Dharma Circles invite us to rest in
the ease of the present moment, reflecting on non-dual teachings from the world’s wisdom traditions. Silent sitting and silent movement soften our boundaries and open awareness of our essential nature. With gentle practices, in simple silence we find the spacious field of the heart is nearer than our own breath.
All contemplative practices and levels of experience (or no experience) are welcome.
The door is open at 6:45. At 7:00 pm we begin with dialogue and dharma reflection, followed by an hour of silent practice. Feel free to bring cushions, mats, or whatever is comfortable for your sitting practice (some cushions and chairs are provided).
Grounded in the heart, our actions grow from deep soil to yield fruits that enhance peace, justice, beauty, and balance in all that we do.
In a tumultuous world, maintaining a spacious heart requires attention, intention, and ever-deepening love. Satsang or sangha is created anytime we are present with others for reflection and practice in the space of the heart, in service of truth. Sharing that intention, quiet reflection naturally opens our awareness to our deepest Being, Mystery, Emptiness, the Beloved, the One.
Every faith or no faith are equally welcome here. We embrace human nature just as it is, holy and broken, perfect and imperfect at the same time, and steep together in the timeless present moment, where definitions slip away. Gathering in satsang, sangha, or a community of practice provides a rich common ground as we travel in the terrain of the Heart.
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Dharma Circles invite us to rest in the ease of the present moment, reflecting on non-dual teachings from the world’s wisdom traditions. Silent sitting and silent movement soften our boundaries and open awareness of our essential nature. With gentle practices, in simple silence we find the spacious field of the heart is nearer than our own breath.
All contemplative practices and levels of experience (or no experience) are welcome.
The door is open at 6:45. At 7:00 pm we begin with dialogue and dharma reflection, followed by an hour of silent practice. Feel free to bring cushions, mats, or whatever is comfortable for your sitting practice (some cushions and chairs are provided).
Grounded in the heart, our actions grow from deep soil to yield fruits that enhance peace, justice, beauty, and balance in all that we do.
In a tumultuous world, maintaining a spacious heart requires attention, intention, and ever-deepening love. Satsang or sangha is created anytime we are present with others for reflection and practice in the space of the heart, in service of truth. Sharing that intention, quiet reflection naturally opens our awareness to our deepest Being, Mystery, Emptiness, the Beloved, the One.
Every faith or no faith are equally welcome here. We embrace human nature just as it is, holy and broken, perfect and imperfect at the same time, and steep together in the timeless present moment, where definitions slip away. Gathering in satsang, sangha, or a community of practice provides a rich common ground as we travel in the terrain of the Heart.
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Early May covers the slopes at Rowena Plateau with brilliant spring wildflowers that delight our spirits. Rowena Plateau and the adjacent low reaches of Tom McCall Preserve are easy, minimal elevation-gain strolls. Weather permitting,* we will meander for a few hours, including a picnic lunch, and cover a few miles of trail. Register below by May 4.
This isn’t a “guided” hike – just an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing terrain with like-hearted folks. We can enjoy some of our time in silence, some in easy conversation, deciding where to go and what pace to keep based on who shows up. Fine for kids and folks who aren’t inclined toward rigorous treks.
Portland Hiking Examiner states, “The peak of the bloom tends to be around early May, when the balsamroot, lupine, and red paintbrush wash over the landscape with Technicolor brilliance.”
The $2.50 PayPal registration is just so we can coordinate who is coming and connect folks to self-organize carpools. It can be refunded, or be a mini-donation to Living Earth. Suggested contributions to carpool drivers: $5-$7 per rider (round trip: 150 miles). We’ll leave Portland by 9:30 am, returning around 3:30 pm.
Bring: a pack with picnic lunch, a pad to sit on, and drinking water; maybe a camera or wildflower book; and whatever gear is appropriate for the weather that day.
NOTES: *Rain-check date: Sunday May 13. Dogs are not allowed on these nature preserves, so pooches need to stay home.
Register here by May 3:
]]>Our Breath of the Heart retreat is a time to welcome spring 
and open our hearts at Breitenbush Hot Springs.
Stepping away from our usual roles and routines, we’ll turn toward the open field of being, using the breath to soften our boundaries and untangle mental patterns and knots. Shared reflection and time in silence will root us here and now, at home in the boundless present moment. All traditions and levels of interest or practice are welcome.
Retreat sessions include dharma talks and interaction, and silent sitting. Early mornings will offer chanting 
and periods for extended silence. Three retreat sessions each day are held in the River Yurt, down the hill past the Medicine Pools, near the Labyrinth.
Shared time will be balanced with personal time for hikes, soaks, and solitude, as well as conversation and joy in the early spring forest. Check the Breitenbush website for details about site facilities and lodging.
Retreat fee: After March 1, the fee is a slim $75 plus lodging (see below). Space is limited. Call 503-771-1940 or post below if you have questions.
Rates: The fees below include accommodations for 3 nights inclusive, per person in a shared cabin, with 3 delicious vegetarian meals daily and use of all facilities and hot springs:
APRIL 2 NOTICE: Please email or call 503-771-1940 before registering, as space is extremely limited. There is one shared-cabin bed for a man, and one for a woman left.
- Standard Cabin (shared w/1 person): $216 + $75 = $291
Register online now, or by mail to Living Earth. If registering by mail, send check or credit card info to: Living Earth, PO Box 86960, Portland, OR 97286. We hope you can join us, to kindle clarity, creativity, and compassion for all beings who fill our lives and our world.
Betsy Toll has been exploring spiritual practice, compassionate service, and conscious social action for three decades. She leads workshops, dharma circles, and community programs with Living Earth in Portland, and volunteers as a non-denominational hospital chaplain. Honoring teachers and insights from many traditions, Betsy is especially grateful to Ram Dass and Joanna Macy for their friendship, wisdom, guidance, and love.
Cancellations: If you are unable to attend after paying for your slot, please contact us as early as possible by phone or email. Cancellations before March 28: Lodging payment is refunded. After March 28, no refunds are extended, but in case of emergency or illness, Breitenbush may extend lodging credit, less $20.
Dharma Circles invite us to rest in the ease of the present moment, 
reflecting on non-dual teachings from the world’s wisdom traditions. Silent sitting and silent movement soften our boundaries and open awareness of our essential nature. With gentle practices, in simple silence we find the spacious field of the heart is nearer than our own breath.
All contemplative practices and levels of experience (or no experience) are welcome.
The door is open at 6:45. At 7:00 pm we begin with dialogue and dharma reflection, followed by an hour of silent practice. Feel free to bring cushions, mats, or whatever is comfortable for your sitting practice (some cushions and chairs are provided).
Grounded in the heart, our actions grow from deep soil to yield fruits that enhance peace, justice, beauty, and balance in all that we do.
In a tumultuous world, maintaining a spacious heart requires attention, intention, and ever-deepening love. Sangha or satsang is created anytime we are present with others for reflection or practice in the space of the heart, in service of truth. Sharing that intention, our dialogues invite us into reflection on our deepest Being, Mystery, Emptiness, the Beloved.
Every faith or no faith are equally welcome here. We embrace human nature just as it is, holy and broken, perfect and imperfect at the same time, and steep together in the timeless present moment, where definitions slip away. Gathering in satsang, sangha, or a community of practice provides a rich common ground as we travel in the terrain of the Heart.
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