Day of Mindfulness
A day of mindfulness is held the second Sunday of every month from 9-12. The morning starts with sitting meditation followed by viewing a recorded dharma talk from our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh or possibly other teachers concentrating on mindfulness and being present. The morning is concluded with a short discussion of discovery concerning the talk. It is our intention that this practice will carry through each moment of our lives.
Coming April 10
April 10 from 10-3:00 we are happy to have Kenley Neufeld coming from California. Kenley is a Thich Nhat Hanh trained dharma teacher, one of about 70 in the United States. Kenley describes himself this way: "Community College Librarian, Teacher, Peace Lover, Father, Motorcyclist, ordained Buddhist, vegan, social web obsessed." We will be sitting, walking and discussing teachings as well as receiving the five mindfulness trainings, for those who would like. This is an exciting opportunity to discuss your practice with a teacher! Please fill out the attached form and get it to us by April 3 if you would like to receive the trainings. A dana, generosity or monetary offering for the teachings will be collected but there is no formal charge for the program. Also below is a brief video introduction to Kenley. Please come and expand your practice! All are welcome.
Our first Day of Mindfulness at It’s Now sangha on April 10, 2016 began with introductions. Kenley Neufeld introduced himself and we went around the room and introduced ourselves. Kenley led us in singing “I Have Arrived, I Am Home” and “Breathing In, Breathing Out.” We then sat for 25 minutes.
Kenley then gave us a teaching on mindfulness in daily life, stressing areas where he struggles and where all can struggle. He also showed us the importance of having objects around to remind us of the dharma. He then gave a teaching on inviting the bell and how important it is to stop and pause when you hear the bell. He taught us all how to mindfully invite the bell. His last section of messages was to summarize the Five Mindfulness Trainings that we would be receiving. This was extremely enlightening because he detailed areas of the trainings that he still struggles with as well as areas of the trainings that he was less mindful about when he first took them than he is now, pointing out that everyone can struggle at times and it is very important not to judge yourself for struggling.
We then shared a vegan lunch that began with 20 minutes of silence.
After lunch Kenley transmitted the Three Refuges and the Five Mindfulness Trainings in a ceremony. Ordinees then received their Dharma names. Afterwards the room was very light and everyone very joyful. It was truly a wonderful day of mindfulness for our first official activity as a new sangha!