"Feel the profound awakening and peace in a moment of silence." -- from Opening the Lotus

		Upcoming Meditation Events Exploring the Sacred Feminine, May, 2008 in Eagle Creek, OR Dharma and Writing Retreat, August, 2008 in Bainbridge Island, WA
		Contact Sandy at sandbou@sandyboucher.net for more information on retreats, how to organize retreats in your area, and upcoming events.
			Joy in Mindfulness The "Joy in Mindfulness" retreat, co-led with Martha Boesing, Buddhist theatre artist, offers an opportunity to work with the insecurities in our lives.
		Within a framework of Vipassana meditation, watched over by the Goddess of Compassion Kwan Yin, we will strive to turn toward the fears and expectations that come with transitions. Moving, new loves, job changes, fresh projects, graduations, divorce, illness, the death of loved ones: these can be difficult passages. This retreat kindles joy in mindfulness through simple dance movements, song, elementary theatre exercises, and writing designed to help us let go of the experiences of the past, so that we may discover our deepest intentions for the time to come. Our interactive experiences will be interspersed with mindful silence and meditation.

		Dharma and Writing Retreat for Women This retreat offers writing inspiration within the matrix of meditation, in an atmosphere of compassionate energy and our own self-nurturing. We will alternate meditation practice with writing practice.
		Sandy will guide writing exercises to connect you to your powerful autobiographical/memoir/personal-essay material; there will be time for your own writing project also, whether arising out of the exercises or brought from home; and Sandy will see each of you in short private sessions about your writing, if desired. Beginners and experienced writers are all welcome.

			Discovering Kwan Yin Spend a day with Sandy Boucher in a retreat setting. We will do sitting and walking meditation, be introduced to the goddess Kwan Yin, chant to evoke our deeper nature, and share our own stories of compassion in the world.
		This day can be a healing, deeply nurturing experience. If you feel that in your life you are asked to give and give, without getting much back, come and open yourself to the compassionate energy of the goddess Kwan Yin. This retreat can happen in a two-or-more-day residential context also.

		Upcoming Meditation Event Details
		Eagle Creek, OR, Women's Retreat Friday, May 23, 2008 through Sunday, May 25, 2008 Exploring the Sacred Feminine In an all-women environment that is safe, supportive, and challenging, the workshop leaders teach practices to explore our deepest nature. Participants will engage intensively with Holotropic Breathwork and meditation. We will do mandala drawing, sacred dancing, writing, chanting, and sharing to support and integrate the experience of Holotropic Breathwork sessions, within the container of Vipassana meditation. Led by Kiel Hemenway and Sandy Boucher. $375 before May 9; $395 after May 9. Cost includes double-occupancy accommodations and meals. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee. Email SacredFeminineRetreat@gmail.com to register, or call Kiel at 971-344-1867. For details, see the event flyer [PDF 904 KB].
		Bainbridge Island, WA, Dharma and Writing Friday, August 15, 2008 through Sunday, August 17, 2008 Dharma and Writing Retreat This retreat is for women interested in meditation who want to experience the power of penetrating the dharma through writing. Located at Sacred Groves, in the Pacific Northwest rainforest. Cost is $165-200, depending on lodging. For more information and registration, contact Janet Pliske at jpliske@seawall.net or (206) 938-5204. For details, see the event flyer.