Monday, September 18, we will meet online.
Dear Friends.
This week we will meet on Monday evening online 7-8:30PM, Wednesday morning from 7-8AM in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW), and Friday 12-1PM online.
Annie will facilitate on Monday evening and shares:
This week we will come back to reflect on the basics of mindfulness practice as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh. What are some of the basic practices and why and how do we practice sitting meditation, following the breath, deep relaxation, walking meditation, listening to the bell, and dharma sharing?
Annie will share some techniques for our practice as well as what obstacles and outcomes we might encounter. And we will reflect together on the challenges and joys of our practice, including any questions you might have about mindfulness and meditation.
The first meditation will be guided awareness of the breath and body, we will have walking or movement meditation, and a second meditation which will be silent.
Thay defines our practice as dwelling in the here and now in whatever we do, as you can read here from his book Happiness:Essential Mindfulness Practices (which I highly recommend :-):
Our practice is the practice of mindfulness– mindfulness of breathing, walking, eating, dishwashing, and cooking – always dwelling in the here and the now and not allowing ourselves to be pulled away by worries, projects for the future, or regret about the past.
The practice of mindfulness (Smrti in Sanskrit) leads to concentration (Samadhi), which in turn leads to insight (Prajña). The insight we gain from mindfulness meditation can liberate us from fear, anxiety, and anger, allowing us to be truly happy. We can practice mindfulness using something as simple as a flower. When I hold a flower in my hand, I’m aware of it. My in-breath and out-breath help me maintain my awareness. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by other thoughts, I sustain my enjoyment of the flower’s beauty. Concentration itself becomes a source of joy.
If we want to fully enjoy life’s gifts, we must practice mindfulness at every turn, whether we’re brushing our teeth, cooking our breakfast or driving to work. Every step and every breath can be an opportunity for joy and happiness. Life is full of suffering. If we don’t have enough happiness on reserve we have no means to take care of our despair. Enjoy your practice with a relaxed and gentle attitude, with an open mind and a receptive heart. Practice for understanding and not for the form or appearance.
With mindfulness, we can preserve an inner joy, so that we can better handle the challenges in our lives. We can create a foundation of freedom, peace, and love within ourselves.
We look forward to welcoming you and practicing together.