Mindfulness Day September 29

Mindfulness Day Gentle Effort Mindfulness Saturday September 29, 2018 9 am – 4 pm Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators who would like to cultivate beginner’s mind and have a day to practice Attending half day is an option. Please indicate AM or PM Place: Franciscan Spirituality Center Please do not call Franciscan Spirituality Center to register for this class Instructor: Vanee Songsiridej Fee: free will donation Registration: Mindfulnesslacrossewisconsin.offeringtree.com Please do not add www to this URL You do not have to sign in to register. You can go directly to the program and register for the classes you plan to attend.

Kevala Retreat (formerly Liberation Park) in La Crosse in August

La Crosse area Friends: Wednesday meditation & Dhamma inquiry  August 22nd at Wesley UMC

August 22nd -- Wesley UMC at King & 8th

(see important details below)

Following Kevala Retreat's first ever extended meditation retreat I continue to reflect on lessons learned by the 6 yogis, Jo Marie, and myself. One big impact was each meditator strengthening their ability to take a strong grounded "seat," which is physical, attitudinal, and mental. I would to pass along some of the skillful tricks (upaya) learned in this regard. 

Santikaro will lead a conversations on skillful means for preparing our meditations with a well-grounded "Dhamma seat." In addition to attention to posture, there are a number of ways that active engagement with breathing can clear the mind, settle restlessness, and more. Further, there are simple practices that help us have a supportive attitude to this adventure we emebark on every time we "sit."

Please come prepared to share experiences, contribute thoughts, and ask probing questions. What helps you most in starting meditations in "a good place"? We have the church's permission to meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, plus 5th Wednesdays when they occur. August 29th is a 5th Wednesday.

For New Meditators!  Let us know in advance and Santikaro can arrange to meet at 6:00 pm to give basic meditation instructions. Follow up instruction can also be arranged. Just reply to this email.

These teachings fall within the framework of the noble eightfold path and middle way, which are guided by the four ennobling realities. In the original presentation, the path is aharmonious weaving of 8 strands of Rightness, Intelligence, and Skill that culminates in TrueKnowing and Liberation. We regularly ask how the path can ground and guide us midst the challenges, storms, and provocations swirling around us and inside us. What are the realities of being mindful, kind, responsive, undistracted, and imperturbable midst the sorrows and the joys of this life we are given each day?

Location information -- Important!  The church doors are usually locked. The evening's hosts will arrive early to set up and meet you at the door. Please use the 721 King Street entrance, where one of us will be waiting to greet you. Knock loudly if you don't see anyone. There will be plenty of parking on the street. The church also has parking space off of 8th St.  

Meditation starts at 6:30 pm. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before then. The "Lounge" where we will be meeting has many chairs. If you prefer to sit on the floor, please bring your own mat and cushion. In winter, bring a blankie.

Dāna (donations, gifts, free-will offerings) to sustain Liberation Park and support our work are most welcome. Santikaro and Liberation Park depend on donations as sole means of support. Liberation Park in turn makes donations to Wesley UMC for kindly hosting us. 

A sampler of Santikaro's talks from La Crosse and elsewhere are posted at http://liberationpark.org/audio/index.htm

Next sessions:  August 22nd, and perhaps 29th. September 12 and 26.