Art & Soul: Anatta, The Three Characteristics

Sarah Merin and Annie Hoffman

Welcome to Art & Soul of Insight Dialogue, a monthly series of mini retreats, organized by Insight Dialogue NE.

The 2025-2026 theme for practice will be the Three Characteristics, also known as the “Three Marks of Existence”: impermanence (anicca), suffering or dissatisfaction (dukkha), and not-self or selflessness (anatta).

For the December offering we continue in the footsteps of our spiritual friends in this series exploring the 3 characteristics of existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering or dissatisfactoriness (dukkha), and not-self or selflessness (anatta).

Our focus in Decemebr will be on anatta. Anatta is famously known as difficult both to translate and to realize. Our aspiration as facilitators, therfore, is to delve into this topic as deeply as we can over the next couple of months and share what we discover that might help us find our way. What we do know is that our time together on the 14th will include a guided meditation, a short intro, and plenty of time for practice. We will include brief body care pauses as well as another gentle and creative movement offering with Annie Hoffman tailored to support this exploration of anata. And so, in the spirit of attuning to emergence, we leave you for now with this poem by Rosemary Watola Trommer: (*Thanks to our friend, Kathleen Fink for sharing this poem with us!)

One Encouraged by the Leaves

flying the story of myself

like a kite in the wind—

can I let go of the string

More to come….

There will be periods of guided meditation, relational practice, and movement practice. All are welcome, no registration necessary. Some meditation experience recommended.

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We look forward to welcoming and practicing with you!