​MTAI Mindfulness Teachers Autumn Retreat

​“Insight Dialogue, Interpersonal Mindfulness Weekend”

​​with Catherine Sutton

​​Weekend Residential Retreat
6pm Friday October 18th – 2pm Sunday October 20th 2024

​Cost: Price includes full board and all meals. Catherine is offering her facilitation using the principle of Dana or donation.

​​Accommodation options

​​€230 single ensuite; €200 standard; €180 sharing twin; €160 student member

​​A concession price is available on request for those who have a difficulty in paying the full price.

​​A €100 deposit is required and completion of application form. Balance to be paid by September 30th 2023.

​About this retreat

​The Three Traps-

​demand, defend and delusion

​The focus of the weekend will be on these three traps of demand, defend and delusion that we keep getting caught in that in turn create much of our stress, suffering, dissatisfaction and dis-ease. In Buddhism these traps are known as greed, hatred and ignorance – rather strong words. When these obstacles are seen more clearly, they can be undermined and then a path that leads us towards more freedom becomes possible. Freedom from these traps allows for greater freedom to live a life of deepening contentment. Simple contemplations and practices will enable you to see more clearly the places you tend to get stuck.

​The first trap of demand or wanting things to be a certain way, grasping after things, people and ideas and the urgent leaning into the future brings with it a lot of stress and discomfort. Defending or not wanting things to be as they are - resisting, refusing, rejecting, contracting- creates a different kind of stress, tension and dissatisfaction. Delusion and not seeing the reality of life, spacing out, confusion and lack of clarity do not bring lasting contentment either. With the support of your mindfulness practice, and specific contemplations, you will recognise the times you are caught in one of these traps (most of the time!). This will enable you appreciate the value of recognising and strengthening the opposites of generosity (in a broad sense), goodwill (kindness/compassion) and wisdom (really knowing the reality of impermanence, stress/ suffering and the idea we have of a self)).

​By undermining what is unhelpful and cultivating what is beneficial, you will start to walk on a path to greater contentment, ease and freedom.

​What will be offered:

• ​A weekend of Noble Silence (except when in dialogue practice).

• ​Introduction to Insight Dialogue and the six guidelines of this powerful practice.

• ​Teachings and reflections focusing on each trap in turn.

• ​Teachings and reflections on the three opposite factors to cultivate in place of the traps

• ​Very specific contemplations with a partner with the support of the six guidelines

• ​Interactive sessions will form the basis for understanding how these traps operate in your life. These sessions are not discussions but contemplations that are so valuable if they are held within the six guidelines for Insight Dialogue practice.

​About Catherine

​Catherine has been involved with Insight Dialogue practice since 2006 and has done extensive work, study and retreats with Gregory Kramer who is the inspiration and principle teacher of this practice that has it’s roots in Buddhist wisdom.

​Catherine has been teaching MBCT since 2005 and teaching IMP (Interpersonal Mindfulness Practice based on Insight Dialogue) for many years. She has recently retired from teaching these 8-week programmes. She is currently taking mindfulness out into nature and offers Nature Connection/ Nature Therapy/ Forest Bathing walks from her home and woodland in rural West Waterford.

​About Dana

​Dana, an ancient word in the language used by the Buddha meaning generosity or giving, is a voluntary expression of appreciation and gratitude.

​The principle of Dana is still used in monasteries, retreat centres and on retreats by some teachers. This lovely practice has been alive for around 2,500 years.

​The spirit of dana offers those who value the practice of meditation and the teachings and practices offered by a teacher,  the opportunity to maintain the cycle of generosity and gratitude by offering what they are able to in order to support what is of value to them. It is a practice that diminishes self-centredness and includes the well-being of others.

​The teachings are freely given and there is no correct sum to give. The amount depends upon your ability to give and how your heart is moved.