From time immemorial, women have gathered in circles of sharing: in churches and temples, kitchens and courtyards, fields and forests. This retreat is an opportunity for women to connect in a community of practice using Zoom technology at a time when we can still not safely gather in person for the residential retreat we had planned for June. This series is designed to be manageable for participants in the midst of their daily lives as pandemic restrictions begin to lift, without an over-burden of screen-time.

Early morning zazen will be offered as part of this series for those who are able to participate. Each evening session will include zazen, an informal talk by the teacher, and time for participants to share reflections and expressions from the past week.

All self-identified women are welcome. No previous experience with Zen practice necessary.

Schedule: Thursday, June 18, 7:00-9:00 introductory session

Thursdays, June 25, July 2, 9, 16 Morning zazen 7:00-7:30 Evening session 7:00-9:00

These times may be adjusted slightly to accommodate participants in Mountain Time Zone. A message will be sent to those who register.

Theme: What life koans—central questions or paradoxes—have the past two months presented to you? Each week we will practice with one koan (or more) drawn mostly from the Hidden Lamp anthology, possibly other sources, not necessarily only koans featuring women.  We will also consider how we bring our lived experience as women to the classic koans. Kate will provide focus koans, but there may be themes that arise from the group that we are led to explore.  Between weekly sessions participants will be encouraged to engage with the koan/s for that week using different modalities and media: zazen, outdoor practice, poetry, free-writing, visual art, fabric art, collage, photography, movement, body awareness practices.... and keep a journal/record of their explorations.

Dokusan (individual practice discussion with the teacher) will be scheduled outside meeting time.

Retreat costs and registration

This retreat will be offered online using Zoom, on a sliding scale basis. Please do your best to attend all the evening sessions so we can cultivate community and continuity. Morning zazen is optional but recommended. Pre-registration (below) is required, and the Zoom link will be sent by email just before the start date.

Dana (donations) to the teacher can be made by Paypal, e-transfer, or cheque (address will be given in your confirmation email).