Lovingkindness is one of the most powerfully nourishing — and at the same time practical — practices we can use to find balance and ease in these challenging times in which we are living.

It is an incredibly tender practice that teaches us to live in a way that is gentler and kinder — towards ourselves as well as others, the Earth, and Life itself.

It is a way of being in the world with an attitude of friendliness towards all beings, including ourselves, a way that cultivates the wellbeing and happiness of all, which of course, includes ourselves. 

This practice is at once aspirational, inspirational and practical, with real life applications that can impact our lives in deeply meaningful and expansive ways.

In this daylong retreat we will have time to really step deeply into this practice, learning to hold ourselves with the utmost kindness, as we also learn to extend this same tenderness and kindness towards all beings.

This is the magic and power of lovingkindness. It moves us from feeling closed off from the world to feeling connected to others. It allows us to be in the world in a way that is kinder and gentler. It allows us to see the common ground of our being – even with those with whom we may disagree – that we all have our measure of suffering, and that we all desire to be loved, to be happy, to be accepted as we are.

All of which is so very needed at this moment of time in our world - both in our personal lives, but also in the larger world where there is so much animosity, division, and suffering.

I hope you will join me for this sacred time.

REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, OCT. 28, AT NOON (CT)

The retreat includes:

• Morning and afternoon sessions exploring various approaches to lovingkindness.

• A full day in a beautifully serene rural setting surrounded by nature.

• A wonderfully healthy home-cooked mid-day meal.

• Free time after lunch for contemplation or exploration — to enjoy as you wish.

• Access to 120 acres of rolling hills and forest, with multiple hiking trails.

• Sitting areas throughout forest and one retreat pond.

• A few special surprises! :)

Music and some gentle movement will be incorporated into the weekend as a way to more deeply enliven this unique retreat experience.

The retreat will be held at a beautiful secluded retreat center in the woods of northeastern Kansas, just 50 minutes from Lawrence or Kansas City. It is located on 120 acres of serene golden pasture and rolling timber.

An entire day away in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature allows for a truly transformative experience - and the refreshment, solace and relief that is so needed at this time.

IMPORTANT COVID PROTOCOL

We request that all participants be fully vaccinated, please, for the safety of all.
Proof of vaccination at check-in is required.
Thank you!

Mask-wearing will be at the discretion of the participant. Retreat sessions will be held in a room with French doors which open onto an outdoor courtyard. Windows will remain open whenever possible, weather permitting, for maximum aeration. Meals are taken in the main room of the lodge, a large indoor space with high ceilings and lots of air. If the weather allows, there are some lovely spaces for outdoor gathering, so we’ll do that when possible! There is also a deck for eating outdoors, if you prefer and weather permits.

For more on the retreat center’s current COVID protocols, click here.

FAQs

What is the cost of the retreat?

This retreat is offered on a sliding scale - from $99-$150, based on your financial circumstances. The regular retreat fee is $125. $150 is the Benefactor offering, which supports those with financial need. A $99 rate is offered for those for whom the $125 rate is financially prohibitive.

Rates include the full day's programming, lunch, and session materials.

Can you tell me more about the location and accommodations?

The retreat will be held at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer - formerly known as Shantivanam - a spiritual retreat center open to all who are seeking refuge and sacred retreat. It is located on 120 acres of golden pasture and rolling timber in northeastern Kansas, near Easton, just 50 minutes NE of Lawrence/NW of Kansas City.

The retreat center generally books only one group at a time, so we most often have the place all to ourselves, although there may be other individual guests.

For additional information about the retreat center, please click here.

What will our schedule be?

This is the tentative schedule for this year's retreat. Although changes may be made as the time approaches, this will give you a good idea of the flow of the day.

9:30-10-Arrival and Check-in 10-12-Morning Session 12-1-Lunch 1-2 pm-Contemplation/Exploration/Free Time 2-4-Afternoon Session Departure

You are welcome to stay and enjoy the retreat center and its grounds on your own after our session closing!

What if I have no mindfulness or meditation experience?

Individuals of all levels and experience are welcome at this retreat. No prior experience is required. It is understood that we all have something of value to offer each other, young and old, beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?

The retreat center does its best to accommodate dietary requests made at least one week in advance of the retreat start date. Please list your requirements on the registration form. Meals are generally vegetarian and whenever possible designed to accommodate the needs of all those at any given retreat - so that everyone can eat everything served.

What payment methods do you accept?

There are a variety of payment options. You may pay with a credit card, via PayPal, which also allows for direct bank payments, or you may pay via check. If you are a regular client/student, you may also pay me in person at your next in-person class or session.

Whichever payment method you choose, please note that registration is not final and your space is not secure until payment has been received.

If you are interested in setting up a PayPal account, it is easy and free. All you need to set up an account is an email address and a credit card. Click here for instructions: How to Set Up Your PayPal Account.

What if I have to cancel?

In the event of a cancellation, the refund policy is as follows:

• A full refund (minus an administration fee of $35) will be issued for cancellations made up to 30 days prior to the program start date.
• A 50% refund (minus an administration fee of $35) will be issued for cancellations made 30 days to two weeks prior to the event start date.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the event start date.

What if I still have more questions?

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out! You can email me at info@cindynovelo.com or text or call me at 785-331-7123.

One of the retreat center’s many forest paths…