contemplate this!

I have been invited to teach at a knitting retreat at the end of January. This is a wonderful opportunity for me, and I hope that some of you will be able to join us! Yoga and knitting and meditation at Sky Lake in the Catskills, in the snow in winter....doesn't that sound wonderful?

Here's the official write-up.

(Please go to the website to sign up.)

CONTEMPLATIVE KNITTING
January 26 & 27, 2008
Led by Elaine Yuen
Shambhala meditation instructor
& Karin Maag-Tanchak
knitting designer and former owner
of the Periwinkle Sheep Yarn Shop
in Albany, NY
Part of what makes the act of knitting so appealing
is the way it enables us to slow down. By focusing our mind
on the yarn and needles we find ourselves more relaxed and
at the same time present. This program will serve as an
exploration and deepening of the natural mindfulness
inherent in knitting. The focus will be on letting go of the
written pattern and getting to know the knitting itself,
as a way of finding the path towards one's own creativity.
Instruction will be given in a simple yet profound mindfulness /
awareness meditation technique, suitable for beginning
meditators. Light yoga and various sensory appreciation
exercises will be offered , plus ample periods of knitting time.
- the program will begin on Saturday morning and run
until after lunch Sunday,
- consider arriving arriving on Friday night to settle in,
knit with others, show off (or swap) yarn and your favorite
knitted objects (whether finished or not!)
- bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothes for meditation
and light yoga.
- participants should know how to cast on,
knit, purl, and bind off.
- bring a selection of your own
choice of yarns (leftovers are great!), and 3 to 4 different
needle sizes, either straight or circular.
- limited to 25 participants,
so make your reservations early!
SKY LAKE LODGE
Nestled in a forest of tall cedars and white pines
along the Shawangunk Ridge, Sky Lake
is a Shambhala contemplative center for
meditation, arts, and community. It borders
Mohonk preserve land filled with walking
trails and vistas.
Cost : $150.Commuter rate (includes lunch both days )
$200 Lodging rate - Saturday night (includes Sunday breakfast and lunch both days)
$250.Lodging rate - two nights Friday and Saturday (includes breakfast and lunch both days)
Register at www.sky-lake.org
SKY LAKE LODGE, 22 Hillcrest Lane, Rosendale, NY 12472 845-658-8556
at Sky Lake Lodge