Balancing the Mind and Heart

with Matthew Flickstein

at the The Franciscan Center
3010 Perry Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33603

October 17 - 19, 2008
Friday 10 a.m. through Sunday 12 p.m.

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About this retreat: There are many myths associated with the birth and life of enlightened beings. Regardless of how unusual their lives are reported to be, as we read their stories it becomes apparent that prior to realizing their inherent divinity, they had to fully embrace their humanity.

Many meditators focus on the transcendent aspect of their practice and may neglect to balance the development of their wisdom with the cultivation of an open heart. This leads to experiencing a "glass ceiling" in terms of their spiritual development, where progress is halted because they are unaware of a blind spot in their practice.

This retreat will focus on developing a balance between wisdom and an open and loving heart. During the retreat there will be meditation instructions, dharma talks, and teacher conferences.

Cost is $250 per person covers six vegetarian, mostly vegan meals, and two nights lodging. The teachings are offered freely in the tradition of Dana, with appreciation for financial contributions from participants in support of the teacher and the supporting organization.

Location The Franciscan Center is a wonderfully quiet setting for deepening one's meditation practice. With eight acres of beautiful riverfront grounds, this facility offers each participant a private room with full bath, a quiet meditation hall and ample indoor and outdoor space for walking meditation. The facility is fully staffed, which means no "yogi chores" for meditators, like dish washing or cleaning, . . . just a few days of deep silence to focus inward and deepen one's meditation practice. The center is wheelchair friendly. Below is a map to the center.

For driving directions, click here

About the teacher, Matthew Flickstein

Matthew Flickstein, the resident teacher of The Forest Way, has been practicing and teaching vipassana meditation for over twenty-five years. Prior to developing The Forest Way (www.ForestWay.org), Matthew was a psychotherapist and facilitated personal development workshops. He is the author of Journey to the Center: A Meditation Workbook and Swallowing the River Ganges: A Practice Guide to the Path of Purification.

Registration Deadline is October 10 is the registration deadline. Refunds will be made in full when requested before this deadline, after which only partial refunds, if any, can be made. Directions and detailed information will be sent upon receipt of the registration form. It is our hope that financial considerations will not prevent anyone from attending this retreat. Some funds are available for partial scholarships, and a deferred payment plan can be arranged. However, the minimum deposit of $100 is required to hold your space. You may pay any balance on the first day of the retreat.

This retreat is limited to 35 participants and will likely fill up quickly. Please register as early as possible.

Please register by mail: Download a Registration Form

For more information, please email Sue at sueshealy@hotmail.com

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