October 23 in La Crosse

October 23 +++  Bridges UMC at King & 8th (see important details below)

Inner Kindness & Healing 

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 12)

  

This Wednesday will conclude our yearlong series on "Many Approaches to Meditation." Let's review and wrap-up what we've covered and what's been learned. Here are some questions to ponder:

* Which specific meditation practices stand out in your experience?

* How did you benefit and learn from them?

* What is your bread & butter, foundation meditation?

* What have you learned about sati (mindfulness) this year?


* What have you learned about samadhi (collectedness,unification, concentration) this year?


* What have you discovered regarding insight?


* Are there specific areas of meditation practice that you want to focus on in the months ahead?

Please come ready for an open, friendly, creative discussion on the questions and and others that you wish to bring.

For location and related information, please go here. Bridges UMC is scheduled to move a few blocks in November and we will move with them. Please stay tuned.

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

La Crosse meditation - October 20

We are looking forward to hosting this month's meditation group next Sunday, October 20th from 10:30 - Noon. See address and details here.

This month's reading is a chapter from Pema Chodron's first book, The Wisdom of No Escape. Hope you enjoy!

Please email if you are planning to attend and note whether you prefer a chair or a cushion so we can set up the shrine room with your needs in mind.

Happy Fall!

Oct. 9 - Kevala in La Crosse

October 9 +++  Bridges UMC at King & 8th(see important details below)

Inner Kindness & Healing 

 

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 11)

  

Meditation can be fun and creative, as well as healing. This Wednesday, Santikaro will offer a special application of metta (loving kindness) meditation that supports physical and emotional healing. I won't give away the secrets via email, so please come and give it a try in person.

We all have needs for nurturing and healing. Meditation includes forms that can bring smiles to our hearts and care for our bodies.

In line with our explorations throughout 2019, this particular practice will be both beneficial in its own ways and help us better understand the broad and profound inner territory that meditation covers. Discussing a particular practice is a means to clarify the meditative skills that we cultivate, thereby enhancing our ability to meditate skillfully with changing life circumstances and needs.

Please join us this Wed for a fun meditative approach that can be employed whenever needed, and sometimes just to be good to yourself.

For location  and related information, please go here.

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:  October 23rd 2019.

10/26 - Day of Mindfulness

October 5 Singing Bowls

From Franciscan Spirituality Center:

October 5, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., San Damiano's Chapel at Viterbo University

The Franciscan Spirituality Center is pleased to collaborate with Tom Roberts and Viterbo University Campus Ministry to offer A Singing Bowls Experience: A Celebration of St. Francis Week. This event will be the culmination of St. Francis Week, a week of activities designed to honor the playful spirit of St. Francis and to celebrate our Franciscan heritage. Join us for an evening of Taize-style prayer, paired with the beautiful sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, choirs and hymns. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on your spiritual journey in a gathered community that shares varied faith traditions.

Note: This event takes place at San Damiano Chapel on the campus of Viterbo University. The time includes fellowship afterward.

Registration is recommended but not required.

Freewill offerings appreciated. 

Tom Roberts
Tom Roberts is a retired psychotherapist and hypnotherapist. He has more than 40 years of experience in clinical psychotherapy and has been a practicing Zen Buddhist for nearly 50 years. In 1992, he received lay Buddhist vows from Thich Nhat Hanh. Based in La Crosse, Tom presents at training sessions, workshops and retreats throughout the country. He is the author of "The Mindfulness Workbook: A Beginner’s Guide to Overcoming Fear and Embracing Compassion."

Shambala meditation series

Sept. 15 - Resting in the River

Frank and I are planning to host our monthly meditation group this Sunday, September 15th from 10:30 - Noon at our home, 1832 22nd Street South, La Crosse.

Please find the reading below and let us know if you plan to attend, and your preference for a cushion or a chair.

Hope to see you then - Sharon

https://www.lionsroar.com/resting-in-the-river/?mc_cid=cfa2f17e1c&mc_eid=bb214d70f2

Sept.11 La Crosse Session

September 11 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th

(see important details below)

Meditation, Talk & Conversation

  

We continue to meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. This Wednesday we will meet for our usual 40 minute sitting, followed by a Dhamma talk (recorded) and friendly conversation concerning life & practice.

