Rooted in Practice - Retreats & More!
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
“Begin again.” - Shunryu Suzuki
As we move through spring, we return again and again to the steady ground of rooting ourselves in practice. To be rooted in practice is simply this: returning - to the breath, to the body, to wise intention, to curiosity, to beginner’s mind, to compassion for ourselves and one another.
In that gentle returning, peace can deepen, connection can grow, and from this steadiness, care naturally extends outward into the world.
April and May at SIMC offer many opportunities to come back, to begin again.
May we open our hearts to the invitation to settle gently into practice - nourishing what sustains us and supporting one another as we walk this path together.
With care,
The SIMC Board - Carla, Paul, Kym, Denise
Ready to Spend a Weekend in Meditation and Reflection?
Registration is now open for our May Retreat!
We’re delighted to share some exciting news - Brian and his wife Robin will be co-teaching our May weekend retreat this year! This will be the first time we’ve had an SIMC retreat co-taught in this way, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from two thoughtful and skilled teachers.
The Still Point of Practice
with Brian Lesage and Robin Craig
Saturday, May 30th - 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, May 31st - 9:00am - 3:30pm
T.S. Eliot writes of “the still point of the turning world.” In the midst of change, speed, uncertainty, and the many movements of mind and heart, practice can help us discover something that does not depend on the world becoming less turbulent. It can reveal a stillness that is not separate from life, but found right in the midst of it.
This weekend retreat will explore the deepening of mindfulness and collectedness as a way of coming into wise relationship with experience. As the Buddha taught, when mindfulness becomes steady and continuous, the heart and mind can begin to settle. From that settling, we can see more clearly the changing nature of experience, the ways we get entangled in reactivity, and the possibility of greater freedom.
Teachings and practices that support both calm and insight will be offered, helping participants cultivate a grounded presence amid the turning conditions of life. Through meditation, silence, and careful attention, we will explore how the still point is not a place we escape to, but a way of inhabiting our lives with more balance, intimacy, and ease.
Held in silence, the retreat will include meditation instruction and Dharma talks. Suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators, this weekend offers a chance to step out of the usual momentum of daily life and to deepen in presence, clarity, and heart.
See Brian's Bio here.
See Robin's Bio here.
Please note: Registration closes on Thursday, May 28th at 11:00 AM. Be sure to sign up before this date to reserve your space.
There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee which helps SIMC offset some of the cost of hosting a retreat. We wish to make this retreat accessible to all. If the $25 registration fee poses any hardship for you, please reach out to us as soon as possible at Sangha@salidasangha.orgfor scholarship resources and registration.
Meet and Greet Potluck Gathering!
Brian and Robin have generously offered their time on Friday evening for a meet-and-greet. This is a lovely opportunity to share a potluck meal together and get to know Robin.
Please join us at Poncha Town Hall on Friday, May 29th from 6:00–7:30pm.
Please bring a favorite vegetarian dish to share.
All are welcome, even if you’re not attending the retreat.
Join SIMC in April for Family Mindfulness Night!
Classes and Retreat with Denise in April
Seven Factors of Awakening
A Five-week Course
Tuesdays from April 14th - May 12, 2026
5:30pm to 7:00pm
SIMC Sangha House at 248 D ST, Salida
Accessing wholesome states is at the heart of deepening our meditation practice. In this course, we will explore these seven beneficial qualities of the heart/mind - Mindfulness, Investigation, Energy, Joy, Tranquility, Concentration, and Equanimity - not as ideas to reflect on, but as living qualities to be sensed, embodied, and nurtured through direct experience.
This course is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. It includes dharma talks, sitting and walking meditation, Q & A periods and home practice.
In the spirit of generosity this class is offered freely. You will have the opportunity to offer dana (donation) to support the teacher and help sustain future offerings.
Love in Challenging Times
A Half-day Retreat
Saturday - April 18th
9:00am to 12:30pm
SIMC Sangha House at 248 D ST, Salida
Often when we face challenge, personally or collectively, aversion toward the difficulty and discomfort arises. In this short retreat, we explore seeing this tendency and learn to meet these challenges in wholesome and beneficial ways.
This retreat will include instruction, sitting & walking meditation, and opportunities for Q&A. The retreat is designed for both beginners and experienced students.
In the spirit of generosity this retreat is offered freely. You will have the opportunity to offer dana (donation) to support the teacher and help sustain future offerings.
Additional Practice Opportunities in April and May
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