Everything is on fire,
But everyone I love is doing beautiful things
And trying to make life worth living,
And I know I don’t have to believe in everything,
But I believe in that.
~ Nikita Gill
by Megan Layon
For me, retreats are an opportunity to reconnect with what is most meaningful, to heal the parts jarred by life and to reconnect with the joy that comes from opening to life and to our shared humanity. It’s a cleanse, rest and reboot for the soul all in one. There’s often a combination of some recovery or processing of life’s challenges, deep rest, connection and generous doses of resourcing and inspiration. Fuel for the next chapter.
Entering the Streams of Insight and Soulmaking
This retreat included so many gems, it’s hard to work out which ones to highlight. Victor offered teachings and practice talks in 2 streams: Insight and Soulmaking.
Insight talks and practices will have been familiar to some, even if they were a variant. Soulmaking is new territory for many in Australia. This is the first Australian retreat focusing on Rob Burbea’s approach he called, ‘Soulmaking’ or ‘sensing with soul’. Soulmaking Dharma brings the Buddhist understanding of emptiness, as well as the quiet and discernment that can come with meditation to the realm of what is seen as soulful or meaningful. It could be seen as an extension of traditional dharma practices.
Gratitude, Presence and the Ongoing Legacy
Profound gratitude to Victor von der Heyde for the beautiful teachings and months spent preparing, the role modelling, integrity, humility and mentoring. Deep gratitude to the Brigidine sisters for the Gathering Place, and to the retreat team: Nancy our warm and wonderful cook, Jeannette who as always, noticed and filled in the gaps whenever needed, and Jenni who shepherded the gardening crew. Thank you also to Antonia and Lesley for all the help behind the scenes.
Lastly, gratitude for Rob Burbea, whose practice and teaching was and continues to be extraordinary. His desire to share the joy, freedom and creativity possible in practice has supported and inspired many. In his words:
“The path is open. Often so much more is possible for us than we think.”
~ Rob Burbea, 2014 “ Seeing that Frees: meditations on emptiness and dependent arising”, preface
