Setting the Compass of the Heart: A Daylong Retreat on Wise Intention

Name: Setting the Compass of the Heart: A Daylong Retreat on Wise Intention
Start: 2026-01-10T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-10T16:30:00-05:00
Location: Chattanooga Insight Meditation Community

Schedule

Sat Jan 10 2026 at 10:00 am to 04:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Chattanooga Insight Meditation Community | Chattanooga, TN

Location: CIMC Dharma Center
318 Talley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Teacher: Janka Livoncova
Registration fee: Choose your level of support when registering
Base - $30
Sustaining - $50
Supporting - $70
There will be an opportunity to offer dana to the teacher at the end of the retreat.
Registration link: https://chattanoogainsight.com/programs/daylong-retreats/#!event/2026/1/10/setting-the-compass-of-the-heart-a-daylong-retreat-on-wise-intention
The Journey by Mary Oliver
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice –
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do –
determined to save
the only life you could save.
As the new year unfolds, we’re invited to pause and listen inwardly—to sense what truly matters and to align our hearts with the direction of wisdom and compassion.
This daylong retreat will offer a quiet, supportive space to explore Wise/Right Intention—the second factor of the Noble Eightfold Path. We’ll reflect on how our intentions shape the unfolding of our lives and how the practice of awareness can help us choose intentions grounded in kindness, generosity, and letting go.
Through periods of silent sitting and walking meditation, guided reflections, Dharma teachings, and optional journaling, we’ll cultivate the clarity and steadiness that allow our hearts to rest in what is wholesome and true.
Bring your lunch. CIMC Dharma Center has filtered water, microwave, refrigerator and stove.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking outside.
While the retreat is open to practitioners of all levels, some prior meditation experience is recommended.
Dana or generosity, the practice of giving and receiving, is the heart and foundation of the Buddhist path. The Buddha taught generosity as a means of liberating our hearts, transforming clinging and encouraging non-attachment. Janka is dedicated to offering the teachings, and her guidance freely. What this means is that she receives no compensation for teaching retreats and relies instead on the generosity of retreat participants. There will be an opportunity to offer dana to Janka at the end of the retreat.
There are work-study scholarship available for those in need. Please contact us to inquire or if you have any questions about the retreat.
Cancellation Policy: CIMC has a no refund policy. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from being present, please contact us in advance of the retreat and we will transfer your credit toward any of our future retreats.