Today concludes the first 13 day period of our five- part meditation retreat on the Five Contemplations for Everyone. In the first segment, we examined the First Contemplation: “I am sure to grow old, I cannot avoid ageing.” We discussed some important elements of this contemplation such as why should we contemplate the fact of ageing; what are the social implications of ageing; the fact that we are not the only ones who will grow old and finally how to cultivate empathy and compassion as we age and watch others around us age as well. We concluded with a meditation that we practiced for 9 days.

If you would like to review, you can read the short posts and practice the meditation to help catch you up. Do not worry, it is not anything overwhelming and should be simple to pick up.  You can find all the posts under the main page titled The 5 thoughts for All.

The next meditation begins this Wednesday, June 10. This is my first attempt at something like this so it will be an organic process. You may see some changes here and there based on my own observations or any valuable input you may give on how this meditation retreat can improve.

Below I have outlined a schedule for the next 13 days that I hope will help make sense of what I am trying to accomplish.

Wednesday, June 10:

    Blog Post:  The Second thought (the fact of illness)

Thursday, June 11:

    Blog Post:  Why would I ever want to think about getting sick!

Friday, June 12:

    Blog Post: I am not the only one.

Saturday June 13-21:

    Meditation: The fact of illness

Monday, June 22            

Blog Post: Review

It is my sincere hope that you gain something from the meditation retreats that will help you discover happiness and peace.

Be well,

Rafael