Monday, March 30, we will meet online.
Dear friends,
This week, we will meet Monday evening, March 30, from 7-8:30PM ET online; Wednesday morning, April 1, from 7-8AM ET in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW); Thursday morning, April 2, from 7-8AM ET online, and Friday, April 3, 12-1PM ET online.
On Monday, our evening meditation will be facilitated by Ellen. Ellen shares:
Lately, I’ve been acutely aware of the powerful expectations I’ve created for myself for many years. This has built decades of pressureful “shoulds” that I have felt and strived to achieve but often fell short. I should look at things differently; I should be more patient and not interrupt others; I should be kinder and more compassionate… You get the picture. Just “being” has not felt enough.
Society has created a lot of expectations for many, especially in my experience for women and moms–particularly working moms. Mindfulness has brought me an awareness of this inner dynamic that brings both peace and some relief, along with a desire to find a way to use mindfulness and my breath to let go.
I explored the Plum Village website to see what videos and readings might speak to this. I found two videos of dharma talks that I highly recommend (both on YouTube). The first is from Brother Phap Xa entitled “Transcending the Notions of Perfect and Imperfect” (Nov. 2025/2026 retreat at Plum Village), and we’ll watch an excerpt that spoke to me even though it’s not specifically addressing the issue I’m raising here. Transcending the Notions of Perfect & Imperfect | Br. Phap Xa - YouTube
The second one is quite something: it’s a long dharma talk Thay offered at a Plum Village retreat in Vietnamese. It’s intense and beautiful to watch, and the title totally grabbed me:
“Mindfulness Is Not A Technique To Improve Your Performance: It's A Path To Compassion And Freedom” (Dec. 2012 Plum Village retreat). Mindfulness Is Not A Technique To Improve Your Performance: It's A Path To Compassion And Freedom
A few questions come to mind for our gathering online if you feel moved to consider these and share on this (or anything else):
How do you find ways of letting go of any “I should” or other pressures using mindfulness techniques and skills?
Besides using our breath, what are ways you have brought self-compassion and kindness to yourself to ease internal or external pressures?
What speaks to you from Brother Phap Xa’s dharma excerpt?
Looking forward to seeing you online.
Take care,
Ellen