As this date is a significant anniversary in our country's history, and our society is currently riven with us vs them behaviors, perhaps we can reflect on how our meditation practice fosters empathy, thoughtful speech, and rediscovering our shared humanity midst polarizing forces.

Our on-going series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here. Please note that Bridges UMC will be moving a few blocks west, probably in October, and we will move with them.

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:  September 25th and October 9th & 23rd, 2019.

August 28 in La Crosse

August 28 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th
(see important details below)

Meditation, Talk & Conversation

We continue to meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. This Wednesday we will meet for our usual 40 minute sitting, followed by a Dhamma talk (recorded) and friendly conversation concerning life & practice.

Our on-going series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

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:  September 11th and 25th, 2019.

September Retreat - Living with Change

Franciscan Spirituality Center:

Living Beautifully With Uncertainty and Change
September 14 (Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Presenter: Sharon Lukert
Investment: $65, includes lunch
Registration deadline: September 1

Based on celebrated author Pema Chödrön’s book of the same name, this retreat will focus on the three commitments presented in Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change:  do no harm, take care of each other and embrace the world just as it is. Using guided meditation, self-reflection and the wise advice of this beloved teacher, we will explore how following these three commitments can open our hearts and minds, moving us toward compassion for ourselves and others. Our day will include periods of meditation, time for self-reflection and group discussion.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Sharon Lukert is a staff chaplain and ACPE associate certified educator at Gundersen Health System. She has been a practicing Buddhist within a Tibetan lineage, studying under Pema Chödrön for more than 25 years. Sharon is a meditation instructor and facilitator for workshops and study groups focused on Buddhism, meditation, death and dying education, and bereavement support.

Please click here to register.

Kevala meditation July 24

La Crosse Wednesday evening meditation:

July 24, 2019

July 24 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th

Meditation, Talk & Conversation

We continue to meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. This Wednesday we will meet for our usual 40 minute sitting, followed by a Dhamma talk by Santikaro and friendly conversation concerning life and practice. This will be "requests night": Santi will speak on a topic requested by any of our regulars. Or, if no requests arrive, he will speak about "Heat, Coolness, and Dhamma."

Our on-going series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

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 14th and 28th, 2019

La Crosse meditation Sunday, July 21

We will be meeting on July 21st at 10:30. Please let us know if you plan to attend and if you prefer a cushion or a chair. Please see our page for more details. 

Best - Sharon

https://www.lionsroar.com/paradox-prayer/

July 10 meditation

Kevala Retreat

La Crosse area Friends:
Wednesday meditation & Dhamma inquiry 

July 10 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th 
(see important details below)

Appreciative Joy        

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches)

Continuing within our series exploring meditation styles, this session will explore an important 'heart practice,' mudita, the 3rd divine dwelling (brahma-vihara). We practice to recognize the good, honorable qualities in others, beginning with those that benefit us. Giving proper attention to these, appreciation arises naturally and some of our hard edges & oppositions soften. This is a more joyful state than begrudging others what they appear to have or focusing on our own lacks. We may cultivate mudita both on cushion and in pauses amid the activities of life Appreciative Joy is suggested as a remedy for envy. It enables us to give wise attention to what's wholesome & beneficial in others, the world around us, and ourselves. This is more healthy than focusing on what others have but we don't don't, which fosters bitterness & envy. Mudita brightens our practices and inspires Dhammic living. 

Please consider these thoughts & questions, and then join our sharing this Wednesday:

Ponder some of the benefits others bring to your life.

In someone you envy for whatever reason, can you find 
an honorable quality that you admire? 

What are your own most admirable qualities?  

How does appreciation change your mood & state of mind? 

You may wish to bring a cushion that can support your back well and a large towel for better bottom support. Good posture is more comfortable & enlivening, and aids letting go. 

Our once a month series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

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:  July 24th, and August 14th 2019. 

June 23 Meditation

We are meeting this Sunday  June 23, 2019 at 9:30-11:30 am for mindfulness meditation.

I am resending this with a fuller information.

We will have a short meditation, discuss a talk by Ajahn Thanissaro. This can be downloaded without charge from:

https://www.dhammatalks.org/Archive/Writings/Ebooks/Meditations1_181215.pdf

Free will donation to the site is always appreciated.

We will discuss the second talk. “The How and the Why” starting page 11. Please read this before the meeting.

We will continue to sit with the instruction using the information from the talk and then discussion.

