In this group, we can share the truth of our experience living with pain or illness and find others who understand our situation. Through mindfulness practice we can learn to be present to our experience without reactivity and to be able to be with our joys and sorrows.

We will explore how the Dhamma helps us work skillfully with difficulties and how our difficulties can teach us wisdom and compassion. Some of the topics discussed included: developing greater acceptance, kindness, compassion for oneself, facing fear, working with anger and resistance.

Living examples of illness, aging and death, were 3 of the 4 heavenly messengers sent to the Buddha to awaken him to reality of the human condition. He saw that everyone is subject to impermanence in the form of sickness, old age and dying. The fourth messenger showed that there is a path to freedom and an end to suffering. Our culture says that you must be young and healthy to be happy; Buddhism tells us that happiness and freedom come from within, not from external circumstances.

When we are feeling fit and well we can easily forget this truth. When we experience illness or disability, then the limitations, vulnerability, and imperfection of existence and the brevity of our human life are obvious. We can take advantage of this to develop understanding and compassion and to reveal the deep teachings of the dharma.

In this monthly, ongoing, drop-in group, we look at these messengers in our own lives. You are welcomed to attend whether you have an illness, disability or chronic pain or are dealing with the usual array of physical or emotional challenges of human life.

When: First Tuesdays of the month 10:45 – 11:45, then you are welcome to join us for the noon sit.
Teacher: Bob Stahl.
Registration: no registration required.
Cost: According to the Buddhist tradition, the teachings of the Dhamma are priceless; therefore one is welcome to make an offering that is suitable for their means. No one will be turned away. Dana is accepted.
Location: Insight Santa Cruz

This drop-in class focuses on the exploration of simple and easy to follow qigong movements for physical health, emotional balance, mental clarity, and mindful awareness. Participation in this class is an excellent preparation for Vipassana meditation (which follows in the same room at 7pm). If you prefer to wear shoes during qigong, please bring a pair that you only use indoors so as to avoid damaging the beautiful bamboo floor.  Check the wildcoastqigong.com website for more information and schedule changes.

When: Thursdays 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Teacher: Marcy Reynolds
Cost: There is no charge, dana accepted.
Location: Insight Santa Cruz

Insight Santa Cruz is happy to continue the ongoing Committed Students Program, guided by Dan Landry and Carolyn Dille, beginning in January 2012. This program of study, meditation, dialog and interactive practice requires participants to attend twice a month through the spring. Dan and Carolyn welcome all current Committed Students to continue and encourage those not yet enrolled to contact Dan Landry for further details. General requirements include two or more 7-day retreats, a dedicated meditation practice and a commitment to the meetings. We’ll begin with focus on “Let Go” by Martine Batchelor, available from Bookshop Santa Cruz and Wisdom Publications by order. Pali Canon suttas and chants will be provided. The meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 24, and continue through 1st and 3rd Tuesdays through May 15.

About the teachers:

Dan Landry has been a Vipassana practitioner since 1999. During that time he has attended many retreats, assisted with the Committed Students groups, taught the New to Practice class and served on the VSC Board.

Carolyn Dille practices and teaches in the Insight and Soto Zen traditions. She has trained in the U.S. and Asia and completed Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders Program. She is especially interested in the mutually supporting practices of meditation and creative expression.