Good evening dear friends
As we move forward toward the longest night and our solstice Sangha gathering on December 21, we can continue to look deeply at how we nourish ourselves and others. We can also look deeply into the consequences of our habit energies and practice making friends with our obstacles to wholesome action!
On our Day of Mindfulness December 16, we will look at how “celebration” ” manifests (or not) both in our every day and special day lives. This is an opportunity to stop and be still for a few hours – a seasonal gift not only to ourselves but to everyone around us – and all beings.
Please note : there will be no Sangha gathering on Thursday December 28.
On New Years Eve, please join our traditional practice with Mountain Rain Zen Community and BC Insight Meditation Society. Beginning at 7pm, we will be sitting, walking and chanting for peace, ending with the invitation of 108 bells at midnight. You are welcome to join us for all or part of the evening. Click here for details.
A wonderful song to guide us in our practice during what can be a stressful time can be found here – enjoy! Take your time [Words and MP3].
This Thursday, we will begin the month with the Ceremony to Recite the Five Mindfulness Trainings. For the rest of December, we will continue with our exploration of Mind Consciousness and Karma, including Dharma study, discussion, and celebration – all within the container of our sitting, walking and tea meditation.
In the New Year, after our recitation of the Five Mindfulness Trainings on January 4, we will explore Beginning Anew. To begin anew is to look deeply and honestly at ourselves, our past actions, speech and thoughts and to create a fresh beginning within ourselves and in our relationships with others. Whether with ourselves or others, the practice of Beginning Anew is a four-part process. Flower Watering (sharing appreciation and shining light on the strength), Sharing Regrets (sharing any unskillfulness in our actions, speech or thoughts that we have not yet had an opportunity to apologize for), Sharing a Hurt (in private or with the guidance of an elder sibling) and Asking for Support with a specific difficulty. Practising kind speech and deep listening, we have an opportunity to nourish the positive elements within ourselves and others.
May your hearts be joyful and at peace during the holiday season.
