Description: In this workshop, we will discuss the shabad ਭਜਹੁ ਗੋੁਬਿੰਦ ਭੂਲਿ ਮਤ ਜਾਹੁ ॥ ਮਾਨਸ ਜਨਮ ਕਾ ਏਹੀ ਲਾਹੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ and explore Bhagat Kabeer Ji’s reflection on the human experience and how to live a purpose-filled life.

Description: In this presentation we will explore three key aspects of Guru Amardas Sahib’s life. We will look at how Guru Ji taught us how to develop and demonstrate love for your Guru. Secondly we will look at Guru Sahib’s legacy of Seva. And finally, and especially relevant today, we will examine how Guru Sahib dealt with those whose behaviour we find toxic or hurtful. What is the Sikh response to hate?

Description: This workshop will reflect on the way we imagine and define the Panth today—often without the modifier of Khalsa. What kind of Panth are we really building if it’s without Khalsa, i.e. without the responsibility and obligation of Khande Baate ki Pahul? Thinking through how we are building community as Sikhs and the different expectations we create for people to belong, we will work to remove the influences of manmat and return to a Gurmat-framed approach to community building.

Description: Mental health can be a taboo subject, not only in the Sikh community but also in the wider South Asian communities. Kulpreet Singh, who himself has dealt with mental health challenges and founded a non profit organization dedicated to advocacy and training, addresses the spectrum of mental health, wellness and illness. He then relates that to what Gurbani says, thus giving us GurMat solutions to help tackle such issues.

Description: An interactive art workshop with artist Harleen Kaur, also known as @immersedinyou on Instagram. Harleen Kaur will lead an interactive session on how we can foster a connection with Guru and Gurbani through our creativity. While some of you may not think of yourselves as artists, everyone can create in some way. Collect your favorite art supplies (anything goes) and get ready to get out of your comfort zone and flex your creative muscles!

Description: During this session, we will explore the character traits of a gurmukh which are beautifully described in Bhai Gurdas Ji’s Vaara(n) and how they can be applied in our own lives.

Description: Throughout retreat we’ve delved into discussions about accepting our circumstances as a blessing, learning how to act out of love through the life of Guru Amardas Ji, strengthening our minds with Bani & Sangat of the Guru and the virtues that make-up a Gursikh. Bringing this all together, Mandeep Kaur will speak about how to make this all practical and sustainable, considering not only the current circumstances but the long-term outlook of our lives. Having these tools – how do we build a practice of realigning ourselves with Gurmat on a daily basis? What do a Gursikh’s everyday priorities look like?

Description: This workshop will help create a fun and healthy foundation of wellness through recipes and exercises. We will be creating nutritious treats and snacks from simple recipes. Pairing this with some challenging but fun home exercises that will energize you while you shelter in place.

Description: We will all have an opportunity to engage with each other and the speakers during retreat – but sometimes there are questions that require further discussion. This Q&A panel is designed for you to ask any questions you may have to the speakers (anonymously or otherwise), where a moderator will be present to guide the conversation in a direction that provides clarity and answers.