Attention!

Dear Friends,

Although we still call this a "meditation" group, it has long since become more of a "spiritual practices" group.  We have used practices from many traditions and from none.  These practices often involve a sense of the subtle or energetic surround, and they aim at an enlivened exchange, as between equals, with the many kingdoms and processes of the world.  A key inspiration is Incarnational Spirituality.  It is not about escaping into the heavens, but about enhancing our presence here in all senses.

As for formal meditation, there have principally been two kinds: vipassana-style breath focus (with its derivatives like walking-meditation and open-awareness),  and theme-based meditation in the tradition of lectio divina.  

In all cases, we are aiming not at theory or belief, but at direct experience.  In all cases, we start with the sense that the individual is to be empowered, but the individual is nothing alone and actually cannot exist alone (what would that even be?).  In all cases, we are interested in a living connectivity with this troubled and beautiful planet.  It is a work, a deed, a playful activity we do in concert with one another during the hour.  And while it is for the benefit of each one of us, it is also for the sake and benefit of the earth as a whole.

I am amazed, each week, at the good will and depth of presence that you bring to the group meetings.  Many and heartfelt thanks.

Today we will take time to sharpen our fundamental human skill of attention by diving into longer stretches of silent, breath-focused meditation.  The mind and body can notice their agitation, settle down, and so allow new possibilities of presence to emerge.  These new arrivals fall down like a welcome Spring rain; they rise up like petrichor; it turns out they were always there.

with love,

Michael