Big Sky Mind Big Ocean Body

Big Sky Mind Big Ocean Body

Big Sky Mind ~Big Ocean Body

A Meditation and Continuum Movement Retreat

Springwater Center ~ Springwater, NY ~ October 11-17, 2014

Big Sky Mind ~ Big Ocean Bodyis a meditation and movement retreat that integrates meditation as practiced in the spirit of Springwater Center with the movement-based somatic work of Continuum Movement. In the retreat environment of Big Sky Mind ~ Big Ocean Body, we discover the intimate relationship between movement and stillness and how each informs and nourishes each other. Indeed we find that movement and stillness arenot separate.

Open Awarenessis the meeting point between meditation and Continuum Movement. In meditation we immerse in open awareness in the stillness of sitting, standing, or reclining. In Continuum we immerse in open awareness in movement, breath, and sound. The same present moment awareness is the foundation of both and the same spirit of creative inquiry infuses both.

The Retreat Formatisbalanced between periods of meditation and Continuum Movement. The first three days will be an opportunity to learn movement inquiries, settle into the rhythm of meditation, engage in group dialogue, nourish our field of community and co-create our practice space. The last four days will be an immersion into collective and creative silence. There will be a daily one hour work periodand there will be ample time to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Springwater Center.

Continuumis a modality of somatic inquiry that utilizes movement, breath and soundthat engages our fluid nature. This processleads us into conscious relationship with all of life. The awakening of thisconsciousness infuses every part of our being with spontaneous grace and ease, and it facilitates body-mind awakening and healing.

Meditationis the simple, timeless work of open awareness and deep listening. It awakens us to our rich inner life and allows for deeper connection with others. The dynamic and sustained present moment silence-stillness of meditation allows space and clarity to enter, nourish and heal, and for our inherent intelligence-wisdom to emerge.

Cory Blake is an authorized Continuum Movement teacher who is a guitarist, educator, composer, and Duke-trained Integrative Health Coach. He has performed in numerous venues and taught on the faculties of both Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond. A long time student of meditation and human potential inquiries, Cory began studying with Emilie Conrad and Susan Harper, the founders of Continuum, in 1992. He is an Integrative Health Coach at McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond, VA.

Mark Bryantbegan formal meditation practice in 1986 in theZenBuddhist tradition. In 1996 hebegan working with Toni Packer, founder of Springwater Center, and he continues to work with other teachers that Toni named to carry on this work. Hehas extensiveretreat experience in Zen sesshins and at Springwater Center.Heco-founded the Richmond Meditative Inquiry Group in Richmond, VA. Markis an artist who has exhibited his paintingsin the U.S., Canada, and Asia.

Retreat Fee: $595 Registration Deadline: September 27

For more information or to register, please contact MarkBryant at or 434-392-7916.