Week Four/The Path and The Practice That Leads to Freedom

This excerpt from the Dhammapada, a collection of teachings from the Buddha, encourages us to train our minds to be free from likes and dislikes.  Why does the Buddha recommend that we consciously practice non-attachment to personal preferences?
 
By reducing attachments, we set ourselves free.  This path of freedom leads to a deep feeling of peace.  Just like with any training program, there is great effort and sacrifice, along with some pain and discomfort.  This path requires daily practice, often starting with small steps to build confidence and strength. We can start with simple things that bring us pleasure, committing to limiting or eliminating their presence in our daily life.  A few examples are:TVSocial Media or other forms of electronic entertainmentAlcoholShoppingIce cream Remember to do this with the spirit of training the mind, rather than deprivation or punishment.  When we follow this practice, we begin to reduce the craving/wanting aspect of our minds. Likewise, this can also be done with tasks that are unpleasant and that we choose to avoid. In this case, we move toward those things and bare the discomfort that is often short lived. Again, it is recommended that we start small:Picking up the phone when a difficult person is calling or making a difficult callDoing the dishes before going to bedFolding the laundryBudgeting or paying billsThis practice requires the spirit of care and wisdom.  It is important to choose things that are helpful, not harmful.  By working on transcending our likes and dislikes, we set an intention to build our own inner strength and wisdom. As the Buddha teaches, “all fetters will fade away”, helping to empower and build confidence when we face the unpleasant aspects of life head on.
 
Patty Thomas Shutt, founder of Sacred Treehouse, is a licensed psychologist and co-owner of Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches Dr. Shutt is passionate about helping others discover the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.  She offers Beginner Meditation & Advanced Meditation classes at Sacred Treehouse, in addition to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion and various book studies throughout the year.

Meet Kathy Ornish, C-IAYT

Yoga Therapist & Teacher Kathy Ornish, c-IAYT
Pairs With Sacred Treehouse to Offer Meditation Workshop

Sacred Treehouse is pleased to announce that guest moderator Kathy Ornish, c-IAYT, will host “Introduction to Meditation”, beginning in late November.  This workshop is ideal for those curious about meditation or for anyone looking to strengthen their practice.  Through this dynamic and interactive workshop, participants will learn how to create a comfortable seated pose; practice systemic relaxation to focus and relax the mind; discover the five basic steps of meditation; learn how to use a mantra; and develop an understanding of our relationship to silence.

Classes will be held on Mondays, 10:00-11:30 a.m., starting November 27th and Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., beginning November 29th.  More information is available at sacredtreehouse.org.

About Kathy Ornish, c-IAYT:

 

Kathy Ornish is a certified yoga therapist and teacher through the American Viniyoga Institute (AVI), where she is a faculty member for the Viniyoga Foundations Program for Teaching and Yoga Therapy.  She is also a certified ParaYoga teacher, as well as a consultant at the Preventative Medicine Research Institute in California.  K.O. is Owner and Director at Good Space Yoga in East Lansing, Michigan, where she has a yoga therapy practice and teaches group classes.  Her primary emphasis is on teaching the breadth of the yoga tradition using the appropriate application of its many tools to help people realize their highest potential.  She is excited to share her passion for mindfulness with the Sacred Treehouse community.

September 2017 Schedule Updates

September 4th

CLOSED for Labor Day

September 5th 

Beginning Meditation 5:30 – 6:00 pm
Introduction to meditation will be offered prior to Vipassana Meditation Group.  $15

September 13th

MBSR Orientation 5:00 – 5:30 pm
Attendance Required for all MBSR participants.  The orientation session is free.

True Refuge Book Study 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Gateway to Awareness begins.  $75 for 2 weeks.

September 22nd

SAFE Yoga Teacher Training
Full day training for SAFE Yoga.  CE credits for Yoga Instructors are available.

September 25th

Walk With Me
Join us at the “Walk With Me” Movie Screening at Regal Cinema Shadowood 16 in Boca Raton.

September 27th

MBSR
Fall MBSR program begins.  First of 8 weekly sessions.

 

Summer MBSR begins June 15th

Dr. Shutt will begin the 8 week summer MBSR Program on Wednesday, June 8th.  If you are interested in attending, but have not yet completed the orientation session, RSVP to one of the free sessions below:

  • Wednesday, May 18th at 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday, May 25th at 9:00 am
  • Wednesday, June 1 at 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, June 8th at 5:00 pm

The registration deadline is Friday, June 10th at 3:00 pm.

For more information, call (561) 278-6033.

New Happenings at Sacred Treehouse

We have lots of fall excitement planned at Sacred Treehouse!  We are pleased to announce the following dates:

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Begins Saturday, September 26, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Free Introduction & Orientation sessions will run throughout September:

Wednesday, September 9th, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, September 11th, 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 15th, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 19th, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, September 23rd, 5:30 p.m.

CALM: Teen Mindfulness Workshop

Starting Saturday, October 24th, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Orientation Required – call for details

Eat Happy Cooking Workshop for Kids presents Fall Fun!

Saturday, October 10th, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

If you would like to register, please click here or call 561-278-6033 for more information.

New MBSR Dates

Free MBSR Introduction and Orientation

  • Wednesday, September 9th at 5:30 pm
  • Friday, September 11th at 1:00 pm
  • Tuesday, September 15th at 5:30 pm
  • Saturday, September 19th at 11:30 am
  • Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:30 pm

This FREE  Introduction and Orientation is required to participate in the 8-week workshop. Additional times may become available, please contact us for more details at (561) 278-6033 or [email protected]

Click here to  Sign up online

National Yoga for Vets Day, Monday, November 9th at 1:00 p.m.

 

Photo credit: Dan Abramson
Photo credit: Dan Abramson

 

National Yoga Day for Vets

Palm Beach, Florida

Monday, November 9th at 1:00 p.m.

Ralph Iovino, ERYT500, will lead a therapeutic, trauma sensitive yoga class for veterans.  Class limit: 10 veterans.  Please call 561- 302-5975 to RSVP.

Event will be held at Sacred Treehouse (aka Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches):

250 Royal Court

Delray Beach, Florida 33444

Directions:

  • From I-95, take exit 56 to Woolbright Rd.

  • Proceed heading east (4 traffic lights)

  • Turn right onto US 1 (Federal Highway)

  • Proceed south approximately five miles.

  • Turn right at George Bush Blvd.

  • Cross railroad tracks and make first left onto N.E. 3rd Ave.

  • Proceed to Sacred Treehouse/Therapeutic Oasis.

  • Yoga studio is located on second floor.

  • Parking is located across the street, in overflow parking lot.