Monday, April 6, 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.
New to sangha?
This Monday we are offering an optional Newcomers Orientation.
Learn more and sign up here
Dear friends,
This week, we will meet Monday evening, April 6, from 7-8:30PM ET in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW); Wednesday morning, April 8, from 7-8AM ET online; and Friday, April 10, 12-1PM ET online/in person (Hybrid).
On Monday, our evening meditation will be facilitated by Camille. Camille shares:
In these challenging times, where we want to take actions to help those who are suffering and raise awareness of inequities in the world, we also need to take time to rest.
In the 1960s, during the Vietnam War and a time of social injustice, our teacher Thich Nhat Hanh and other activists knew they had to go out and help. In his book Creating True Peace, Thay wrote they “would become exhausted if we did these things without nurturing our spirit.” He believed that rest is essential.
He reminds us that:
Knowing when to rest is a deep practice. Taking care of our body is an important practice. We need our body to be healthy in order for us to practice. Mindful Movements and Deep Relaxation can support our health and happiness in the practice, and keep us in touch with our body. Practicing Mindful Movements and Deep Relaxation allows us to listen deeply to our bodies. We learn to be gentle with ourselves and to give ourselves space to understand and to grow.
As we take actions to make this world a safer, more peaceful place for all, it is important to rest and let go, be gentle with ourselves, and restore our bodies and minds.
During our practice on Monday night, I will share a guided deep relaxation with mindful movements to follow. This will be followed by dharma sharing, where we can reflect on ways we are able to rest and take care of our body and minds. We might also consider how our mindfulness practices may nourish and support/nurture us.
I look forward to seeing you on Monday night. If you are unable to join, here are two videos that you might enjoy for deep relaxation:
Guided Meditation Blissful Deep Sleep - Ven. Master Thich Nhat Hanh- Buddhist Sleep Meditation
Guided Deep Relaxation | Brother Phap Linh (audio)
In love and light,
Camille