An introduction to what will be explored on the retreat: looking at ways how we may construct the self; exploring how we can open up limiting 'senses of self' and reduce the suffering they bring, by using the Buddhist teachings on ‘not self' as liberating ways of seeing; experiencing the poetry and dance of 'self' that is beyond any fixed definition.

Investigating our ways of perceiving self, to develop compassion and wisdom. How to relate to self at different times and in different ways, for our own benefit and for the benefit of all.

Dharma Talk: How is our sense of self being created? One major way is our tendency to constantly compare and measure ourselves against others. The conceit (mana) that arises, that is, the feeling of being better than, worse than, or the same as others, is the source of much suffering. The talk discusses different forms of conceit based on birth, knowledge, beauty, etc., and shows ways in which we can practice with it skilfully.

Holding our practice as an act of compassion to ourselves and others, resting into the bodily experience, meeting life with kindness. Being sensitive to the 'senses of self' arising in relationship to practice in this way

How the human mind appropriates and takes ownership of experience, and how any form of this is a type of clinging, which leads to dissatisfaction and stress. Looking at how we can reduce clinging through playing with different ways of seeing that support dis-identification.

Dharma Talk: Looking at our existence and 'fabrication' of self through the teachings on the five aggregates (khandas).

Exploring the tools that can enable us to have a more poetic and creative relationship to self. Looking at how the sense of self can be held lightly and skilfully, or tightly and unskilfully, within different contexts in our lives.

Guided Meditation: A meditative contemplation to support lessening the sense of self.

Dharma Talk: Dancing Between Self and Not Self. One of the discoveries that can open up to us is the discovery that there is not just one, true self, but the arising of many different selves at different times, depending on context, depending on mindstates. We understand the relational and dependent nature of self. This is the middle way between the views of eternalism and annihilationism.

Aligning with our intention for the day, connecting to the part of us that may yearn to contribute to our own healing and the healing of the collective, sensing into our interdependence and relationality, choosing which practice we would like to play with e.g. relating to our body, or playing with the width of our awareness.