2023 Annual Women’s Retreat  (Hybrid)

Gently Discerning Shame, Regret and Remorse
with Claire Stanley

Saturday, February 11, 10:00am to 1:00pm (Eastern)

To learn and to grow is to make mistakes and to begin again with a fresh perspective. Often, however, an emotional residue remains from the mistakes we have made in this life. If we are to live and to die without regrets with a heart that is open, spacious and free, we need to take the time – with support and tender care – to let go of the residues of shame and regret. In this half-day retreat, we will explore the nuances between shame, regret and remorse in order to cultivate a heart and mind that is clear and compassionate. The retreat consists of silent meditation periods, mindful walking and movement, as well as mindful inquiry using texts written by Buddhist women teachers and practitioners about the transformation of shame, regret and remorse.

Claire Stanley, Vermont Insight’s first Guiding Teacher until she retired from that role in 2018 and a former Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics. She teaches meditation and reflective inquiry in the context of Buddhism at Vermont Insight and throughout New England. A long-time practitioner, Claire attended her first seven-day meditation retreat in 1986 at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. After fifteen years of practice, she received training through the Community Dharma Leader program in the teaching of meditation and scholarly inquiry. That three-year program took place at Spirit Rock Meditation Center with Jack Kornfield and her mentor was Gil Fronsdal. Her main teachers have been Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Carol Wilson, the Venerable Sayadaw U Janaka, and the Venerable Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

In 2001 and 2002, Claire traveled extensively in Asia and ordained as a nun for three months in Burma. In 2004, Claire completed six months of intensive silent meditation practice at The Forest Refuge program of Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. She co-founded Vermont Insight Mediation Center in 2005. Claire is passionate about the development of kindness of heart and its role in all aspects of daily life through the investigation of non-harming and non-violence in thought, word and action. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a specialization in reflectivity.

Coming in Person?

In the Hall, tea will be available throughout the retreat, chairs and cushions are provided and participants may bring their own. Please bring something to drink in a closed container.  More information about visiting the hall HERE>>

Registration and Dana

The registration fee supports Vermont Insight and in addition, it is customary to make a donation to the teacher in appreciation for the teachings.

Dana and Fee Waivers: The teachings of the Buddha have been offered freely for 2600 years.

A link will be sent to participants so they can make a Gratitude offering (Dana) to the teacher here.

AND We continue to offer the teachings freely to all who would benefit. Your practice is a gift to us all. When you register please select a fee waiver if that is appropriate

The Zoom link will be sent February 10:   Once registrations close at noon, an email will be sent to ALL who are registered with the Zoom link by 5 pm that day.

Please add information@vermontinsight.org to your contacts or check your Junk/Spam/Promotions Mail folders if you have not received the retreat detail letter by 5 pm on the day before the retreat.

Please register below and be sure to select the number of people for whom you are registering and also indicate if you are coming in person and indicate how many will be coming to the hall.

In addition to the registration fee, a donation may be made to Claire anytime before, during or after the retreat.

Dana for Claire