The Four Brahmaviharas: Opening the Heart to Deeper Connection

Join us for six days of quiet practice, reflection, and renewal on beautiful Gabriola Island, BC, from March 18–23, 2027.

We’ll gather at The Netloft, a peaceful meditation hall nestled at the water’s edge. Our time together coincides with the spring equinox on March 20—a natural turning point that invites us to pause, find balance, and welcome new beginnings.

Our retreat will explore the four Brahmaviharas, the heart’s four beautiful qualities and ways of being:

• Loving-kindness — the heartfelt wish for all beings to be peaceful and happy.

• Compassion — the willingness to stay present with suffering, our own and others’.

• Sympathetic Joy — the capacity to delight in the happiness and good fortune of others.

• Equanimity — a steady, balanced heart that can meet life as it unfolds.

Through meditation, Dharma teachings, and periods of silence, we’ll have the opportunity to cultivate these qualities and discover how they can deepen our connection with ourselves, one another, and the world around us.

Retreat Information

The retreat will be held in noble silence, beginning on the first evening and continuing until the morning of the final day.

Teacher: Kristina Baré (kristinabare.com (https://www.kristinabare.com/))
Retreat coordinators: Mia Tremblay and Kim Feltham

There are 20 places available:

• 6 residential places at The Netloft

• 14 commuter places

If you’re joining as a commuter and would appreciate help finding accommodation, Kim Feltham is happy to assist with lodging coordination.

About IslandDhamma

IslandDhamma is a small, BC-based retreat committee offering insight meditation retreats in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.

Our retreats provide space to slow down, practise in community, and deepen our understanding through meditation and Dharma teachings. They are offered in the spirit of dana, the Buddhist practice of generosity.

Registration & Fees

Commuter Registration

Fee: $550 CAD per person

The fee includes daytime use of The Netloft facilities and all meals from dinner on March 18 through lunch on March 23.

Commuters are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Kim Feltham is happy to help out if needed.

Payment by Interac e-Transfer

To keep administrative costs low and direct registration fees toward retreat expenses, payment is collected by Interac e-Transfer.

After completing your registration, please send your payment within 24 hours to:

**IslandDhammaRegistration@gmail.com**

Please include the following in the memo line:

Brahmaviharas Retreat – [Your Full Name]

Your place is confirmed once payment has been received.

Supporting the Teacher

At the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to offer dana to the teacher. This offering is separate from the registration fee, and further details will be shared with participants.

What to Expect

• Noble silence from the first evening until the morning of the final day.

• A daily rhythm of practice, including sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, and individual practice meetings with the teacher.

• A quiet, device-free environment. Electronic devices will be turned off and put away for the duration of the retreat.

• Vegetarian meals. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you register.

No special experience is needed beyond a willingness to practise, be curious, and meet yourself with kindness.

Cancellation Policy

[Cancellation policy to be added.]

Questions?

If you have questions about registration, accommodation, or the retreat, please contact:

Kim Feltham — [EMAIL]
Mia Tremblay — [EMAIL]

Venue

The Netloft
1960 Murray Road
Gabriola Island, BC

Dates & Arrival

March 18–23, 2027

• Check-in: From 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 18

• Check-out: After the community lunch on Tuesday, March 23

We look forward to sharing this time of practice, stillness, and heart-opening exploration with you.

The Four Brahmaviharas: A Silent Insight Meditation Retreat (Commuter Option)