There will be a Day of Mindfulness on Sunday 23rd May at Collyers College, 10 - 4.30. More details to follow.

The guided meditation used images of nature to water seeds that support the Practice. After walking and a silent sitting the reading was from Pema Chodrons book, When Things Fall Apart. She encourages Practioners to stay with their fear, explore it and even move towards it. All our techniques for keeping life at bay fall apart, and we are nailed to the present moment. This is the point of learning, not some blissed out state, but just here, in the messy world we inhabit 24/7.

A lovely evening shared by new and existing Sangha members.

The guided meditation was based on Thays most simple, yet profound meditations: In/Out, Deep/Slow, Calm/Ease, Smile/Release, Present Moment/Wonderful Moment. After the break we read the revised Five Mindfulness Trainings which seem to encompass all you need to know to touch the Buddhas teachings….well, I think so anyway!

Dharma discussion was around how following this Path can be challenging. As old habitual energies cling on, we need to ensure our practice is leading to happiness and joy, not adding more ’stuff’ to our already crowded lives. It is too easy to fill ourselves so full of Buddhism we have no room for what is happening in our lives right now. As the man said, once the raft has served its purpose leave it behind for someone else to use. I do not beleive this happens once and for all, but many times, every day, if we allow ourselves to.

Hi all

Back from a wonderful retreat at the New Barn Cottage. The retreat explored Wisdom through the Heart of Prajnaparamita Sutra and other Dharma talks. I was also introduced to the wonderful practice of Origami. Beautiful sunrises, campfires and a deep sharing of the Practice provided a wonderful few days.

Please do check the COI website www.interbeing.org.uk for other upcoming retreats. In particular Thays August visit to Nottingham for the National retreat and his talk in London.

With a deep bow, John.