No One Is Free Until We Are All Free

In this era of polycrisis, it’s tempting to retreat into the comfort of like-minded groups. Yet, bridging political divides is essential for meaningful and lasting change.

How can we keep our hearts open to everyone, knowing that some people unfairly hold disproportionate power and resources? How can we remain compassionate toward individuals while resisting the unjust systems they uphold—systems that perpetuate colonialism, racism, environmental destruction, and genocide? How do we hold care for the people who have power over us? And how do we navigate conversations with beloved relatives who won’t stop spouting Fox News propaganda? How can we say no to injustice while keeping our hearts open?

On this day-long silent meditation retreat, we will cultivate a deeper sense of interconnection with all beings through Buddhist mindfulness practices and simple rituals. This retreat offers a sacred opportunity to nurture heartfulness while maintaining awareness of systemic power and its impact.

This retreat is for Black, Indigenous, Mixed Race and People of Colour, and white queer/trans allies.

Schedule (subject to change)

9:30 - 10:00 - Registration

10:00 – 11:10 – Welcome, sitting practice, altar ritual, chanting

11:10 – 11:20 – Break

11:20 – 12:30 – Practice and Dharmettes

12:30 – 1:15 – Lunch

1:15 – 1:45 – Walking meditation

1:45 – 2:20 - Practice and Dharmettes

2:20 – 2:30 – Break

2:30 – 2:45 – Story telling

2:45 – 3:10 – Pair share

3:10 – 3:40 – Q&A/ Wisdom harvest

3:40 – 4:00 – Closing

FAQ

Who is this retreat for?

• This retreat is a Black, Indigenous, Mixed Race and People of Colour centred space
• there is a lack of mindfulness spaces for Two Spirit, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, intersex people in victoria. As such, we have decided to open doors to white queer/trans people who would also like to attend
• there will be more tickets available for BIPOC

Accessibility: What is the space like?

• The centre is a yoga studio
• Chairs, yoga blocks and bolsters are available in the space. Meditation cushions are not available, so please bring other cushions if you would like
• There is a tea kettle and some teas available
• There is no microwave or fridge available, so please bring a lunch with that in mind
• There will be about 25 people in the space
• There is a gender free washroom
• The overhead lights will be dimmed
• This is a masked space (please see COVID precautions FAQ)
• While we may use the language of “sitting practice” or “a sit”, if you prefer lying down there will be a few spaces to do so. Please indicate this necessity in your order form.
• The space is scent free
• BIPOC majority space, queer/trans/2S positive space
• Wheelchair accessible space, washroom is not wheelchair accessible (please let me know if you use a mobility device so that we can troubleshoot this)
• There is a bus stop nearby
• 2 hour parking is available on the street or at Monterey recreation centre
• Unmonitored residential parking is available near the Oak Bay Firehall or on streets a few blocks away
• Shoes must be left at the door

Do I have to be Buddhist to attend?

• You do not have to be Buddhist to attend, or have any particular level of meditation experience. The teachings are meant for all and there will be no pressure to convert. An important tenet in Buddhist teachings is ehipasiko, to see for yourself, if the practices are a fit for you. Arti will be teaching Buddhism, not secular mindfulness.

What COVID precautions are you taking?

• Masks are required to participate so that our beloved immunocompromised kin can attend and be safe. None of us are free until disabled people are free.
• While wearing a mask may be uncomfortable, the practices ask us to lean into that discomfort for the liberation of all beings everywhere. In Buddhism, we renunciate personal comfort for collective wellness, with the spirit of causing no harm.
• If you have a medical access need around masking, please let me know in your order form under access needs and I will be in touch
• Masks will be worn inside except for when eating or drinking. We will have a collective lunch break and so that will be the only time when there may be many of us unmasked at once
• Please do not attend if you’re experiencing any covid symptoms.

Food and Drink

• Please bring your own lunch, as that will allow for an uninterupted retreat experience
• There will be a small selection of teas available
• You’re welcome to hang out after the retreat for a little bit; please bring snacks for the group to share

What is noble silence?

• This day-long retreat will be in noble silence, except when asking questions or when there is group discussion time. Noble silence is an invitation to let the energy that normally goes into speaking be turned inward into our practice. If you have a logistical question or need to speak to Arti, that is absolutely okay. Please do not speak to other participants to respect each other’s deepening concentration
• Please refrain from using your phone as much as possible

What to bring?

• lunch or money to buy lunch
• altar items
• a mask
• quiet fidgets if that would be supportive
• snacks if you would like to socialize afterwards and offer snacks to the collective
• water bottle (although there are cups available)
• your own sitting gear if you prefer (there are bolsters available at the studio)
• cozy blanket or thick socks/ slippers to stay warm while meditating
• comfortable and “quiet” clothes (no nylon pants or jackets)
• please arrive scent free (including any natural scents like essential oils)
• cash or cards for dana for the teachings

What is dana? Why are you charging a $15 fee to register? Does the registration fee include dana?

• Dana translates to generosity in Pali, the language of the Buddha. The teachings have been freely offered for 2600 years, however, we do live in capitalism.
• The $15 initial fee covers the time for administrative and outreach work, and creates an incentive to show up on the day of and not cancel last minute.
• I am asking for dana on top of the registration fee to allow these teachings to be sustainable. If you do not have the funds to pay beyond the $15, that is absolutely okay. I trust that those who do have the funds will pay a bit more and that all will balance out. I will pass out an envelope for dana for folks who want to pay in cash, but e-transfer and the square app will also be available for folks who want to pay with cards

Refunds

• No refunds are available for the $15 eventbrite fee

Altar practice

• There will be a chance to create an altar together and practice connecting with all our spiritual lineages through a simple, inclusive and optional ritual to open and close the day. Feel free to bring a photo, objects from nature, a piece of writing or another sacred object to put on the altar.

Bio: arti (pronounced arthy, they/them) is a trans and queer, neurodivergent, chronically ill, South Asian artist, Dhamma teacher and community worker. Arti has been practicing meditation since 2006, and completed True North Insight's (TNI) Community Meditation Teacher Mentorship Program. Their offerings often focus on relational Dhamma, social justice, and the gifts that marginalized people's experiences offer the Dhamma. Arti has trained in Somatic Experiencing and Relational Psychotherapy, and has a deep interest in embodied approaches to trauma work. Their Dhamma offerings are a mix of trauma-informed somatic practices, devotional practice, and traditional Theravadan teachings. Arti has been teaching Dhamma for 5 years including mentoring in online Dhamma courses, offering 1:1 mindfulness support, and teaching at queer and BIPOC sanghas. They are on a continuous inquiry of understanding the somatics of the Middle Way.