The End of Craving: A Practical Workshop-Retreat 

The Buddha taught that freedom from suffering can be realized simply by letting go of craving.  Sounds good, but simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy!  In practice we find that “letting go of craving” is a multifaceted learning process that involves recognizing craving in its many forms (what’s the difference between craving and wholesome desire?), viewing it correctly (not as a failing but as a natural human process), and learning to work with it skillfully.  Ultimately, it’s compassion that lets go of craving: the wisdom of learning to see, and to meet, the authentic human needs at the core of craving’s pull.

This daylong meditation workshop will offer reflections, meditation skills and some group process presenting a clear practice path to understand and release craving.  This work goes beyond personal development to improve our relationships and transform how we live in the world.  Anyone who’s had an introduction to mindfulness meditation is welcome to join us for this day of skill-building and insight.  Please bring writing materials and a bag lunch.

Our Teacher for this Workshop-Retreat:

Cheryl Slean has been practicing Buddhist meditation intensively since 1995, including hundreds of days of silent retreat. She was authorized to teach in 2007 and currently serves on the Teachers’ Councils at Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Center and Insight Community of the Desert. She teaches classes and residential retreats at spiritual, secular, health and business venues worldwide including Seattle Insight, Mindful Schools, Foundations Recovery Network, Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center, Santa Monica Hospital, Google LAX, New Life Foundation (Thailand) and many others. Cheryl is also a writer and filmmaker working in the arts and sustainability, and is co-executive producer of VisionLA Climate Action Arts.