Monday, September 1, we will meet online.
New to sangha?
This Monday we are offering an optional Newcomers Orientation.
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Dear friends,
This week, we will meet Monday evening, September 1st, from 7-8:30PM EDT online; Wednesday morning, September 3rd, from 7-8AM EDT in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW); and Friday, September 5th, 12-1PM EDT online.
On Monday, Ellen facilitates, and we’ll gather online to discuss the Third Mindfulness Training that focuses on true love. (Full training below.) This is an important, challenging training–and one that likely speaks to all of us in different ways. For me, this training speaks to the importance of recognizing my own needs and how to meet them, bringing respect and honesty to my relationships, and being willing to take steps to protect others from harm when I can.
This training also makes me ask myself if I am willing to honestly speak up to protect others and also to speak up about my own needs. At the same time, the training reminds me of the importance of focusing on and attending to the needs of my partner and my family.
On Monday, we’ll watch a short talk by Thich Nhat Hahn speaking about this mindfulness training. I look forward to sharing and hearing any thoughts and reactions you might be moved to share.
You may want to reflect on:
What are my own sexual needs?
Can I recognize the diversity of what each person needs and finds fulfilling?
Is there honesty and mutual respect in my relationships?
Is there integrity in my relationships?
How do I bring kindness, compassion, and joy to my relationships?
The Third Mindfulness Training: True Love
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. Knowing that sexual desire is not love, and that sexual activity motivated by craving always harms myself as well as others, I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without mutual consent, true love, and a deep, long-term commitment. I resolve to find spiritual support for the integrity of my relationship from family members, friends, and sangha with whom there is support and trust. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct. Seeing that body and mind are interrelated, I am committed to learn appropriate ways to take care of my sexual energy and to cultivate the four basic elements of true love – loving kindness, compassion, joy, and inclusiveness – for the greater happiness of myself and others. Recognizing the diversity of human experience, I am committed not to discriminate against any form of gender identity or sexual orientation. Practicing true love, we know that we will continue beautifully into the future.