Freeing Ourselves
Pema Chodron's advice on Liberating Ourselves from Old Habits & Fears
Shenpa is the mental and emotional "hook" that catches us when we react to situations with intense attachment, aversion, or reactivity. Shenpa occurs when we feel triggered—whether by anger, fear, jealousy, or other strong emotions— and causes us to become caught in habitual patterns of thought and behavior. When we’re hooked by shenpa, we are pulled into a cycle of reactivity, often leading to unskillful actions or words that reinforce our emotional entanglements. This moment of being "hooked" is crucial because, while it is a natural part of the human experience, it also presents an opportunity for awareness and transformation.
Drawing from Pema Chödrön’s book Taking the Leap and foundational Buddhist teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, this retreat encourages participants to explore how to:
- Liberate ourselves from limiting beliefs and reactive tendencies that create suffering.
- Transform difficult emotions by cultivating gentle, nonjudgmental awareness.
- Embrace uncertainty as a gateway towards personal growth and wisdom.
Through the practice of sitting meditation, personal inquiry, and group discussions, we will learn to gain insight into our habitual patterns, work with our fears, cultivate a deeper sense of compassion, and discover how to step into the unknown with openness, clarity and confidence.
Getting Here
Visit our Directions and Transportation page to see different options for traveling to Karmê Chöling.
Pricing
Karmê Chöling values its commitment to making programs affordable and available to all who wish to study with us. To support this commitment we provide two program price options.
Generosity Price: $290.00
You're able to help us with this commitment by choosing the "Generosity Price". The money above the basic tuition cost goes into a scholarship fund for those who might not be able to attend a program otherwise.
Tuition: $245.00
This is the price of the program, it does not include housing options or material fees.
Please Note:
Price does not include accommodations, which will be added during the registration process.
Policies
Payment Policies:
Please read the payment policy before proceeding with registration.
Financial Aid:
Karmê Chöling offers full-time student discounts, scholarships and other financial aid.
Program Credit:
If using existing program credit to pay for a program, you must pre-register for this program at least two weeks prior to the program start date by calling the front desk (802-633-2384 x3000). Program credit may not be used to pay for housing or practice materials and may not be used on or after arrival day.
Instructor
Adrienne Chang has studied in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche for over fifteen years, helping co-lead Shambhala and Buddhist meditation retreats and study courses in Europe, North America, and online. Adrienne is currently a member of the Milinda program, a ten-year, inter-sangha, shedra-styled Buddhist teacher training program under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, which brings her to Asia for three-months of intensive study and practice each year. Adrienne has been teaching and publishing in the fields of Buddhist philosophy and history, as well as of gerontology, meditation, and aging and spirituality. She currently splits her time between her home in Luxembourg and Limoges, France, near Dechen Choling, Shambhala International’s land center in Europe.
Instructor:
Adrienne Chang
Date & Time Details:
Location:
On-Land
Program Fee:
Generosity Price - $290
Tuition - $245
Room/Meals Fee:
This will be added in during the registration process.
View accommodations
Wellness Update:
Read our Wellness Policy
Getting to Karmê Chöling:
Contact Us:
Karmê Chöling
(802) 633-2384
info@karmecholing.org
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