The dates for December are Sunday 6th and 13th. We will then meet on Sunday January 3rd. We will be discussing possible dates for next year to offer a Day of Mindfulness, ideas to promote the Sangha locally and upcoming retreats with the Community of Interbeing.

An interesting Dharma discussion about The Practice this evening. Sometimes Buddhism can be a stressful business, mainly created by our unhelpful expectations of ourselves.  A quote from Dogen was used on the recent retreat with Ken Jones which can really help remind us that we are essentially OK as we are.

Every creature covers the ground on which it stands, no more, no less. It cannot fall short of its completeness.

This post was added last week but then disappered for some reason. My apologies. Due to a weekend retreat there will not be a meeting this Sunday evening. Next meeting Sunday 29th November as usual.

Do all your work as though you had a thousand years to live, and as you would if you knew you must die tomorrow.

A question answered by Charlotte Beck in the Dharma reading, followed by sitting, walking and sitting meditation. Our challenge is to simply be whatever our experience is. Clouded by thoughts? Be that. Worried about the future? Be that. Bathing in an ocean of bliss? Be that. This practice is not aimed at developing anything; it is a frame forged over thousands of years, available to rich and poor, an opportunity for life to be just as it is. Not neccesarily exciting or newsworthy, simply our lives as they unfold. After all, what else is there?