This Monday January 29, we will meet in person.
Go to calendar for our schedule
Address for OHMC meditation space:
3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015
Please arrive a few minutes early so we can invite the bell on time. You may also arrive 15 minutes early to practice working meditation by helping us set up cushions.
Dear Friends,
This week we will meet Monday from 7-8:30PM EST in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW), Wednesday morning from 7-8AM EST online, and Friday 12-1PM EST online.
I’ve been thinking about the silence and stillness that we need in order to develop awareness and touch joy. Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) has said:
The more space we make for stillness and silence, the more we have to give both to ourselves and to others.
Before I went on my 6-week retreat to Plum Village in October, I had a pretty strong habit of listening to podcasts anytime I wasn’t listening to anything else. For example, when I walked the dogs, when I showered, when I drove, etc.
After my time at the monastery (where I did not listen to any podcasts or watch any television) I realized how much space those podcasts were taking up in my head and taking away time when I could have been present for what I was doing. Even though the shows were supportive in nature – they were mostly Buddhist or self-help related – they took away the time and attention that my mind needed to settle and deeply experience my life.
Since not listening to as many podcasts, I have found more peace and quiet in my mind and I am more aware of what is arising from my store consciousness. If what arises is sadness or anger, I can see it and know what I need to do to nurture myself. More often what arises are moments of joy and surprising insights into what and who most needs my attention in that moment.
Insights from inside of us are beautiful and unexpected gifts. The seeds of wisdom that have been planted and watered can arise and inform us when we don’t drown them out with other sensory input. As a result of this inner spaciousness, I feel more creative and have more clarity about my life.
Of course, sometimes we need the support of others and their teachings to remind us of what we already know and expand our understanding. Thay suggests that for every one hour of learning and study (or listening to podcasts) we need ten hours of practice (or simply showing up in the present moment without distraction) in order to allow what we learn to be assimilated.
This week after our meditation period, we can consider how we listen to ourselves and what external voices we take in. Do we make enough time for inner stillness and quiet?
I look forward to our time together.
With love,
Annie.