BSC Under Thirty

Bravery - Further Reading

2012-01-24T08:43:00.001-08:00

Bravery: Synchronicity of Body and Mind - this is what we were working with during the Heaven Earth and Humanity movement practice (bamboo poles!)

http://shambhalatimes.org/2011/09/16/bravery-synchronicity-body-mind/

Bravery without Deception - The first category of bravery.

http://shambhalatimes.org/2011/02/20/bravery-without-deception/

Bravery: Taking a Leap - The second category of bravery.

http://shambhalatimes.org/2011/07/19/taking-a-leap/

Bravery: The Vision of the Great Eastern Sun - The third category of bravery.

http://shambhalatimes.org/2011/07/13/bravery/

Being Grounded Makes You Happier: A Case Study in Happiness

2011-11-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

Which seems like it would be a happier existence: living freely in a Manhattan penthouse as a billionaire among family and friends or being arrested for fraud, stripped of your estate, and condemned to living and dying in prison?

I'm sure you can spot a counterintuitive answer on its way and indeed the answer is the latter. Where do these two options come from?

I was reading Bernie Madoff's interview with Barbara Walters and struck by this:

He says that while he was in jail, during the four months before he was sent to prison, he did think about suicide, but he didn't have the courage," said Walters, who interviewed Madoff about two weeks ago. "But now he says, in prison, he never thinks about it. He's happier in prison."

and his justification?

"I feel safer here than outside. I have people to talk to, no decisions to make. I know I will die in prison. I lived the last 20 years of my life in fear. Now I have no fear because I'm no longer in control."

Even though he had more material wealth and freedom in his old life, the constant struggle to maintain pretenses and the paranoia necessary to keep his lifestyle ate through him.

I'm also reminded of Pema Chodron's comments on the "wisdom of no escape", the peace that comes from accepting that there's no way out of your situation, a conceit that is echoed in research that has been done in cognitive psychology (TED talk). Sometimes we have to drag ourselves kicking and screaming into the cold water before we can realize that the clean refreshment was exactly what we needed.

Steve Jobs, Trungpa, and Joni Michelle

2011-11-02T10:45:00.001-07:00

I was reading through the What Kind of Buddhist was Steve Jobs, Really? article (a great read!) attached to the Ocean of Dharma quote this week and discovered two interesting things:

* One of the books that inspired Jobs to pursue the Buddhist path was Trungpa's Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism

* Joni Mitchell's song Refuge of the Roads was written about Trungpa, who was at one point her spiritual advisor.

Bravery

2011-09-29T06:30:00.001-07:00

This offering is from Jonathan:

Bravery is letting go of doubt while allowing it to be the only thing
that catches you.

After spending time with the group last night & having a lot of
contemplation on the question, followed by non contemplation today,
this is what it boils down to for me currently. Also happens to be the
product of a boiling hot shower.

Seems appropriate to add that while in Newport, RI recently I attended
a teaching given by Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin & his translator
Jeff. There were many things transmitted but one of the most prominent
& recurring themes was roughly "does exist but not truly established".
Bring this up now because it occurs to me that the essence of that
commentary is influencing the definition presented above.

Jonathan

Buddhist-themed movie nights?

2011-09-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

Joel has proposed creating a regular Dharma-themed movie night. There are a couple of resources available for finding such films, for example

Please feel free to use the comments to discuss :)

Under 30 Fall Retreat - Registration

2011-08-16T05:24:00.001-07:00

Good morning warriors!
Our next retreat to Shelburne Falls will take place the last weekend in October, from the 28th-30th. Please register using this spreadsheet: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ak_RYbaiOyttdFFydVFBT0VwVVVwMmJRNlVKaGlfNWc&hl=en_US

The cost of the retreat will be $80. Payment will be accepted upon arrival at the retreat center. Please contact me directly if this is more than you are able to afford, because we don't want that to stop you from joining us.

Any further details about the retreat will be sent only to those who put their e-mail address on the above spreadsheet. If you aren't positive you will go, but you want to stay in the loop as plans develop, please just note that on the spreadsheet.

love,
Jade

Under 30 Fall Retreat

2011-08-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

We are working on choosing a date for the Under 30 Fall Retreat. If you are interested in attending, please add your availability information to the doodle!

http://www.doodle.com/miv5h9qd52kxd8ye

Mindfully to Walden Pond

2011-07-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Recently our Under 30 group went on an epic bike trip to Walden Pond and back, which was a good 40 mile trek! I love that we gather together outside of the Shambhala center for exciting trips, local events, social gatherings, and the like. Anyone is welcome to come along especially if they are new to the center. The beauty of it is we might find we are more likely to practice mindfulness in “the real world” while accompanied by our fellow Sangha members. While on the trip, I noticed some striking similarities between meditation and biking.

