WHAT: A contemplative gathering that’s specifically designed to:
Deepen and stabilize your meditation practice
Explore how meditation creates the conditions for opening your heart
Learn the enneagram from a Buddhist perspective
Discuss the connection between Buddhism and the enneagram
Discover Buddhist teachings for each type
Examine communication styles to enable you to connect more deeply with others
Figure out your type, subtype, and figure out how (and why/why not) to type others
Relax, reflect, and renew your heart connection to yourself within a supportive community

WHEN: October 11-15, 2023

WHERE: My house in Austin, Texas

COST: $1,800.00 payable in full or in three installments of $600

Limited to 13 participants.

We will notify you of the status of your application within 72 hours. If your application is not accepted for some reason, we will refund your deposit immediately.

This retreat is now closed. Thanks to all who attended.

 

Why this retreat?

The question I hear most often about my recent book, The Buddhist Enneagram, is “what do Buddhism and the enneagram have to do with each other?” Fair question!

For me, they are perfectly intertwined. Both Buddhism and the enneagram offer profound (and extremely practical) insight into identity, love, and living a good life. Each emphasizes the central importance of compassion.

Buddhism has taught me so much about the principles behind true compassion (rather than idiot compassion) and the enneagram has shown me how to actually do it.

When I feel angry or heartbroken or hopeless, Buddhist practice has taught me how to meet those mind states honestly. The enneagram has taught me what to do next–with my particular mind, within my specific relationships, and in regard to the circumstances of my life at this moment. To me, they are entirely consonant partners on the journey.

In this small, in-person retreat, we will explore what it means to live fearlessly in a world of beauty, sorrow, possibility, and constant uncertainty. Through sitting meditation practice and studying the nine heart-opening paths of enneagram, we will learn more about who we are and how to love more deeply.

It would be lovely to see you there!

FAQS

Where do we meet?
We will meet each day at my sweet, sunny home in Austin, Texas. Our days will begin with meditation and then we will settle in for contemplation and conversation. (A detailed schedule is below.)

What should I bring?
Bring your journal and comfortable clothes. I will supply meditation cushions, chairs, and whatever is needed for group meditation practice.

If you want to go swimming with me in the mornings, pack a bathing suit and towel. It’s super fun! Try it! (There will be time after our swim to go back to where you’re staying to shower and change.)

Where is your house? What neighborhood is it in?
The house is on Powell Circle in South Austin, just south of Oltorf and South First streets.
Residential and quiet but very close to restaurants, shops, and the nightlife of South Congress Ave (aka “SoCo.”)

The house is an easy 15-20 minute drive from the Austin airport.

What is the schedule?
The schedule is designed to give you a combination of structured time, personal space, and connection with your fellow practitioners—and some time to enjoy Austin. Here is the full schedule. All times are CT.

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, October 11

6:30p – 8p Opening gathering to meet each other

Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and mocktails

 

Thursday, October 12

630a – 730a Optional swim with me at Barton Springs

9a-12p Morning practice, study, and introduction to the enneagram, part 1

12p-130p Lunch (at my house; included)

130p-3 Afternoon practice, study, and introduction to the enneagram, part 2

3-4 Tea break

4-5 Closing conversation

Dinner on your own

 

Friday, October 13

630a – 730a Optional swim with me at Barton Springs

9a-12p Morning practice, study, and introduction to the enneagram, part 3

12p-130p Lunch (at my house; included)

130p-3 Afternoon practice, study, and how to type yourself (and others)

3-4 Tea break

4-5 Closing conversation

Dinner on your own

 

Saturday, October 14

630a – 730a Optional swim with me at Barton Springs

9a-12p Morning practice, study, and overview of Buddhist teachings for each type, part 1

12p-130p Lunch (at my house; included)

130p-3 Afternoon practice, study, and overview of Buddhist teachings for each type, part 2

3-4 Tea break

4-5 Closing conversation

Dinner out together

 

Sunday, October 15

630a – 730a Optional swim with me at Barton Springs

930a-11a Morning practice, study, and loving kindness meditation

11a-12p Lunch and closing conversation

Farewells!

What is included in the price?

• 4 program days of meditation, conversation, and community (and fun…you can’t come to Austin and not have fun)
• 4 lunches (healthy, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options)
• Coffee, tea, juices, water, light snacks throughout the day
• Dinner out together on the evening of October 14

What is the refund policy?

A refund will be offered (minus the deposit) if you cancel by September 15. After that date, there are no refunds. Please make note.

Where will I stay?

PLEASE NOTE! Your program fee does not include accommodations or travel. You are responsible for getting yourself to Austin and finding a place to stay. Once your application is accepted, I will provide a list of nearby Airbnbs and hotels at a variety of price points.

Can you match me with a roommate?

If there are others seeking roommates, we will happily connect you.

What about food?

Lunch each day is included (there will be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options). Coffee, tea, water, juices, and light snacks will be on hand throughout the day.

Breakfasts and dinners will be on your own. I will provide a list of great, affordable restaurants in a variety of neighborhoods.

On Saturday, you are invited to a dinner out together (included in your fee).

Will I need a car?

It depends where you stay. I live in the heart of South Austin right on a bus line. It is also easy to call Uber or Lyft. The house is 2 miles from downtown Austin, so plan accordingly if you’d like to stay there.

I love the idea of a morning swim. Will it be cold? How will I get there and is there a fee?

Barton Springs is a huge in-town, spring-fed pool and it is truly my happy place. I literally swim there every day (barring thunderstorms). The water is 68 degrees year-round. It is a short Uber/Lyft ride from either my neighborhood or downtown Austin. (Especially at 6:30 am!) There is no fee before 8:00 am.

Will I have to come to your house in a wet bathing suit?
No, there will be time to get back to wherever you’re staying to shower and change.

Where will we go to eat on Saturday night?
True Food Kitchen 

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to email us here. It would be a joy to practice together in person!