CREATIVE COMPASSION IN ACTION!
PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT & CREATIVE COLLABORATION
FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE & A BEAUTIFUL WORLD
Two-part workshop-retreat with optional extended practicum.
PART 2: FLOW ZONE CREATIVE RETREAT:
MANIFESTING PERSONAL & COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
(4–13 April, 2024)
A ten-day workshop-retreat providing a contemplative exploration of the creative process in many forms, from art (e.g. music/design/architecture/etc.) to manifesting a new project or bringing any kind of inspiration to life.
Overview
Programme type: Immersive residential workshop-retreat
Topic: Creative process from inspiration to reality, with a contemplative approach
Dates: 4–13 April, 2024, with an optional extended practicum thereafter
Facilitators: Dharmalaya Institute core team
Language: English, with translation if needed
Building a Better World? Yes, this workshop-retreat qualifies as a module in the Building a Better World programme and provides ten days of credit toward certification in that programme.
About the programme
Flow Zone Creative Retreat: Manifesting Personal and Collaborative Projects is a ten-day workshop-retreat providing contemplative explorations of the creative process — bringing any kind of inspiration to life — in many forms, from art (e.g. music/design/architecture/etc.) to manifesting a new project of any kind — and the most personal creative project of all: designing your own best life.
The Flow Zone Creative Retreat is the second module in our two-part Creative Compassion in Action programme launching in 2024. This contemplative workshop-retreat builds on the foundations of the themes of creative empowerment explored in Part 1: Harmony in Motion, but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone workshop for those who are not able to participate in Part 1.
The programme was created in partnership with Earthville Institute in the USA, at the request of a group of Dharmalaya Institute’s alumni and long-term community members, in order to serve a need that so many people are experiencing these days: to help good-hearted people develop their capacity to manifest great things in the world in a way that is balanced, healthy, effective, and wise.
Themes we’ll be exploring
The Flow Zone Creative Retreat will provide participants with a precious opportunity for deep dives into the the theory and practice of contemplative engagement through two interwoven streams of activity:
Thematic explorations continuing some of the key themes from Part 1: Harmony in Motion (including the foundational concepts of Harmonious Presence, Harmonious Action, and Harmonious Interaction)
Practical creative exercises and projects: sessions focused on manifesting various kinds of projects individually and collaboratively, from a deeply connected place, in a supportive community setting
In support of the contemplative foundation of this programme, there will be time for a contemplative practice session every morning (e.g. yoga, chi kung, or meditation, which might be guided or unguided depending on the circumstances). For those who wish to keep up their existing yoga and/or meditation practices, our beautiful meditation and yoga hall will be available in the mornings before breakfast and in the evenings.
What do we mean by ‘creative’ and what kinds of ‘projects’ will be the focus?
Good question! We use the term ‘creative’ broadly, like so:
creative process (noun): the art of receiving an inspiration, incubating and nurturing it, and midwifing it into existence in the world.
Thus, everyone who translates ideas and inspirations into manifest reality is using the creative process, whether they realize it or not.
Here at Dharmalaya Institute, all of our programmes take a contemplative approach. Accordingly, our objective in this workshop-retreat is to use the creative process consciously, intentionally, purposefully, joyfully, wisely, and effectively. In short, we seek to create from a place of profound connectedness and clarity. In this way, we do our best work and we have the best experience of the process along the way. We also find it most joyful and rewarding to collaborate with others when we’re in this more mindful, heart-connected space.
As for what kinds of projects we’ll be creating, there will be time for both personal and collaborative projects. The group projects will focus on Dharmalaya Institute’s themes of compassionate and sustainable living, while the personal projects will depend on your interests. So, for example, if you’re inclined toward music or photography, your project could be a composition or a photo essay, or if you’re an architect or designer, likewise these could be your focus. If you’re an activist or educator or entrepreneur, your personal project might be conceiving a new mission or course or creative business plan. It’s up to you, and the group will support you to zero in on inspirations you might want to explore in the workshop-retreats.
Consistent with the contemplative theme of the programme, all of the creative work will be supported by reflection, journaling, sharing and group discussions, to help everyone get the most out of the experience.
We wish to emphasize that this retreat is open to everyone, whether or not you have experience with any particular form of creative expression.
