| Feed us ! We have arrived Robin chicks at Liz’s Hello, Everyone, and Happy Solstice! Today at 9:54, the tilt of Earth will bring us closest to the sun (although it’s also true that in about 2 more weeks, the ellipse of our orbit, which is not quite round, will bring Earth’s orbit to its farthest point from the sun). We’ll enjoy our longest day of the year. So the hot days, the exuberant growth, the fruiting and the sunflower days that are to come, all come during the time when our tilt is already taking us towards the shorter days. I’ve never noticed this so much—-that the sun offers its increasing strength to us in the time of thawing, of gradual warming, of tiny sprouts emerging from earth and small, thin leaves unfurling on branches; the tree flowers, and the brave little crocuses. The sun pours its energy into our Earth, so that by the time everything is up and a little tougher, plants can tolerate the hotter days and come to fruit as the sun’s energy begins to wane. For now, the leaves on the tall trees, while still seeming young and moist, are large and their green is darkening. The cherry tree is covered with little green balls, and the gardens (those that haven’t been pounded by hail) are looking so extravagant in their colors, their variety! I’m enjoying tender lettuce and spinach leaves from the garden that SMS caused to magically appear in my back yard this spring. The peas are climbing their teepee, the herb garden is flourishing, and the tomatoes are popping flowers. Today I ate the first radish. There’s a sense of flourishing in our Zen community, as well! Our five Open Source communities came together, thanks to the skillful, persistent efforts of a combined team, and held a “Heart of the One Who Asks” retreat that was full of so much shared encouragement, so much heart, that people were able to settle in deeply and have some powerful experiences. There is tremendous power in our coming together in silence and inquiry. And we grieve. In the fullness of this time, the long days, the green days, we also grieve, alone and together. We grieve the passing of people we have loved deeply, and the passing of a time of flourishing for many, many species on our Earth. We grieve the sense of confidence in progress that we might have held without even knowing it, confidence that problems could be met and obstacles overcome. Entering a time of such all-encompassing uncertainty, we grope for ways to strengthen our connectedness, our resolve, our courage. We need each other. So in this time it’s gratitude that is coming forward for me. In particular, I’m grateful for this small but powerful, real and creative band of wayfarers with whom I am privileged to practice. All of you create this rare opportunity together, and I think it’s a very big deal. Thank you. Thank you for your heart, and for your support both monetary and in time and effort. What we do matters. words from Sarah Ongoing 5:15 Dharma Downstairs: before Monday night meditation, at Shove Chapel. Every Monday evening, in the Sacred Grounds downstairs room from 5:15 to 6:00, some of us meet for informal Dharma conversation, led by Sarah Bender and sangha members. Anyone is welcome to join in on any Monday, and no registration, previous study or experience with our community is required. Our discussions bring each topic to meet exactly what is going on for us in our lives, in our world. Place: Shove Chapel downstairs from the north entrance. contact: Karen Recktenwald recktenwaldkaren@gmail.com JULY Monday July 1: Sutra Service led by Sarah Bender Monday July 8: CANCELLED due to work on chapel Wednesday July 10: CANCELLED due to work on the chapel Monday July 15: Community Night (no dharma talk) Saturday July 17: NO WITR at Shove with Sarah in July. However, there will be work on the phone on Thursday, July 25. Available times are: 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM You can schedule a time directly with Sarah at sembender@gmail.com. Monday July 22: Dharma Talk Andrew Palmer, Sensei Thursday July 25: WITR by Phone with Sarah Bender, Roshi Monday July 29: TBD LOOKING AHEAD AUGUST Camping Garden Retreat August 31-September 1 Creek Bend (more to come!) SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Save the date! AUTUMN MEDITATION RETREAT October 21-27 Here is the link to our 2019 calendar. https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bbc7215f79587650dd5f75ed6/files/ae40372a-4968-49c2-82e3-0d4623ea22da/2019_Calendar_Notes_Nov_9_.doc This is provided for you to plan ahead, particularly for retreats. |