Contemplative Arts

Shambhala Mountain Center embraces a variety of contemplative arts and practices. As a process, this type of artistic expression brings wakefulness and awareness to the creative and viewing processes through the integration of contemplation and meditation. The emphasis is on art that springs from a meditative state of mind.

Art is a sacred communication between oneself and the universe, and between the artist and their witnesses. Through the practice of contemplative arts, we can gently increase our self-awareness, our perception of the world and our skills in working with others.

Our Contemplative Arts programs feature writing, poetry, photography, drawing, painting, calligraphy, dance, flower arranging and other disciplines that appreciate the uniqueness of the everyday sensory experience, the “art of everyday life.” Contemplative arts and practices bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and our environment.

Aspens2
Intense emotions such as anger, jealousy and fear can either trap us in struggles or open us to the direct experience of awakening. This retreat presents techniques to expose core belief structures that perpetuate emotional confusion, more →
Maria-Espinosa
The act of writing can open new windows of vision. Through a combination of free writing, shamatha meditation, and focused meditation, we may be able to clarify thoughts, emotions, and memories which have been tangled or suppressed more →

Finding Your Voice: A Mindful Writing Retreat

Maria Espinosa

June 7–9, 2013
ChristineStevens
Immerse yourself in the sacred rhythms of your soul.  Be inspired by the music of nature, peace, and harmony.  Join internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and music therapist Christine Stevens in a retreat that ignites the musical more →

Rhythm of Your Soul: A Healing Drum Retreat

Christine Stevens

July 12–14, 2013
ChristineStevens
Invite your friends and family for our Global Peace drum ceremony. Drum around the Stupa in a global rhythm ceremony for Peace.  Bring a flash light or head lamp.  Drums provided. If you would like to more →

One Inspired Rhythm: Saturday Night Drum Circle

Christine Stevens

July 13, 2013
Waterfall
The goal of this program is to teach people how to read a sacred text using both the deciphering method and the hermeneutical (text-listening) methods and integrate the Daoist philosophy of health with the practice of more →

Qigong Practice and Study Retreat

Eva Wong and Acharya Dale Asrael

August 13–18, 2013
Buddha hands
Spend three days learning the centuries old techniques of applying gold leaf through hands-on work, demonstrations and experimentation. In the inspiring environs of the Great Stupa and its art studio we will incorporate a variety of more →

Gold Leaf Guilding and the Dignity of Craftsmanship

John Perkins

September 19–22, 2013