RSVP vsongsir@aol.com if you are planning to join us 

Please go to mindfulnesslacrossewisconsin.learningtree.com and register if you can.

We are meeting at Gundersen Lutheran Onalaska Clinic at 3111 Gundersen Drive, Onalaska conference room 1F

Please go in through the Urgent care door (which will be the only door open for the building.)

The meeting will be on every 2nd and 4th Sundays.

The Urgent care door opens at 9 AM. Meeting will be from 9:30-11:30

We are using conference room 1F

Please come in through the Urgent care door. Go all the way across to the other side of the lobby. Go through the E-F hallway to F.  Conference room 1F is at the very end of the hallway. You can call me at 608.461.1464 if you can't find the room.

RSVP vsongsir@aol.com if you are planning to join us or not join us

Please dress in layers. I am not sure how the temperature will be for everyone. Bring warming clothes, blankets if you tend to be cold. Make sure that you have light clothing on if you tend to be warm. We will not be able to adjust the thermostat on our own.

Bring a cushion for your back or feet or to sit on if you need those.

I would also like to request that you share similar experiences and what help your growth and development and refrain from directly giving instruction or advice to other participants unless directly requested by the individual.

Peace

Vanee

La Crosse meditation June 16

Frank and I will be hosting the monthly meditation at our home, next Sunday, June 16th starting promptly 10:30 - Noon. Our address is 1832 22nd Street South, La Crosse.

Here is an article from Lion's Roar for discussion. Please let me know if you would like a chair or a cushion.

Hope to see you soon!

Warmly - Sharon

champa_c@hotmail.com

Be a Lamp Unto Yourself

La Crosse Meditation June 12

June 12 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th
(see important details below)

Why do we meditate?       

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 8)
 
In our survey of the variety of meditation styles, we encounter our meditation hopes, aims, and purposes. Recognizing and examining these aspirations and objectives is part of skillful meditation practice. There are the reasons for meditating that we tell ourselves. And there are motivations and influences that are less overt. Let's explore these together.

Please ponder these questions and join our sharing this Wednesday:

• What gets you on the cushion? And to Sangha? 
• When you think of a 'good meditation,' what makes it good? 
• How does meditation benefit your life and those around you?

You may wish to bring a cushion that can support your back well and a large towel for better bottom support. Good posture is more comfortable and aids letting go. 

Our once a month series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

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  Bridges 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:  June 26th and July 10th, 2019. 

Santikaro talks begin June 20

Santikaro, a local Buddhist teacher, is presenting a series of talks on the Noble Path of Practice as sketched by the Buddha. 
The Buddha was interested solely in suffering and how to live free of it. Neither theorist, nor religious authority, the Buddha’s gift is the noble path, the middle way, the eightfold path of living without suffering. This Way of Life is guided by wise, skillful understanding and wise, compassionate aspiration. Mindfulness weaves the various elements together. A sturdy ethical foundation and lifestyle based in values of kindness, simplicity, courage, and generosity is its chassis. 

The heart-mind trainings -- known as meditation -- penetrate to the nature of our mind-body experience and such insight opens us to greater freedom and peace. Petty, egoistic attitudes and behaviors diminish.

Santikaro will draw out the practical implications of these teachings, based in the early Buddhist record. They challenge us concerning our world views and values, ethics, inner-awareness, commitment and perseverance, compassion, and understanding of mind-bodies. Collectively, they show us how the path coalesces into a balanced, unified Dhamma-centered life focused on awakening. Central to this Middle Way is seeing experience in terms of natural processes rather than "me" and "mine."

Whatever your spiritual orientation, the down-to-earth pragmatism of these teachings will give you food for reflection. Previous knowledge of Buddhism is not required; while open-minded inquiry is essential.

Last summer, Santikaro introduced "Under the Bodhi Tree," a book edited and translated by him from talks of his teacher, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. This series compliments those sessions.

These talks with Q&A will be held at Yoga for Life Studio, 500 E. Jefferson St., Viroqua, in the Landmark Building Room 105 starting on June 20 with subsequent talks on July 18, Aug. 8 and Sept. 19. Starting time is 7 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. There is no fee for the class but you will be able to make a donation if you wish.

Contact Charlie Knower at charlie.knower@gmail.com or 608-620-8785 to register.

