This week, Annie will facilitate.
In the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing, Thich Nhat Hanh writes:
Aware of the suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions, we are determined to avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. We are committed to learning and practicing non-attachment from views and being open to other's insights and experiences in order to benefit from the collective wisdom.
Insight is revealed through the practice of compassionate listening, deep looking, and letting go of notions rather than through the accumulation of intellectual knowledge. We are aware that the knowledge we presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is found in life, and we will observe life within and around us in every moment, ready to learn throughout our lives.
Studying this teaching over the years has begun to wear down my strong opinions and the tendency to think I know the "right" answer, or the "right" way to do something. But this habit of thinking I know the everlasting truth is strong, so it shows up again in various disguises -- politics, health, lifestyle. When it does, I often find suffering in its wake.
What really can we know for sure and what strongly held beliefs might be creating more suffering in our lives right now? How can loosen our grip on, or even let go of some of them and what's it like to be without attachment to views?
After our meditation period, we can discuss all this and more!
Looking forward to being with you all,
Annie
Poem by Sheri Hostetler
Instructions
Give up the world; give up self; finally, give up God.
Find god in rhododendrons and rocks,
passers-by, your cat.
Pare your beliefs, your absolutes.
Make it simple; make it clean.
No carry-on luggage allowed.
Examine all you have
with a loving and critical eye, then
throw away some more.
Repeat. Repeat.
Keep this and only this:
what your heart beats loudly for
what feels heavy and full in your gut.
There will only be one or two
things you will keep,
and they will fit lightly
in your pocket.