the retreat is the four Dimensions of the Heart, combined with the Five Stages of
Heart Rhythm Pactice.
How much does a retreat cost?
In Tucson, including lodging, meals, and two hours of
individual instruction a day, the price is $200. per day of retreat.
In your own retreat facility where you provide your own meals,
the price is $180 per day.
How should you prepare for the retreat?
First, you should know why you are taking the retreat. Second, you should build up your daily
practice so that you can sit in meditation for at least an hour.
What do you need to bring?
Bring comfortable clothes for sitting, walking and exercising.
Bring a washing kit, journal, sketch pad.
Don't bring a laptop, cell phone, camera, music player, or favorite book.
If you are a musician, you could bring your instrument, but there won't be much time for playing it.
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