Everyday Addiction: Healing the Habits of Life

In this afternoon workshop we will look at the issues that trouble us in our daily lives, both internal and external. We will explore self-judgment and painful emotional habits; we will work with letting go of the habitual behaviors that undermine our happiness and serenity. Using themes like honesty, intention, and acceptance, we will come to understand the roots of our distress and develop tools to overcome and heal these persistent problems.

The day's teaching will include mindfulness meditation techniques and Buddhist/12-Step parallels.

Kevin Griffin is the author of the seminal 2004 book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps and the recent A Burning Desire: Dharma God and the Path of Recovery. He has been practicing Buddhist meditation for three decades and been in recovery since 1985. He’s been a meditation teacher for over fifteen years. His teacher training was at Spirit Rock Meditation Center where he currently leads Dharma and Recovery classes.   

Kusala Yoga -Brooklyn NY

Kevin Griffin - Buddhism and Recovery

Just For Today Meditations

Check out this one stop site for all your daily readings!

"Just For Today Meditations was formed so that there would be one stopping place for all meditations. They are posted all over the net! We hope that this will be useful to all people who want to be able to join in Recovery and to learn a new way of life that is developed through Spiritual Principles. We are only few, the site is very new. But we have much hope that this is what People in General would want is a home that they can actually get down to business and be able to freely join in discussions and learn and help each other. That is what we are taught in many of the Recovery Related Sites and Programs. We can only keep what we have by giving it away. We join hands together to be united and Unity is what it is all about."

It is a community forum that includes the Joe And Charlie Big Book Study Tapes and other juicy tid bits for your sobriety! http://www.justfortodaymeditations.com/

The Retreat

The Center for Spiritual Development

Alcoholism affects us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The development of the human spirit is a fundamental element of recovery and critical to a successful and fulfilling life. At The Retreat, we believe that on-going spiritual development is essential to long term sobriety and contentment. The Retreat's Center for Spiritual Development offers retreats as well as individual and group direction for those seeking to deepen their commitment to spiritual renewal and recovery. Guests explore the basic spiritual principles that give meaning to life and provide the framework for continued development. The Retreat is also available to individuals, Twelve Step groups and others seeking a safe and hospitable place in which to conduct their own retreats.

participation will include
* Group Presentations and Discussions
* Educational sessions on the spiritual principles emodied in the Twelve Steps and on related topics.

* Meditation Practice
* Individual meetings with program staff
* AA and Al-Anon meetings
* Personal Reflection
* Meals prepared by our award winning chef

Center for Spiritual Development amenities

* Fitness Center
* Meditation Room
* Room for 18 guests
* Lounge area with fireplace and library
* Access to the Wayzata Big Woods and nature trails



schedule & costs
The program operates Friday through Sunday twice a month; check in from 4 to 6 pm Friday and check out at noon on Sunday.

The cost is $150-200, including program, room and board.

2011 Schedule
On-Line Registration Form

For other specific information please contact us at 866-928-3434 or email us at info@theretreat.org .

what to bring
* Personal toiletries
* Laptop computer (wireless service is available)
* Casual clothes & comfortable walking shoes
(Laundry facilities are available)

Visit TheRetreat.org

Ratner Fellowship

Twelve Step Retreats

Spiritual & physical recovery in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Anyone in twelve step recovery is welcome to come experience fellowship in recovery, perhaps a spiritual experience among the trees. "Leave your troubles at the bottom of the hill" and enjoy the 67 mountain acres of Presentation Retreat & Conference Center with hiking trails, streams, a pond surrounded by benches for meditation and quiet reflection. Experienced retreat leaders will guide us through the principles and steps of program in 5 one-hour talks. There are scheduled meetings for AA, Al-Anon, and sharing meetings, with additional rooms available for NA, Nar-Anon and other 12 step meetings. This is a unique opportunity to experience unity in recovery.

The retreat begins on Friday at 6pm with dinner. Delicious meals are prepared and served in Presentation Retreat Center's certified "green" building You are welcome to arrive anytime after 3pm to check in and enjoy the grounds (take photo tour here). The accommodations are in a historic adobe building (originally the "Montezuma School For Boys" circa 1910). Most rooms are semi-private and bathrooms are dormitory style. There are a few single rooms available (see registration page for more information) There are cottages available during large retreats. This is a good reason to register early and spread the word to attract new attendees. Maximum capacity is 120 people.

Recreational opportunities include:

• Hiking trails throughout our 67 acres. (We recommend you never hike alone.)
• Hiking passes to Mid-Peninsula Open Space Preserve especially for Presentation Center Guests. (Again, never hike alone.)
• Swimming pool open from May 1 through October 1.
• Basketball.
• Ping Pong and Foosball in the Pueblo Building
  

Other activities available:

• Walk the Labyrinth
• Explore the Eco Center-do research on your favorite ecological project
• Utilize libraries with vast assortment of books available for loan while at Presentation Center.
• Meditation as a group or individually at Redwood Amphitheatre or on duck pond.
• Enjoy complimentary coffee (caf/decaf), tea, hot chocolate available 24 hrs

Find more information about Ratner Fellowship Twelve Step Retreats

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June/July IOCC Writers

This summer has given us the oportunity to hear from Rhonda O. and Jody K. Come and read what these two amazing sober women have to share about prayer in their lives. Then take the IOCC Challenge and write out what you have learned from each of these women. We always can learn more and reinforce what we already know from others experience, strength and hope.

Rhonda O. I Came ~ I Came To ~ I Came To Believe

Jody K. Constant Conscious Contact

Jody K. When The Answer Is One We Didn't Expect

NEW Post on Improve Our Conscious Contact

Rewards and gifts of prayer and meditation

written by Wolf running with the Spirit Wind

Come and follow the writers of IOCC

GODpillow

Choose your embroidary

Choose your fabric

Create a beautiful pillow bench for your prayer and meditation practice.

From GODpillow

When Life Brings You To Your Knees~

A truly unique recovery gift!

SpiritStep Meditation CD

Relax, observe and let go of unmanageable thoughts, emotions, and physical habits with meditation.

This first CD of the series offers:

•A discussion of 1st Step concepts and practices about learning to meditate - seeing how a source of our troubles are unmanageable thought and emotions
•Easy to learn beginning meditation techniques that help overcome this inner unmanageable part of ourselves
•2 guided meditations along with serene piano music that you can work with to build a foundation for your 11th Step practice
•Ideas on how to practice these skills throughout the day
Whether you are a newcomer, an old timer, in-between or associated with other 12 Step programs this will be a wonderful addition to your program and spiritual life.

Visit SpiritStep and purchase HERE