During Under 30, we practice a seemingly personal and inward act of meditation as a group, which actually brings us closer together in a profound way. On a bike, you can control your movements, your breath, your destination, and your speed (okay, unless you’re riding a tandem) and you can bike along with others.

Meditation requires sitting in a certain position on a cushion for a comfortable, strong, upright posture that opens the chest for breathing and our hearts to others. We rode our own bikes that are unique in many ways and specifically adjusted to our own bodies for good biking posture, adequate breathing, and leg extension. When we do not have good posture we are incapable of meditating or riding a bike efficiently and properly.

In Shamatha practice, we focus our attention on our natural breath. Sometimes it feels like hundreds of thoughts pop up and distract me. I don’t think about my body and my breath while my attentions are diverted to the more fantastical stories, dreams, worries, and plans in my head, but I notice that I am thinking. Then, I come back to my breath and I feel more relaxed. I found that during my ride I was equally susceptible to my wandering mind, but I was able to bring my mind back to my breath and keeping a strong posture. I felt more stable, alert, and resilient.

I can sense a feeling of gratitude among the Under 30 members to each other for coming once or every week, for meditation with each other, for sharing their experiences, and for listening to others. I do not think that meditation is easy and sometimes you just don’t want to do it even though you know you will benefit greatly from it. It is nice to know that there will be others there joining you in the practice, offering you support, understanding, and even friendship. Similarly, an epic bike adventure can be a physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing adventure. Although you can go it alone and still enjoy it, it means so much more knowing there are other people following the same route and sharing the experience with you. Both meditation and adventures can be great ways to strengthen friendships and start new ones!

I absolutely love to bike through the city in the sun, rain and cold. It makes me feel amazing and I know my body is getting stronger each week. I also have a deep emotional attachment to Lady (my bike). We go way back and have shared so much together. I have appreciated the great impact meditation has made on my biking practice, especially after this trip to Walden Pond. Please join us for our next bike trip and I encourage you to try some mindful cycling!

July 26 Announcements

2011-07-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

This Friday July 29th: Evening Walk-through of Potential Ancillary Space
Next Tuesday August 2 at 6:30pm: Community Meeting regarding Ancillary Space

Friday Aug 12th from 6:00pm-9:30pm: Dyad training with Nick

From Nick: "Those of you in core u30 who are interested in continuing the development of the practice of presenting,I believe we can deepen our understanding and experience of this powerful practice of social meditation, so that we can convey real richness in sharing this with new and brand new members of u30."

Tuesday August 16

5:30pm-6:30pm: Shastri Krusinski will be holding office hours
7:00pm-8:30pm: Sitting and talk by Tom Krusinski - Part II of the talk on Heaven Earth and Human principals by Shastri Carolyn Krusinski. Bamboo poles will be involved!

Fri August 19 - Sun August 21st: Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human

This first weekend retreat of the Way of Shambhala series introduces participants to the practice of sitting meditation and to the basic principles of the Shambhala path of warriorship. There is a fundamental, good energy present in all of our experience, and this basic goodness, innate to the way things are, is our own inborn, unconditional nature as well.

Saturday July 16th: Warrior Exchange Training

2011-07-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

For the Core Members of Under 30: Nick will be leading a Warrior Exchange Training from 4-7:30pm Saturday July 16th "Those of you in core u30 who are interested in continuing the development of the practice of presenting,I believe we can deepen our understanding and experience of this powerful practice of social meditation, so that we can convey real richness in sharing this with new and brand new members of u30." -Nicholas

Saturday July 16th: Volunteer 1/2 Day

2011-07-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

The next Volunteer 1/2 Day will be from 10-2pm Saturday July 16th

Painting, scraping, fixing and generally making the center sparkle!

Come for all or part of the morning, every bit helps. We'll also order some Pizza to fuel the fire!

Bring UV Block, clothes that can get paint and dirt on them and your skillz to pay billz.

August 16: The Krusinski's

2011-06-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday ~~August 19th~~, August 23rd Shastri Krusinski will be available for office hours. Tom Krusinski will be leading discussion on Heaven Earth and Man principals, with bamboo poles!

July 26: Rusung of the Dorje Kasung: Brian McCorkle

2011-06-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Brian McCorkle will be joining us to speak about Kasung.

