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Simple Sit for the first Saturday in September, 9/5
Published about 2 months ago • 3 min read
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.
Dear Sangha,
This Saturday, September 5, from 10:30 am to Noon, we will meet online. There will be a break and time for a discussion.
NHFPL will observe the Labor Day weekend September 5 - September 7.
On Friday, there will be a Sunrise Simple Sit at the
East Haven beach from 6 am to 7 am. This sit will be in lieu of the usual morning online sit from 7:30 - 8:30 am.
If you plan to attend, please bring a cushion if possible and something to keep you a little warmer. There is frequently a cool breeze around sunrise.
Join the mailing list to receive email before the scheduled Sit as weather will determine the outcome. The Sit will be postponed if weather is not permitting. 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.
Please take 10 minutes (are longer if you want...) to complete a brief survey about how you came to join us, your ideas about our programming, and what might lie ahead for our sangha.
Thanks, in Advance for sharing your opinions and path
For the most part, we are creatures of habit. Our lives often follow some type of routine with expected everyday norms. Sometimes it’s the people we see, the type of work we do, or the kinds of interactions we have that we become accustomed to over time. Even though we all know the common phrase, “The only constant is change,” most of us assume, usually without consciously thinking about it, that our lives will always look a certain way. This way of thinking may lead to suffering.
“
The only constant in life is change
— Heraclitus
When our lives change in a way that seems positive, like getting a great new job, it’s natural to conjure up gratitude. Inevitably, life throws a curveball, and without warning, the entire landscape of our lives can change. An unexpected and unwanted change may be especially unsettling, as the unpredictability removes illusions of control. It’s far more difficult to feel blessed and grateful during an unwanted relationship, career change, or even some larger upending of the life we thought we had.
As imperceptibly as Grief The Summer lapsed away— Too imperceptible at last To seem like Perfidy— A Quietness distilled As Twilight long begun, Or Nature spending with herself Sequestered Afternoon— The Dusk drew earlier in— The Morning foreign shone— A courteous, yet harrowing Grace, As Guest, that would be gone— And thus, without a Wing Or service of a Keel Our Summer made her light escape Into the Beautiful.
"As Imperceptibly as Grief", Emily Dickinson
Dolly Parton, Bodhisattva
"After news broke that the great Dolly Parton had passed away, I saw an update from my friend Leesa that simply said: “Dolly Parton was a bodhisattva.” I thought about that, and then I thought about it some more."
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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