Gathering: October 28, 2012

Today's talk focused on the luxury of doing nothing.  We are so busy that we rarely make time to just sit.  When we are given the opportunity to do nothing, many of us aren't able to take advantage of this time, and instead allow our habit energies to keep us moving, doing, struggling - unable to truly stop.

A lively discussion followed on many topics including: western culture's focus on always being productive; the school system creating students who are stressed out with very narrow experiences; the importance of the sangha to support each other in doing nothing.

My favourite story was about one of our sangha members out with some workmates.  They all began to discuss what they would have done differently in their lives if they had their time back.  As they went around the circle, most of the women said they would have gone to university and become a doctor or a lawyer, but our friend said she would have moved to Hawaii when she turned 18, learned to surf and spent the rest of her life living on the beach teaching surfing lessons.  Her workmates dismissed this as a joke.  But why not?  Would going to university, with all the debt and stress that involves, to get a high-stress, fast-paced job really make your life better?  Why is it unimaginable to choose to have low-stress, no debt, live in paradise, and do what you love?

Gathering: October 21, 2012

After sitting, walking, and mindful movements, we listened to a recorded talk by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Today Thay reminded us that walking meditation can be a very useful practice for beginners.  Walking slowly, we take one step as we breathe in, and one step as we breathe out.  We focus on our breathing, and on walking mindfully and peacefully.

You Can Do It

Walking meditation is practicing meditation while walking.  It can bring you joy and peace while you practice it.  Take short steps in complete relaxation; go slowly with a smile on your lips, with your heart open to an experience of peace.  You can feel truly at ease with yourself.  Your steps can be those of the healthiest, most secure person on earth.  All sorrows and worries can drop away while you are walking.  To have peace of mind, to attain self-liberation, learn to walk in this way.  It is not difficult.  You can do it.  Anyone can do it who has some degree of mindfulness and a true intention to be happy.

(excerpt from "A Guide to Walking Meditation" by Thich Nhat Hanh)

Sangha Update: Fall 2012

The Waves and Water Sangha have continued to meet every Sunday at the Dalhousie Multifaith Centre for over a year.  Yay us!

We have a core group of four who share the responsibility of leading the group through sitting and walking meditation, mindful movements, and a discussion.  The first Sunday of every month we perform the "Five Mindfulness Recitation Ceremony" which is an excellent introduction to our practice.  This format has been very successful, and we hope it will continue to work well for us this coming year.

As always, we are happy to welcome newcomers at any time.  We are a casual bunch, with various levels of experience, just happy to have a group to sit with.  Please email for details:  info@wavesandwatersangha.com