In Buddhism, Upekkha or Equanimity shows up at the end of a lot of lists: as the fourth of the Brahmaviharas, divine abodes, or immeasurable qualities; as the 7th factor of awakening; and as the 10th parami or perfection. Equanimity is both a quality that can be developed through meditation, and a natural fruit of meditation practice. Equanimity is a balance, peace, and wellbeing that is not dependent upon favorable conditions, or an absence of unfavorable conditions, and instead arises from the relinquishing of craving and reactivity, and a willingness to connect fully with our world of experience. It is both a balm for our weary hearts and minds in times of chaos and uncertainty, and a support for progress on the path to deep, penetrative insight.  

In this daylong retreat we will explore the meditative cultivation of equanimity, the factors which support its arising, and its contribution to the development of the path to liberation.  

This daylong retreat will mostly be held in silence, with periods of guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, dharma reflections, and opportunities for group discussion.  

ABOUT CHRIS BENITEZ 

Chris has been practicing meditation since 2012. He has participated in numerous meditation retreats in the Theravada and Zen traditions, including month-long retreats at Spirit Rock and the Forest Refuge at IMS. Chris is a co-founder and teacher at Misfit Sangha, a Buddhist Community in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Chris was previously a member of the Spiritual Friends Facilitators group at the Albuquerque Insight Meditation Community, and has taught at various dharma centers in the Southwest and the Southeast. Chris regularly leads daylong retreats and outdoor camping retreats in Colorado and Southern Utah. He is primarily interested in the intersection between nature and the dharma, and the ways that wilderness and seclusion in nature are both a teacher and a support for dharma practice.