September Meditation Sessions in Onalaska

Four weeks Mindfulness classes

Saturdays September 14, 21, 28 and October 5th, 2019 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the Onalaska Public Library meeting room, 741 Oak Ave S,  Onalaska, WI 54650

Mindfulness meditation is the art of cultivating the skills to live life fully. Rather than withdrawing from the world, mindfulness can help you enjoy it more fully, effectively and peacefully.

Each class is a combination of practice, instruction and group discussion in a supportive environment.

Your instructor, Vanee Songsiridej, is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. She has years of experience practicing and teaching mindfulness meditation. She has taught Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction programs since 1992.

The mindfulness program is committed to intentionally welcoming people of all races, faiths, ethnic backgrounds, gender expression and sexual orientations.

Beginners and anyone who is interested in attending are welcome.

No fee.

Free will donations are accepted.

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 to register.

May 8 La Crosse Meditation

La Crosse area Friends: Wednesday meditation & Dhamma inquiry  May 8 at Bridges UMC

May 8 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th (see important details below) Uplifting & Inspiring Mind-Heart 2         (the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 6)    Let's follow up our lively previous session, "Brightening & Inspiring Mind." With too many opportunities for stress, distress, and sorrow, we all deserve opportunities for beauty, cheer, and uplifting virtues. Let's further explore ways to brighten our inner space, uplift our meditative energy, and inspire interest & motivation. These practices resonate especially deeply when practiced in Sangha. We can also use these practices to better understand mind and its capacities, that is, our inner resources. These practices fit within the category of meditation approaches that enhance and balance energy. They help explore the energetic aspect of the middle way. They aim for settled clarity and inner wakefulness. When mind-psyche is bright, clear, and balanced it is much less subject to the temptations of destructive emotions, harmful attitudes, and prejudices. Our well-being supports the well-being of others.   What are our potentials for balanced energy? What are the connections among mind uplifted by wholesome qualities, healthy energy, and well-being?      Our once a month series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link: http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf For location  and related information, please go here. 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:  May 22nd and June 12 & 26, 2019.

Kevala Retreat La Crosse meditation

April 24th --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th (see important details below)

Brightening & Inspiring Mind    

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 4)

  

It's time for a new installment in our series exploring meditation styles. This session will try out ways to brighten our inner space, uplift our meditative energy, and inspire interest & motivation.

These practices fit within the category of meditation approaches that enhance and balance energy. They aim for settled clarity and inner wakefulness. They help explore the energetic aspect of the middle way.

When mind-psyche is bright, clear, and balanced it is much less subject to the temptations of destructive emotions, harmful attitudes, and prejudices.

When dull or drowsy, how might you wake up? How does skill in returning to healthy inner balance give you better options?

Our once a month series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

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:  May 8th and 22nd, 2019.

Onalaska group will read "Resilient"

We will start “Resilient” on May 2nd from 6-8 pm. We will meet on the first, third and if available the fifth Thursday of the month using “Resilient" by Rick Hansen as our study book.

 Please read Introduction and chapter 1, Compassion, beforehand. Bring in what you would like to discuss further for your benefit as well as benefit of the group.

Remember that this is to increase our awareness to what might be the underlying cause of our difficulties so that the knowledge and understanding will free us from the difficulties. If the reflection is causing more difficulty, know that, stop, take a breath, observe what's going on, step back, know what's happening in the moment in the mind, seeing the thoughts as the train of thoughts going by without getting on the train. Being aware of the manifestation in the mind and body in the moment, one after the next. settle into the new moment.....hold yourself with kindness, care and gentleness

RSVP vsongsir@aol.com if you are planning to attend. Please register at mindfulnesslacrossewisconsin.offeringtree.com if you can. You do not have to sign in to register. You can just go to the class and register. Please do not add www or https to the address. 

Please meditate every day. Continue to be mindful throughout the day. Please keep a journal and bring that to the meeting for discussion Meeting starts at 6 PM

We are meeting at Gundersen Health System Onalaska Clinic at 3111 Gundersen Drive, Onalaska. The meeting room is on the second floor - Conference room 2A. Go up the stairs or elevator to the second floor and go to your left. The conference room is in the far left corner. Please dress in layers. I am not sure how the temperature will be for everybody. Bring warming clothes, blankets if you tend to be cold. Make sure that you have light clothing on if you tend to be warm. We will not be able to adjust the thermostat on our own. Bring a cushion for your back or feet if you need those.   