Extended practicum period (optional and recommended)
Participants who wish to deepen these explorations through further practice in a supportive environment will be invited and encouraged to stay on after the workshop-retreat for an extended practicum period. The practicum will provide the precious opportunity to apply the learning and experience gained during the programme to real-world projects, thereby deepening the learning, strengthening new good habits, and accomplishing meaningful work, while also strengthening the bonds with kindred spirits in the Dharmalaya community and beyond.
The Practicum will provide the option of three ‘tracks’ for the focus of your work:
Joining the Dharmalaya team to work on projects for Dharmalaya Institute itself (‘Dharmalaya Track’)
Focusing on your own creative and compassionate projects (‘Personal Track’)
Or a combination of both , with half of working hours spent on each (‘Hybrid Track’)
For all three of these tracks, one will be living as a member of the Dharmalaya community and participating in community activities (including daily karma yoga tasks and periodic group discussions and activities), but the focus of the majority of one’s working hours will be determined by the chosen track. Likewise, the modest room-and-board fees for the practicum period will depend on which track one chooses (see the ‘fees’ section below for details).
Who is this programme for?
This programme is open to anyone with a caring heart and a passion to do some good in the world, who aspires to empower yourself to make the best possible impacts in the best possible ways.
Whether your passion is expressed in the fields of the arts and creativity, education, sustainability, nonprofit NGO work, social activism or altruistic entrepreneurship, this programme is designed for you.
For those who already have significant experience, this programme will serve as an integrated personal and professional development workshop to refine your skills and sensitivities and enhance your effectiveness.
Qualities that ideal participants might have:
Sensitive and respectful to the experiences and needs of others
Generous spirit: sincerely wanting to give even more than you receive
Honest with both self and others, putting integrity first
Motivated to improve oneself and take constructive feedback well, with gratitude
What to expect
Two of the keys to happiness are: (1) to have realistic expectations to begin with; and (2) not to be too attached to those expectations, but rather to stay flexible as life unfolds. With that in mind, here are some of the things participants can expect (while remembering to keep a flexible attitude).
Full-time programme focus: For this immersive residential programme, the point is to be completely focused on the experience of being here. While there will be some time for rest, reading, journaling, and personal reflection, there won’t be time for pursuing other activities unrelated to the programme. While you’re here, the expectation is that your full attention will be focused on the programme experience.
Emotional work: In a contemplative programme such as this where we’re exploring some of life’s big questions, it is normal for a range of emotions to come up, and for many this is a necessary part of the process. We encourage all participants to prepare yourselves to welcome whatever you and other might experience and hold a supportive space to move through it without judgment and learn all we can from it.
Supportive routine: A daily rhythm of contemplative practice, outdoor activities, discussions, and silent meditation time.
Natural simplicity: Rustic accommodations in natural earthen buildings or comfortable tents in a beautiful forest setting.
Yogic lifestyle: Clean and simple ashram-style lifestyle in which everyone contributes to the running of the place, including cleaning, washing dishes, etc.
Healthy food: Natural and mostly organic, purely vegetarian meals (100% plant-based, vegan). No junk food or packaged snacks, etc.
Digital detox: In support of the immersive experience, there will be no use of mobile phones or internet from the start of Day 2 until the end, so that everyone stays focused on the group tasks, and present with one another — and with our own experience. For those who are normally glued to your phones, it may take some adjustment at first but soon you’ll be amazed how much better you feel engaging with nature and fulfilling activities with good people rather than the screen.
Schedules & dates
Schedule: Start and end dates
The programme will begin at 10:00am on Day 1. All newly arriving participants will be required to arrive at 9:30am on Day 1 itself (we will provide detailed timing, instructions, and travel tips after confirming your registration). On the arrival day, you’ll be settling in and getting oriented, with introductions and an overview of life at Dharmalaya Institute in general and of this programme in particular.
The programme will conclude at 4:00pm on the last day. Participants who are leaving after the programme should plan to depart at 4:30pm on the last day (or, alternatively, by no later than noon the following day), while participants who are staying for the extended practicum period may remain at Dharmalaya Institute.
Schedule: What will the days be like?
