Throughout this daylong retreat, sitting periods will alternate with segments of mindful movement and somatic breathwork to create an integrative meditation experience. The movement aims to foster deeper states of presence and can be practiced by participants of all levels. Partnered meditations, Yoga Nidra, and discourses on the Dharma will be woven in throughout.
This retreat is a gift of the Gay Buddhist Fellowship and includes lunch. There is no cost to register. To support the work of the Gay Buddhist Fellowship, please consider making a donation when registering.
Sunday, November 23rd, marks the beginning of our holiday season, making this retreat the perfect opportunity for a deep dive into self-care and preparation for the season ahead.
—In loving kindness, David
RETREAT SCHEDULE
San Francisco Buddhist Center, 37 Bartlett St, SF
9:30 Opening Circle: Noble Silence
10:00 Mindful Movement
10:30 Abiding Meditation
11:00 Somatic Breathing
11:30 Abiding Meditation
Noon Lunch
1:00 Yoga Nidra
1:30 Abiding Meditation
2:00 Mindful Movement
Tea Break
3:00 Partner Meditation
4:00 Closing Circle
4:30 The Sharing of Merit
About David
David Moreno, RYT 500, SFT, co-founded the Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha with Geoffrey Landis in the 1990s, sponsoring guest teachers from Insight Meditation—such as Sharon Salzburg, Jack Kornfield, and Eric Kolvig—to conduct residencies. He is the founder of 'Men's Kula: Yoga for Guys' workshops and retreats for gay and bisexual men and the co-creator of 'Kavanah Yoga Havdalah' with Rabbi Jennie Chabon—a celebration of the mystical Jewish ritual marking the end of Shabbat. He has taught at international yoga conferences, festivals, universities, and retreats worldwide. His yoga and meditation commentaries are published in Yoga Journal, Yoga International, and Common Ground. David is known for his keen sense of humor and timing, making his teaching both playful and deep.
Cost: To support the work of the Gay Buddhist Fellowship, please consider donating when registering. Lunch is included.
Wardrobe: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
Props: Most of the mindful movement practices that we will do will not require props other than chairs and blankets. If you use props and have a yoga mat or blocks, please bring them. If you have an eye pillow or eye mask, please bring it.
Silence: This is a silent retreat based on the practice of Nobel Silence, with opportunities to talk during discussion periods.
"Loved the way that you intermingled a variety of supportive practices from different traditions with journaling and some small group conversations amidst the backdrop of silence...which allowed us all to both rest and engage more deeply. Thank you so much for your presence and your teaching!” —Odin, Berkeley
"You know just how to balance movement with stillness, speaking with silence, laughter with tears, engagement with rest, and being in community with time for solitude. If you've ever lived somewhere with distinct seasons, you know that feeling of appreciation for contrast.” —Bruce, Berkeley
“A belated heartfelt thank you, David, for the gift of your time and teaching on Saturday. I loved…the QiGong and Yoga Nidra… both were fantastic! … I did come away from this whole day away (door closed) feeling more grounded, more relaxed, and strangely content in the midst of the turmoil of my life, and had the deepest sleep that night in a long time. You have a wonderfully open and generous heart; it’s a pleasure to spend time in your company.” Robert – Oakland
