Life is a constant stream of disruptions, changes, broken plans and rain delays. Every day, we’re just starting again. Every moment is simply a new start. That can be a source of frustration, or delight. ~ Leo Babauta
Author: Jon Swanson
Sangha News 12/12/23
Thursday evening Info: The talk after the 7:00 pm online meditation on Thursday, 12/14, will be on uncertainty and the lack of control we experience due to impermanence, and ways to practice with them. This includes the cultivation of Beginner’s Mind, also known as “don’t know mind”, and the practice of attuning to emergence. The… Continue reading Sangha News 12/12/23
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Pema Chodron’s teaching has a strong focus on the uncertainty and the loss of control that we often experience in life, and how that can lead to the feeling of groundlessness. The following article provides a good summary of her approach to those topics: The Fundamental Ambiguity of Being Human An article by Blanche Hartman… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Quote for the Week
As human beings we share a tendency to scramble for certainty whenever we realize that everything around us is in flux. In difficult times the stress of trying to find solid ground—something predictable to stand on—seems to intensify. But in truth, the very nature of our existence is forever in flux. Everything keeps changing, whether… Continue reading Quote for the Week
Sangha News 11/28/23
Thursday evening Info: The talk on Thursday, 11/30, after the 7:00 pm online meditation will be on impermanence, its importance, and ways to become more aware of it, including through meditation. The following Thursday, 12/7, there will be an open discussion of our experience of impermanence. The Thursday night talks explore topics related to meditation, with… Continue reading Sangha News 11/28/23
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Gil Fronsdal wrote an excellent article on impermanence and its importance in Buddhist practice. This includes a discussion of the Buddha’s approach to working with the suffering that can result from clinging in the midst of change and uncertainty. You can find that article here: Impermanence The following piece by Connie Anderson looks at the… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Quote for the Week
Insight into impermanence is central to Buddhist practice. Buddhist practice points us toward becoming equanimous in the midst of change and wiser in how we respond to what comes and goes. In fact, Buddhism could be seen as one extended meditation on transience as a means to freedom. Impermanence ~ Gil Fronsdal
Sangha News 11/14/23
Thursday evening Info: The current series of Thursday night talks are exploring topics related to meditation in more detail, with the current focus on meditations to help us to open to kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. The talks will be self-contained, and we’ll provide resources for the meditation approaches covered in the talks. Thursday evening, 11/16,… Continue reading Sangha News 11/14/23
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Oren Jay Sofer wrote an article that explores the relationship between gratitude and grief. The article may be helpful as we celebrate Thanksgiving while simultaneously facing many crises in the world. You can find his article here: Why We Need Both Gratitude And Support A recent podcast from Tenpercent Happier with Kaira Jewel Lingo addresses… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Quote for the Week
How do we hold the dissonance between gratitude for the blessings in life, and grief over the suffering and pain in our world? The question is a koan for our times. Both are true, and living in the tension and discomfort of this question invites the heart to open more fully. Why We Need Both… Continue reading Quote for the Week