Thoughts from the Sangha.

Continuing to focus on the basics of mindful practice, we go to the First Mindfulness training which is a focus on Reverence for Life, non- violence and non attachment to views.

We can all agree these are dark times as a virus , out of control, is taking thousands of lives in the midst of a political climate filled with conspiracy theories , misinformation, fear and violence. These are calling us to reflect deeply on the First Mindfulness Training. Mindful practice challenges us to go deep, deeper and then deeper more.

As we seek to be responsible for ourselves and others and are mindful of social distancing, self isolation, wearing of masks etc, we become aware that all of these behaviors are interconnected with time and space, both inner and outer. We have also become aware of the extent of violence that is manifest in both language and behavior.

For most of us, these images of maintaining distance can bring forth deep emotions connected with rejection, silence, nothingness, and loneliness to which we can respond with anxiety and fear. Our reactions may be resentment, anger or demanding control. All of these are violence to ourselves and to others. We see these behaviors all around us and may feel them in ourselves. All a manifestation of dark energies which impinge upon our soul.

All the times there is a longing and yearning for connection and community where there is time and space ,a welcome in the circle.

We may hear 'I don't have time', I have work to do' 'i can't talk to you', or even no response at all when we attempt to reach out and make connection. Thes can all pull us into a dark sludge of emotions akin to a dark vortex of despair and holding on to dark traumatic experiences.

Mindful meditation in community provides an alternative, turning isolation in to a community of solitude where we can discern how to give and hold sacred healing time and space both to ourselves and for others. Meditation gives the breathing room where we can claim the space for our inner healing and give space and time to others for their healing with reverence and sacred awareness.

Here in these moments of claiming space and stopping time, we become calm, we rest, we heal and our consciousness is transformed.

Let us turn these challenging days of isolation into community's of solitude.

How do you need to claim time and space for yourself?

How do you need to give it to others.

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Thoughts from Sangha

Continuing to focus on the basics of mindful practice, we go to the three jewels of buddhism to take refuge. However we go to the three jewels also for inspiration, for healing and for empowerment.

In these challenging days, we need all three to guide us through the darkness. So we take refuge in the Buddha, in the Christ, in the ancestral teachers of all faiths.

We take refuge in the Dharma, the sacred scriptures from many sources of those who have gone before.

We take refuge in the Sangha, the beloved community that calls us together, reminding us we are not alone but connected as a human family and in relationship with all life.

As I reflect on my own practice, I become aware that I also and perhaps prior to the three refuges, take refuge in the sacred space of my practice center. The energy of my outer space and how I organize gives me a energy and a place of safety, giving me a place to breathe, a experience of peace and balance. Pictures of blood ancestors and yes descendents and friends who have gone before and who now are my mentors and teachers, gifts from friends, reminding me I am surrounded by a circle of love. Surrounding me are the symbols of the faith traditions that have nourished me: Jesus, Buddhist, Native American and the land upon which I live. These all become a living part of the Sangha community and take me deep into mindful practice and my interior sacred space. Here I can Stop. become calm, rest, heal and allow the darkness become transformed. Here I can go with the flow of my inner river.

I invite you to reflect on your outer and inner space, knowing it is sacred. How does it inspire and keep you grounded? what do you need to change?

Namaste.

2Ola Harrison and Bill Todd

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Thoughts from Sangha

  The challenges of these days, life as it is given to us, calls us to seek refuge in a community of support, to find the 'islands of sanity'. I received a card in the process of my ordination into the order of Interbeing that simply said "this is it'. I put it on my altar this week. Aside from that memory at Estes park back in 2009, it took me back to an earlier memory, a meditation from the spiritual diary of Dag Hammarskjold, Secretary- General of the United Nations who tragically perished in a plane crash while on a peace keepig mission. Considered a spiritual classic. The theme which runs throughout Markings is that of "YES", a YES that emerges out of images of a deep struggle with darkness and the "IT" of life. He allows his deepest heart to seek a ground that anchors his purpose in life

During these darkest of times which we are now encountering, we too are being pushed back to the basics, to seek refuge to what anchors and grounds us.

What is helping us to go deeper into awareness, empowering us to be , in the Buddhist tradition, the enlightened ones, or in core Christianity, the sensitive responsive ones or followers of the way, or 'the righteous ones' in Jewish thought?

Taking refuge for me is to go deeper into the teachings of those who can show us another way in this life,the way of understanding, love and compassion and to be a part of a community that seeks to practice harmony, wisdom and awareness. A community that lives the 'YES" in the midst of the "IT"

What is the deepest challenge of the "IT" for you?

What is the deep work of your heart that is calling for a "YES'?

Thoughts as we learn and support each other on the journey. Namaste

Tears for Jerusalem | Songs | Tommy Emmanuel