The Mind of Winter: A Zen and Yoga Gathering on the Solstice, Online 12/21

Practice Center
Date / Time
December 21, 2024 / 1:00pm - 6:30pm
Event Type
Workshops and Retreats
Description

The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.


One must have a mind of winter
To regard the frost and the boughs
Of the pine-trees crusted with snow…
—Wallace Stevens, The Snow Man

On the winter solstice, from our perspective on earth, the sun pauses before reversing direction. In accordance with the season, we will gather on December 21 to pause from the busy-ness of the winter holidays and practice stillness in the traditions of Zen Buddhism and yoga. In the intimate enclosure of our online retreat, we will sit zazen, practice warming and restful yoga, share poetry of the season, and reflect on the year that has been and our intentions for the year to come.

All levels of practitioners are welcome.

Please wear comfortable clothing for this class. It is helpful to have a zafu (round meditation cushion), support cushions (if you have them), two blankets, and a yoga strap or belt. A chair or a seiza bench can be used instead of a zafu.

Retreat Schedule:

  • 1-3:30 pm: Yoga asana, pranayama, restorative practice
  • 3:30–4:15 pm: Zen meditation
  • Break
  • 4:30–6 pm: Tea time: Bring poems of the season and reflections on the year that has been and the year to come to share.
  • 6–6:30 pm: A ceremonial celebration of the winter solstice
Fee Information

San Francisco Zen Center is committed to making Zen practice and the Dharma accessible to all who seek it by offering both a General support fund and a dedicated BIPOC support fund. Please email supportfunds@sfzc.org for more information BEFORE signing up.

Register Online

Or call 415-354-0360.

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