The Courage to Love: Releasing Fear, Remembering our Natural Goodness

The Courage to Love is a daylong meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, led by James Baraz, MA, and Jill White Lindsay. It is rooted in Buddhist psychology and secular mindfulness, and it is open to anyone curious about what stands between us and the love and goodness we already carry. Participants can attend in person on the land or online by Zoom.

What to Expect

The day runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Pacific time and moves through teaching, practice and conversation. The starting idea comes from Gerald Jampolsky's classic, "Love is Letting Go of Fear": opening to love, within us and around us, often takes courage. Getting past old stories of unworthiness makes room to celebrate our natural goodness and to share it without hesitation.

Through discussion, exercises and meditation practices, the day explores:

- What gets in the way of loving ourselves
- Honoring and enjoying our natural goodness
- Letting in all the love coming our way
- Allowing that love to move through us and awaken it in others

The schedule begins with an opening and introduction, then alternates teachings on love, fear and natural goodness with guided meditation, contemplative practice, and group discussion and inquiry. Jill White Lindsay guides simple stretches and gentle movement throughout the day to ground everyone in the body. The day closes at 4:00 pm.

About James Baraz, MA

James Baraz holds a master's degree in psychology and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He started the Community Dharma Leader program, the Kalyana Mitta Network and the Spirit Rock Family Program, and helped create the Heavenly Messengers Training Program. He has led the online course Awakening Joy since 2003.

About Jill White Lindsay

Jill White Lindsay began her career as a high school biology teacher before moving from the classroom to the yoga studio. After a bout with cancer, she realized the yoga she had been practicing could help with pain management, mood regulation and overall strength and wellbeing. Yoga became an anchor in her life, and she brings that grounded, body-centered approach to this program.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome. Beginners and experienced practitioners are equally at home, and no prior meditation or yoga experience is needed. The program is offered in English and Spanish.

Registration includes the full day of teachings, guided meditation and movement practices, and discussion and reflection exercises. It also includes unlimited access to the recording, which becomes available about ten days after the program. Meals and overnight accommodation are not included, since this is a daylong program.

Pricing is on a sliding scale that helps support the teachers, Spirit Rock and fellow practitioners who need to pay less. Scholarship rates are available for BIPOC participants, young adults, and those with financial need. For the online program, no one is turned away for lack of funds, as space allows. Please register for only one format, on-land or online.