Although the day-to-day schedule will vary a bit, the schedule for a typical day during this programme would more or less as follows:
6:00 Wake
6:30 Morning practice (group meditation or your own contemplative practice)
8:00 BREAKFAST
9:00 Morning sessions: learning, practice, and/or creative activities
12:30 LUNCH
2:00 Afternoon sessions: learning, practice, and/or creative activities
5:00 Personal time
6:00 DINNER
7:00 Evening session: meditation and often a short talk or discussion
8:30 Quiet time for journaling, reading and personal meditation
9:30 Lights out
Programme fees
Dharmalaya Institute is a not-for-profit charitable and educational organisation, and as such seeks to make its programmes accessible everyone. Recognizing that our participants come from diverse backgrounds, we are providing a sliding scale with three tiers, to make it possible for each participant to give according to their means. Total fees for this ten-day workshop-retreat (inclusive of shared accommodation, three healthy meals daily, and tea), at each of the three tiers are as follows:
Subsidized rate
(For low-income participants who can’t afford the standard rate)
Rs 9000
For transparency: This subsidized rate is approximately 33% below our break-even rate, which means it is not enough to cover the Institute’s costs in providing the programme, though that shortfall might be covered by participants who choose to pay the ‘Supporter rate’ to the right.
Standard rate
(For most participants)
Rs 14,000
For transparency: This standard rate is essentially a break-even rate, just enough to cover the Institute’s total average monthly costs in providing this service-learning opportunity.
Supporter rate
(For those who can afford to help subsidize lower-income participants)
Rs 19,000
For transparency: This supporter rate is approximately 33% above the break-even rate, and 100% of that surplus will be used to support lower-income applicants to participate at the subsidized rate. We thank you sincerely for your generosity in choosing this rate if you can.
For participants who register for both Part 1 and Part 2 of Creative Compassion in Action at the same time, there is a slightly reduced tuition fee. See this page for details.
We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone’s participation, so if you have exceptional financial hardship and cannot afford even the lowest subsidized rate, you can contact us to let us know your situation and your needs and we’ll be happy to discuss options for work-study scholarships (subject to limited availability).
For those who prefer private accommodation, a very limited number of private rooms and cottages are available at additional cost, on a first-come-first-served basis. For information on accommodation options, see the ‘Facilities’ section of our eco-campus page. Inquire for details.
FEES FOR OPTIONAL EXTENDED PRACTICUM PERIOD
For those who wish to avail of the option to stay after the programme for the extended practicum period, the fees will depend on which of the three ‘tracks’ one selects (as described above), as follows:
Dharmalaya Track: Rs 750/day (with possibility of further work-study discount*)
Personal Track: Rs 1250/day
Hybrid Track: Rs 1000/day
*For those staying on for the practicum and choosing the ‘Dharmalaya track’, there may be limited openings for a work-study position with reduced rates in exchange for taking on a few extra responsibilities to help with the work of the Institute. For details, you’re welcome to contact us.
Important information
Before you pack for your trip to Dharmalaya Institute, please read the important information on our Campus Life page and our FAQ. If you have a specific question that is not answered there, contact us here and we’ll be happy to answer.
NOTE FOR THOSE SEEKING CERTIFICATES: This is not a certificate course. However, this course does qualify as a module in our long-term Building a Better World programme (which can be taken as a certificate course) and provides ten days of credit toward certification in that programme.
About your facilitators
This workshop-retreat will be hosted and co-facilitated by members of Dharmalaya Institute’s core community, with occasional remote (Zoom) sessions being led by cofounders of Dharmalaya Institute and Earthville Institute .
Application process
Space in this programme is limited. Participation is by application and is subject to acceptance.
STEP 1 — APPLY: Submit the application form using the button below and wait for our reply. We may email you to ask follow-up questions if necessary.
STEP 2 — INTERVIEW: If your application is selected for consideration, the next step will be for us to schedule a time to do an interview on a video call. During this interview, you’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have, and we’ll have a chance to get to know you a bit better. If necessary, there might be a second video interview for final candidates.
STEP 3 — ACCEPTANCE & DEPOSIT: If you are selected for the programme after your video interview, then at that time we will send you more detailed information about the programme and how to prepare for your time at Dharmalaya Institute. You will then have one week from the date of acceptance to make your nonrefundable deposit to hold your place in the programme. The minimum deposit is 50%, but it is also possible to prepay in full.
If you have any questions after reading all the material here on our website, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to address your questions.
We look forward to connecting with you!