In order for this to continue to be a safe and supportive place for everybody to work with this very important practice, please leave all personal stories in the room. Each of us is a human being free from other roles in this space. Feel free to share what you personally learned with people who are interested. The main work is to look within ourselves and find out what we can do to decrease our distress, getting to know ourselves more and take care of ourselves well. By taking care of ourselves this way, we can also take care of others in a compassionate way. I would also like to request that you share similar experiences and what help your growth and development and refrain from directly giving instruction or advice to other participants unless directly requested by the individual.

Free call/teaching with Pema Chodron March 21

Reserve Your Spot for a Free Live Call with Pema Chödrön

Dear friends, What if you could learn from your emotions, rather than react to them? What wisdom might you discover by opening fully to your inner world, rather than hiding from discomfort? You're invited to explore how you can meet all of yourself with boundless curiosity and unconditional kindness in a rare, free live call with beloved Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön. When you sign up for the live event, you'll also receive a free video teaching from Pema Chödrön to enjoy immediately. →  Register for Free: Opening Up to Vulnerability Access to the video and the live call are available at no cost to you—simply sign up now to enjoy both. When you learn to embrace your most vulnerable feelings and thoughts, you'll likely discover that your heart is capable of holding more insight, wisdom, and compassion than you've ever believed possible. Sign up today and join Pema Chödrön on March 21, 2019 at 7:00 PM ET | 4:00 PM PT. Wishing you peace on the journey, Your friends at Sounds True

March 13 in La Crosse

March 13th -- Wesley UMC at King & 8th (see important details below)

Mindfulness in regards to Bodies  

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 3)

How we experience physical reality is basic to our experience as living beings. Our skin, muscles, sinews, bones, and the rest are constantly impacted by the other bodies around us. We experience tangible sensations such as pressure, tension, and temperature. These vary constantly. Similar interactions occur within our bodies among the many organs and systems. 

When functioning smoothly, the body and nervous system manage all this wonderfully and we experience comfort. At other times, discomfort and pain occur. Mindfulness practice enables us to familiarize ourselves with these interactions and how we feel them. This, in turn, moderates our tendencies to react with aversion, fear, and greed.

When you feel aches and pains, what underlying sessions can you notice?

Does giving greater attention to these sensations and their change help you to be balanced, collected, and calm?

Our once a month series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

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:  March 27 and April 10, 2019. 

Sunday, March 17

Our next monthly meditation will be next Sunday, March 17th from 10:30 to noon at Frank and Sharon's house, 1832 22nd St S, La Crosse.

Here is a Koan offering from Roshi Joan Halifax. We will read and discuss this Koan as a part of our time together next Sunday.

Please let me know if you are able to join us and if you prefer a chair or cushion.

Onalaska March 10

Our next meeting will be  Sunday March 10th 9:30-11:30 am for mindfulness meditation.

*Day light saving time starts this day*

We will have a short meditation, watch a talk by one of the western Thai forest monk. I am thinking that we can have another sit to reflect and using the information from the talk and then discussion.

RSVP vsongsir@aol.com if you are planning to join us

Please go to www.mindfulnesslacrossewisconsin.learningtree.com and register if you can.

We are meeting at Gundersen Lutheran Onalaska Clinic at 3111 Gundersen Drive, Onalaska conference room 1F

Please go in through the Urgent care door (which will be the only door open for the building.)

The meeting will be on every 2nd and 4th Sundays.

The Urgent care door opens at 9 AM. Meeting will be from 9:30-11:30

We are using conference room 1F

Please come in through the Urgent care door. Go all the way across to the other side of the lobby. Go through the E-F hallway to F.  Conference room 1F is at the very end of the hallway. You can call me at 608.461.1464 if you can't find the room.

RSVP vsongsir@aol.com if you are planning to join us or not join us

Please dress in layers. I am not sure how the temperature will be for everyone. Bring warming clothes, blankets if you tend to be cold. Make sure that you have light clothing on if you tend to be warm. We will not be able to adjust the thermostat on our own.

Bring a cushion for your back or feet or to sit on if you need those.

I would also like to request that you share similar experiences and what help your growth and development and refrain from directly giving instruction or advice to other participants unless directly requested by the individual.

Peace,  Vanee