Dear friends,
We are living in tumultuous times, and sometimes we might feel overwhelmed or despair when confronted with the violence and intolerance in the world. Luckily, we have a practice (and a sangha!) that we can take refuge in, that can help us transform inner and outer suffering.
Our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, says:
"When we recognize the violence that has taken root within us, in the everyday way we think, speak and act, we can wake up and live in a new way. We can make a strong determination to live mindfully, to live in peace. Shining the light of awareness on the roots of violence within our own hearts and thoughts, we can stop the war where it begins, in our minds. Stopping the war in our minds and in our hearts, we will surely know how to stop the war outside."
This Sunday we will look at how to transform the violence within ourselves, and will have the chance to cultivate our compassion, peace, understanding and love through our practices of sitting, walking, and dharma sharing together. What a joy to be able to wake up together!
Bowing and smiling,
Stephanie :)
practicing mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh