Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene III | Online Wednesday-Morning

Donald explores some of the main themes of his March retreat, connecting these themes to general aspects of our practice. He shares some images of the Spirit Rock land, a group of turkeys, his place of practice and altar in his room, and the bench where he twice a day carried out a kind of ritual "talking to" his parents, who are deceased. He focuses on themes of listening for what calls one in one's practice and his main practices during the retreat: concentration practice, metta practice, the Tibetan practice of tummo (the inner fire) and the life of Milarepa, and awakened awareness. He concludes by speaking of some ways of keeping the retreat going in daily life, and, in preparation for the appearance of the Garbanzo Bean, Donald's clown personality, some on humor and spiritual practice. There is then discussion, including an appearance by Guru Garbanzo Bean responding to some questions, and closing in which we remember and honor Cyndy Gagne, a sangha member who recently passed.

After getting a sense of those present and a self-introduction, there is a guided meditation. We start with a few words on posture and invite a short period to connect with what is alive in one's practice. Then there are instructions for developing samadhi (concentration), followed by several short periods of guidance to cultivate awareness of the energy of the body, to tap into a sense of happiness and perhaps joy, and then a sense of peace. There is then a short period of mindfulness followed by a few minutes of reflection on (1) what is "calling" now in one's life and practice, and (2) how best one can connect formal meditation and daily life.

Reflection on the Three Refuges followed by a guided meditation on the Five Indriya

Dharma reflection on the Five Indriya

A reflection on the Buddha’s teaching of gradual practice, emphasizing patience and trust in the slow unfolding of the path.

A progressive release into emptiness, and a return through the four brahmaviharās

A talk on MN 121: Culasaññata sutta exploring the meaning and experience of emptiness in the Theravada tradition.

Guided meditation on noticing what isn't here, and thus becoming acquainted with emptiness.