July 19: Shastri Krusinski

2011-06-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday July 19th, Shastri Krusinski will be available for office hours and will be leading discussion.

Group Discussion: Lead by Ashley

2011-06-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a wonderful discussion lead by Ashley. While taking her seat Jade led the group in the "name game" exercise.

To start the evening Ashley read the following quote which expresses the groundlessness of presenting the Dharma to a group of people.

Hearing Words of Wisdom

When we listen to a speaker, we are gathered and expectant. We expect an ideal message or certain edifying ideas from the speaker. Because of our need to satisfy our intellect and emotions and to get some security, we want to hear words of wisdom, and we remold the speaker's words to satisfy that need. We shape them and reshape them, manufacturing fixed and definite impressions from the raw materials of the speaker's words. The result is that we constantly have nothing but ourselves bouncing back on ourselves. That is always a problem. It is very difficult to find both an audience who will sit in no-man's-land and a speaker who speaks from no-man's-land. That kind of attitude is very difficult, extremely hard to find.

Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Ocean of Dharma, 365 Teachings on living life with courage and compassion

While being right there with her anxiety around leading discussion, Ashley beautifully lead the group into a social meditation exercise. The gist was that we partnered up and, with our eyes closed, got in touch with the "face" we put on for others. Doing our best to project this quality out to our partner, we opened our eyes and felt was it was to be with another person while steeped in it. We closed our eyes again and dropped it, opening our eyes again to our partner to be with them without pretense.

As a group, we debriefed and heard many folks different, and similar experiences with the exercise. A number of folks expressed the first part to have a gross, or sickly sweet quality. A number of folks described putting on a fake smile or being particularly exuberant as a way they present themselves. Some describe a physical tension in their bodies. Most who spoke up described the second half of the exercise to be a relief. Especially those who had been participating in the group for some time and had experience with this sort of social meditation, and even longed for the sort of direct connection that occurs here.

Would you like to continue this conversation? Please feel free to leave a comment below.

Something Profoundly Important

2011-06-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

If someone asked a young person today, “Would you like to leave your comfort zone in the bustling, distracting, stimulating city of Boston and head out to the middle of nowhere with a group of other young people you probably don’t know very well to sit around and breathe…in silence?” I honestly don’t think they would jump at the opportunity and would probably raise their eyebrows at the question, but I’m glad a few of us were brave enough to go for it.

I’ve been a familiar face at the Under 30 group at the Boston Shambhala Center for the past year. No matter how mindful I think I have been or how much more significant Shambhala has become for me, nothing could have prepared me for profound exuberance I felt after a two-day meditation retreat with seventeen others from our young Sangha group.

The retreat left me almost overwhelmed with gentleness, courage, sadness, loving kindness, lightness, and a most awesome appreciation for the beautiful people who shared it with me. Unbelievable, right? Most of the time I’m sure we looked like we were pretty bored sitting there doing nothing. But I could sense an unexplainable understanding and appreciation that we were doing something profoundly important for ourselves and each other. Whether we were sitting, practicing yoga, sharing meals or tea, practicing being silent, or having fun and talking, I have no doubt that focusing on our breath and synchronizing our minds and bodies helped us connect more deeply with ourselves as well as each other.

Looking back on our interactions that weekend, I appreciate everyone for having the courage to boldly be who they are as well as kind and authentically present with themselves and others. Seeing that in my new friends helped me find bravery within myself. It was absolutely liberating to feel so close and uninhibited around people I basically only knew through the meditation group, a few whom I only had just met that weekend. It was difficult to return from the retreat, but I have definitely felt that genuine kindness and mindfulness pervading every aspect of my life since.

Although our young Sangha group has been around for some time, it has certainly blossomed over the last few months and the meditation retreat has only enhanced that. I think each person who attended the retreat has given back to the group as a whole by being even more genuine, kind, and open to everyone that walks through the center’s doors. In addition to its fearless leadership, one of the key aspects of Under 30’s success is that everyone plays a role in facilitating the creation of a safe space in which to be mindful and to have an open heart, which can be both challenging and uplifting. We have bravely made it our own. I’m so thankful that it exists and brings so much energy into my life, but I am even more grateful to everyone who has made it what it is today.

