Here is some more information about the Wild Rose Sangha’s Fall Retreat. We hope to see you there!
How much time do I need to follow this retreat?
This is a weekend retreat, Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Ideally, it is best if you can clear your days from other commitments so you can fully participate and savour the peaceful energy of the retreat, even when you are not following a scheduled session.
What do I need to join this retreat? Do I need to install anything? Do I need any special equipment?
This retreat will be delivered to you through the Zoom app. When following the live events and Dharma Sharing (the smaller breakout groups), you will need to install the Zoom software and you will need a webcam on your computer or tablet, so people can see you (just as you will see others). It is also preferable to have headphones, ideally with a microphone.
If I can’t join one of the sessions, can I still follow the other sessions?
We encourage you to attend as much of the retreat as possible to get the greatest benefit from the practice. To support the collective shared experience, it is not possible to join the Dharma Sharing if you have not attended the Dharma Talk.
If I can’t join a session live, can I watch it later?
Unfortunately, we are not going to be recording and sharing the sessions online.
I don’t have a very stable internet connection. Can I still join the retreat?
It depends how unstable. Your viewing quality is similar to watching something on YouTube. So if that is a pleasant enough experience, then yes you can join this retreat. But for Dharma Sharing others might find it difficult to hear you. You can ask permission to turn off your camera, so others can hear you better.
Can I join the retreat from my phone?
Yes, when you register you will receive an email with instructions and telephone numbers to join us via Zoom. You will only be able to follow the live sessions; it is not possible to join Dharma Sharing sessions from a phone.
Do I have to open my camera, or can I join just audio?
Yes you can join only via audio, you do not have to start your camera, you can also choose only to watch via our platform. Only when you join the Dharma Sharing session, everybody is asked to start their camera to create a safe environment.
Will I be able to save and keep the recordings after the retreat?
We will not be recording the sessions.
What do I need to prepare before joining this retreat?
Please organize your time and commitments, so you have space from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon MST to fully participate in the retreat. You’re invited to prepare a room or corner in your home where you can be online, undisturbed. It is important that you are not interrupted during the various sessions, so you may like to communicate with loved ones, or other people you live with, to ask for their support in this. If you are participating in the Dharma Sharing groups, it will be important for you to log on from a private space where you can share without others hearing you.
If I have a question about the teachings given during the retreat, where / when can I ask it?
The Dharma Sharing break-out groups are the ideal time to ask questions from the heart about the teachings you have heard and practices we are following together. You can also write a question in the comments below the video of a particular talk. Our Dharma Teacher, Alexa Singer-Telles, will do her best to address questions that have arisen during the retreat.
Will I be able to interact with the Dharma Teacher directly? E.g. Can I ask a question and get an answer?
The Dharma Sharing break-out groups offer a rare opportunity to join a circle facilitated by a member of the sangha. If you are interested in connecting with the Dharma Teacher, we strongly encourage you to make the commitment to join the Dharma Sharing sessions. Our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, taught us that Dharma Sharing break-out groups are the most powerful way to learn and grow in our mindfulness practice. Please note that these sessions are not direct question-and-answer sessions, but a group where questions are addressed collectively.
I live with other people. Can I still join the retreat?
Yes, you do not need to be in a hut on a mountain to enjoy this retreat. So long as you have a quiet corner or room where you can be undisturbed, and perhaps have space to stretch and do the mindful movements, you will be able to enjoy the retreat fully. You may need headphones, and if you are joining Dharma Sharing, somewhere in the house where you can speak without being heard by others. You can explain to those you live with your intention in joining the retreat and ask for their support. The idea is not to cut yourself off from them, but to generate a strong energy of mindfulness, peace and presence, during the sessions, that you can bring to your in-person interactions off-screen over the course of the weekend. You will be able to apply many of the teachings on deep listening, mindful eating and so on, right away!
Is this retreat appropriate for all ages? Can children or teenagers join?
This retreat is designed as an adult learning experience, but anyone is welcome to join the meditations, talks, movement and relaxations. Please note that in the Dharma Sharing breakout groups themes may spontaneously arise that are not appropriate for teenagers or children, and so it is not possible to register participants under 18 for the Dharma Sharing groups.
I haven’t done a retreat before. Will I be able to follow this one?
This retreat is accessible to those new to the practice and will be a refreshing and deepening experience for those who have been practicing mindfulness for some time. It is a precious chance to connect directly with our spiritual community, and to meet like-minded people.
I’m not in the Americas. Can I join from a different time zone? Will I miss anything?
Please see the schedule and convert the times into your time-zone. If you are in a later time-zone, you may still be able to follow the morning meditations, exercise, relaxations, and Dharma sharing (and simply miss the evening session). We have designed this retreat primarily for the Americas. This is still an experiment and we are open to learning, so please do send us your feedback.
What if more than one person in my household is joining the retreat?
Each person should register separately for the retreat, and we recommend that you use separate devices/computers for the Dharma Sharing break-out sessions so that each person can participate fully. You may like to enjoy watching the Dharma talks together as a family.
Is there a refund option if I need to cancel my registration?
We can offer a full refund within 30 days of your payment.
If I cannot afford the registration fee, can I apply for a scholarship?
We do not want the financial aspect to keep you from participating. If you want to attend this retreat and your budget does not allow for you to pay the registration fee at this moment, please let the registrar know in the above registration form that you would like to apply for a scholarship.
What is my registration fee paying for?
Your contribution will go towards supporting our Dharma Teacher and our investment in technical infrastructure to offer more teachings live, online, and to facilitate direct contact between sangha members. Without your support, we would be unable to sustain our community or offer the Dharma online.