Clarity, Kindness, and Action: Exploring the Middle Way
Spring Retreat with Michael Ciborski
Families Invited!
Join us on
May 1st to May 4th, 2025 at
Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp on beautiful Flathead Lake
As we gather together to find rest and healing in our breath and steps, in our still-sitting and deep-listening, we will lean into the teachings of the Middle Way:
“This is because that is. This is not because that is not.”
Although it sounds simple on the surface, the Middle Way teachings invite us into the profound meaning of each moment of our lives, opening the door of Interbeing, offering liberation from the shackles of wrong perception, and empowering the ordinary and mundane with the sacred.
With this prompt of clarity and kindness, we will explore the realm of action - both the experience of giving and receiving - in three areas: in the heart-mind, in relationship with others, and in the embodied shape of our lives.
Adults (18 or over) $425
Young Adults (12 - 17) $355
Children (4 - 11) $200
Ages 3 and under No Cost
FAMILY PROGRAM: We are thrilled to invite families! Our youth programs consist of mindfulness practices (at a kid/teen level), outdoor exploration, some sports and woods time, art, creative projects, time to hang out with each other, and shorter dharma talks with Michael (our teacher). Our program is tailored to meet the needs of the ages of those who sign up, with some whole group activities and some split by age levels. The Youth program is for kids of school-aged and up. Younger kids should be under the care of their guardian at all times and older teens are welcome to join the adult programming if that suits them better. Amy will be leading the program and is happy to answer any individual questions.
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE: Open Way Retreats offers scholarships of $50.00 per person. If a payment plan or an additional scholarship is requested from your local sangha, please notify us at registration.
DANA/DONATION REQUEST: Dharma Teacher Dana (Generosity) By tradition, Dharma teachers do not charge for their services and the retreat cost does not include teacher dana. Our teachers are here because of the generosity given to them from past retreatants. They will be able to continue to share their presence, experience and wisdom into the future because of the dana gathered at this retreat.
For regularly employed participants, we suggest $150, less if conditions are not favorable at this time and more is appreciated if conditions allow. Dana is not a requirement but is always greatly appreciated. There will be a Dana Box at the retreat for contributions. Family retreats: Children’s dana is a part of what the parent generously gives as dana.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received BEFORE April 18th will be granted a full refund, less a $10 cancellation fee. If you cancel after April 18th you will receive NO refund because our numbers will have been turned in, and the camp will charge us for you whether you attend or not. EXCEPTIONS: If we fill your spot, we will do our best to refund your portion.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH STATEMENT: This meditation retreat is not a physical or mental health treatment and does not provide physical or mental health treatment resources. If you are under treatment for a physical or mental condition, please consult your medical provider regarding the appropriateness of this experience for persons with your condition. If you are experiencing life trauma, emotional upheaval, or instability that might require individual support beyond our scheduled meetings with teachers, the retreat format may not be a good match at this time. Should you have questions, please contact the retreat organizers listed.
LODGING & ROOMS Most retreatants are assigned to shared lodging options, which will spaciously sleep about 4-5 people, have their own bathroom, and are well-heated. Single housing is limited; we will do our best to house you with adequate space in cabins, dorms, or rooms.
If you wish to camp, you may bring a tent or a camper. There are NO hookups available on site. You will have access to a shared heated bathhouse.
SAMPLE FAMILY SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 1st
5:00 Arrival & Check-in
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Welcome and Introduction
7:20 FAMILIES DEPART TO HAGEN HALL
8:30 End of Day; Noble Silence
FRIDAY, May 2nd
6:30 Morning meditation
OPTIONAL CHILD CARE AT HAGEN HALL
7:30 Sutra Service
8:15 Breakfast
9:30 Dharma Talk/CHILDRENS PROGRAM
11:00 Walking Meditation W/CHILDREN
12:15 Lunch
1:15 Personal Practice Time
2:45 - 6:00 CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM
2:45 Mindfulness Trainings Panel
4:30 Dharma Sharing
6:15 Dinner
7:30 CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
7:30 Touching the Earth Practice
8:30 End of Day; Noble Silence
CHILDREN ALWAYS EAT WITH FAMILIES
SATURDAY, May 3
6:30 Morning meditation
OPTIONAL CHILD CARE AT HAGEN HALL
7:30 Sutra Service
8:15 Breakfast
9:30 Dharma Talk/CHILDRENS PROGRAM
11:00 Walking Meditation w/families
12:15 Lunch
1:15 Personal Practice Time
1:00 - 2:40 Personal Consultations
2:45 - 5:15 CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS
2:45 Question and Answers
3:45 Dharma Sharing
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Campfire Singing EVERYONE
8:00 Evening Meditation
8:30 End of Day; Noble Silence
SUNDAY, May 5
6:30 Morning Meditation
Transmission ceremony
OPTIONAL CHILDCARE AT HAGEN HALL
8:30 Personal Practice Time
10:00 Brunch
11:00 - 12:30 Dharma Talk / CHILDRENS PROGRAM
1:00 - 2:30 Closing Circle
2:30 All Clear of FLBC property
RETREAT ORGANIZERS: SANDI, GINA, and BOB
RETREAT REGISTRATION: Lori and J
YOUTH PROGRAM: AMY
MORE INFORMATION and QUESTIONS for RETREAT ORGANIZERS:
If you want to be on our email mailing list for retreats or have questions, please email owretreats@gmail.com.
FUTURE RETREAT DATES
2025
Fall Sept. 25 - Sept 28 Dharma teacher: Barbara Newell
2026
Spring April 30 - May 3 Dharma teacher: Michael Ciborski
Fall Sept 24 - Sept. 27 Dharma teacher: Kaira Jewel-Lingo (tentative)