artwork by Magda Cabrero
Monday, June 12, we will meet online.
Need Zoom tech support? Email Phyllis here.
(support available before sangha starts)
Dear friends,
Please join our meditation practice this Monday evening 7-8:30 PM Eastern Time. We will meet online - please click the button above.
On Monday Camille will facilitate our discussion on seeing how we are one with our environment.
If you are following along with the summer reading book (Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet by Thich Nhat Hanh's book) we are currently reading pages 37-78. You do not have to read the book to join our Monday evening meditations or conversations.
From this week’s reading:
"You have to be responsible for your own body and mind and for your environment. Your environment is you, when you look at the tree, don't think that the tree is something other than you. The tree is you. What you produce in terms of thought, speech, action are energies that can never be destroyed. With mindfulness, compassion, and understanding you can assure a better retribution in the future, for yourself and for the world."
—-
On a recent walk to the community garden I was thinking about what I might find budding or beginning to bloom. When I arrived, I was excited and delighted to see my blueberry bushes bursting with fresh bright blue berries. I turned around and saw my yellow lilies blooming and my greens rising out of the ground as if reaching for the stars. I couldn't stop smiling with excitement and I chatted with my plants, as I usually do.
I happily work hard in my garden and I recognize how fortunate I am to have seeds to plant, water to bathe them, the sun to nourish them, and a healthy body to oversee all. I truly experience so much joy!
Sharing my joy is a delight. I see my garden as family like my kids, and I see all beings, plants, animals and all parts of the earth as family. They are part of me and I am part of them. And when I care for myself and my family, I care for the earth and everything in it.
As I work in my garden, bike with my kids, care for my parents, and meet strangers on the street, I realize more than ever that my thoughts, speech and actions are energies that affect it all. It can be a bit intimidating at times as I am not always sure if I am saying or acting in a way that benefits all. However, when I sincerely come back to the present moment, I remember that with more understanding I can help create a better world where all are respected.
In Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet we are shown a "new way of seeing and living that can bring healing and harmony to ourselves, our relationships, and the Earth.”
I look forward to seeing you on Monday evening.
much love,
Camille