Monday, February 19, we will meet online.
This week we will meet Monday from 7-8:30PM EST online, Wednesday morning from 7-8AM in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW), and Friday 12-1PM EST online.
On Monday evening, Marie will facilitate.
Dear Friends,
Recently my practice has been a bit different. I’ve been touching peace and joy more than usual so that I have more capacity to hold, witness and sometimes transform suffering. As I write this, I’m smiling. I realize how odd these words would have sounded to my younger self, who was raised to be endlessly empathetic, often burnt myself out and felt guilty about my good fortune.
What, specifically, have I been doing? Pausing, noticing and then deciding. When I pause, even for a few seconds, and come back to my breath or body, I create space and options open up. These options often include doorways to peace or joy that, otherwise, wouldn’t have been accessible.
Here’s an example. Just now, I was entering the Denver airport amidst a mass of people pouring towards security. There was an older man, jauntily dressed (an airport volunteer), standing ready to answer questions. I noticed him and then decided to engage, even though I didn’t need advice. It seemed like we both enjoyed the connection, and I continued into the airport, feeling more grounded, spacious and open. When I sat down and read a news article, I felt compassion. I didn’t feel despair or shut down, which sometimes happens. Then, I wrote a short email to my congresspeople about the topic at hand. As I reflect on this, it feels like experiencing that connection helped me to have more space to hold the hurt and engage, even if only in a small way.
In The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching, Thich Nhat Hanh writes “It is true that the Buddha taught the truth of suffering, but he also taught the truth of ‘dwelling happily in things as they are.’ Please ask yourself, “What nourishes joy in me? What nourishes joy in others? Do I nourish joy in myself and others enough?”
On Monday, you’re invited to explore those questions as well some others:
To what extent does experiencing joy, peace or other enjoyable feelings affect how you hold suffering?
What are the ways you practice that nourish your willingness and/or ability to touch joy?
Other insights, joys and/or challenges you wish to share are also welcome.
For more nutrients on this topic, you might enjoy
an article from the Plum Village App: Generating Joy and Embracing Suffering During Times of Crisis and
a podcast on 10% Happier by Kaira Jewel, talking about balancing joy during difficult times.
I look forward to being together,
Marie