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We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation. |
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Dear Sangha,
This Saturday, August 8, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, we will meet for a Simple Sit meditation.
Join us online by clicking below:
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Between going and staying the day wavers,
in love with its own transparency.
The circular afternoon is now a bay
where the world in stillness rocks.
All is visible and all elusive,
all is near and can’t be touched.
Paper, book, pencil, glass,
rest in the shade of their names.
Time throbbing in my temples repeats
the same unchanging syllable of blood.
The light turns the indifferent wall
into a ghostly theater of reflections.
I find myself in the middle of an eye,
watching myself in its blank stare.
The moment scatters. Motionless,
I stay and go: I am a pause. “Between Going and Staying” by Octavio Paz (1914-1998)
translated by Eliot Weinberger
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Sunrise Meditations with ECI: East Haven Town Beach
From time to time, a small group of Sangha members gathers at East Haven Town Beach to quietly enjoy the sunrise together. We thought others in the Sangha might enjoy joining us.
Because these sits depend on the weather, we will announce them only 2–3 days in advance. If you’re interested, we’d be happy to add you to our email notification list. Once you’re on the list, there’s no need to RSVP for individual sits—simply come whenever you’d like. Feel free to arrive a little early, leave a little later, or stay for the entire sitting.
About the Sunrise Sit
We begin about 20–30 minutes before sunrise and continue for approximately 20–30 minutes afterward.
Benches are available at the beach. For added comfort, you may wish to bring a small cushion or folded blanket to place on the bench or beach.
At that early hour, parking is usually plentiful and is just a 1–2 minute walk from the beach.
There is no formal program or guided meditation. The intention is simply to sit quietly together, enjoy being by the water, and welcome the beginning of a new day.
If you’d like to receive notifications about upcoming sunrise sits, please click below to add your name to our Sunrise Sit email list.
John Burditt, Co-President
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Dana that's more than Donation |
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Our Sangha currently provides food to two direct service non profit organizations in New Haven: The Community Soup Kitchen and to the Sunrise Cafe.
We focus on organizations in the Greater New Haven area that provide meals directly to people experiencing hunger, including many who are unhoused and unable to benefit from traditional food pantries because they have no place to store or prepare food.
The organizations we support share their current needs with us, and we purchase as many of the requested items as our budget allows. We then deliver the food, typically twice each month.
In addition to helping meet an important community need, this program offers Sangha members a meaningful opportunity to serve in a hands-on way. Beyond making a financial contribution, members can actively participate in purchasing, packing, and delivering food while connecting with others through compassionate service.
Interested in hearing more about this project or becoming a volunteer? Connect with Lee for more details.
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Does Gender Affect Mindfulness?
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Just as different populations (meditators vs non-meditators; clinical vs community populations) use facets of mindfulness in different ways (Woodhead et al 2013), age and gender also influence how individuals respond to meditation and mindfulness.
— Crystal Goh
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ECI Online Sits
Sunday Sit at 7:30 am
- Community meditation
- Sunday, 7:30–8:30am
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Weekday Morning Sit
- Community meditation
- Monday through Friday,
7:30–8:30am
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C
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August: Sat Sit Schedule
Simple Sit Aug 8, 15, 22, 29
10:30 - 11:30 AM ONLINE ONLY
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Sangha NOTES
Dana
Dana, the practice of generosity, supports teachers in continuing practice and the lineage of Buddhist teachings. If you benefit from these practices and from this community, please consider supporting us. Dana is currently used to support our website, arrange visiting dhamma teachers, help to feed the New Haven community in need, and support the New Haven Free Public Library in gratitude for their generosity in providing our Saturday meeting space.
The easiest way to contribute is through this link where you can make a donation via Venmo or with a credit or debit card (via PayPal, no account required). Alternatively, if you want to send a check, please address it to:
Elm Community Insight
PO Box 6195
40 Putnam Ave
Hamden, CT 06517
Volunteering
We are seeking volunteers to assist with future Saturday Sangha meetings, including setting up, greeting visitors, and providing technical support at the Library. One way to help is to arrive early at the Library (~10:10 am) to help set up the room for Saturday Sangha. Thank you!
Community Resources
Melanie Stengel is the Sangha's Goodwill Ambassador: if have a need for concrete support (e.g., dog care, food, furniture moving) or emotional support (e.g., going through a hard time, would appreciate check-ins or visits), please reach out to her for coordination by clicking here: SanghaGoodwillAmbassador.
For supportive telephone conversation, warm lines are another resource. These phone lines are staffed by people with expertise in providing mutual aid. A list of Connecticut's warm lines is available here.
Our Community
Find more information about us, learn more about community meditation resources, or subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website at: elmcommunityinsight.org
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