The Mind of Winter: A Zen and Yoga Gathering on the Solstice, Online 12/19

The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.

Saturday, December 19, 1:00–6:30 pm PT

This annual gathering honors the traditional Japanese practice of Fuyu-gomori—“winter hibernation”—which in Japan evokes cozy, quiet scenes of winter life, enjoying sweets (called fuyu-gomori) with tea, and contemplation with music and art that express peaceful winter themes.

We will start our retreat by creating the feeling of warmth with a gentle active yoga practice, and then settle into the tranquility of restorative yoga and zazen. After a short break during which you are invited to prepare tea or another beverage and a sweet, we will return to the gathering to share poetry of the winter season. We will end our retreat with a ceremony honoring the winter solstice.

Please wear loose and comfortable clothing which will keep you warm throughout the retreat. Yoga props, such as a yoga mat, a strap, a few blankets, a meditation cushion and/or yoga bolster, and yoga blocks are helpful. Also, an eye pillow or soft cloth to cover the eyes in relaxation. For the poetry share, please bring one or more poems of your choice which evoke the feeling of winter. And have a candle for the ceremony at the end of the day.

Retreat Schedule
1:00–3:30 pm — Yoga asana, pranayama, restorative practice
3:30–4:15 pm — Zen meditation
4:15–4:30 pm — Break
4:30–6:15 pm — Tea time with seasonal poems and reflections
6:15–6:30 pm — Ceremonial celebration of the winter solstice

Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.