Shelburne Falls retreat May 20-22nd

2011-05-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

Our group will be going on retreat this weekend, if you are interested in joining, please see our post in the mailing list for details and sign-up information:

https://groups.google.com/d/topic/bsu30/jL4SgI_tD0U/discussion

Warrior

2011-05-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

This past week (and some) I've been having a lot of trouble. It's been that little voice inside me saying, "it's too difficult," or "why bother?" My practice fell apart. I've been to social gatherings but avoided other people because it was easier. I felt that overwhelming feeling of inadequacy. I'm not good enough to engage with these people. It's too much trouble to sit. That little voice that feeds me all of the excuses I need.

I feel like I've been really passive about it. "Oh, things are OK, but I don't really need to exert myself, things will sort themselves out." That depressive, "bleh" feeling that things kind of suck but it's too much work to make them better.

I'd forgotten what being a warrior is all about. I was reminded of that this evening. That, "oh, it's too hard," feeling isn't a mellow thought, it's a call to arms. It DEMANDS a roar of determination; if you do not overcome this self doubt, you are MISSING EVERYTHING. You are MISSING your life!

That fire, the passion, the curiosity; that is what being a warrior in Shambhala is all about. These opportunities that arise for us, the chances that life gives us to either say, "yeah, whatever," or to step up, to engage, even, and especially, when we're afraid. That is how you learn about yourself, about reality, and grow your own strength.

Fearlessness is the essence of being a warrior. Not in the sense of not being afraid, but moving beyond that fear, even though you're terrified.

Thank you, Valerie, for reminding me, for reminding all of us, that we need to turn towards the discomfort. That is where the heart of warriorship lies.

Lonely Lonely

2011-05-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

Why do we feel lonely? Do we need some positive confirmation of our talents or personality from others? Is there a cultural expectation of always being or communicating with other people in some way while being alone is somewhat pitiful and synonymous with exclusion? When do we feel lonely? Is being alone the same as being lonely? Does it require physical separation from other beings, or do you often feel the most lonely when you are surrounded by people? When we feel lonely, is searching for comfort in company and social interaction always the best way to ameliorate it or is it sometimes an act of desperation?

Through meditation practice and infusing mindfulness into my life, I have tried to find inner strength and personal growth in being alone. In doing so, I have come to realize that my feelings of loneliness are more intermittent since I have found comfort in being myself and enjoying who I am. I am not saying that I don’t need anyone else in my life (certainly not!) or that I absolutely won’t turn to others for help or advice in great emotional distress, but I’m not constantly searching for something or someone, I don’t feel the need to always be surrounded by others, I appreciate the people in my life so much more, and I can give more of my attention and devotion to those I love since I am more comfortable with who I am.

We had an awesome discussion about loneliness at U30 last week. I thank everyone, especially Matt, for being so open, honest, hilarious (of course), and emotional. As soon as the topic was announced at the discussion, a few of my favorite songs immediately started playing in my head. Music has a powerful effect on me. These songs have truly helped me through some of the loneliest times in my life and sometimes I find that music can speak of my feelings better than I can myself. I wanted to share them hoping to better explain how I experience loneliness and being alone. At first I thought they were very cynical and self-defeating, but I think they are a proclamation of devotion to oneself for a while to really come to terms with habits of self-delusion, how you can be more of who you are, and figuring out what you want or don’t want…enjoying the journey all the while no matter what anyone thinks.

Andrew Bird – Lull
Music Video
Favorite Lyrics:
Being alone, it can be quite romantic
Like Jacques Cousteau underneath the Atlantic
A fantastic voyage to parts unknown
Going to depths where the sun's never shone
And I fascinate myself when I'm alone

Rufus Wainwright – One Man Guy
Music Video
Favorite Lyrics:
People will know
when they see this show
The kind of a guy I am
They'll recognize just what I stand for
and what I just can't stand
They'll perceive what I believe in
What I know is true
And they'll recognize I'm a one man guy
Always was through and through
People meditate
Hey that's just great
Trying to find the inner you
People depend on family and friends
And other folks to pull them through
I don't know why I'm a one man guy
Or why I'm a one man show
But these three cubic feet of bone and blood and meat are all I love and know

Look See

2011-04-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

How often do you walk down the street in your neighborhood and look at your feet or straight ahead without actually seeing anything, your mind in another place? Are your surroundings always just a part of an endless backdrop? How often do you wake up one morning and the next thing you know you realize you’re at home 12 hours later getting ready to settle in? Are you frustrated with time and prefer to jump ahead a few days to the weekend or a special plan, instead of looking at what you are doing and where you are at that moment? Do you ever want to look at people’s faces noticing their expressions as they move past you in the street or a park? Do you let prefabricated perceptions and judgments rule your actions and emotions in every situation you are in and every encounter you may possibly have without seeing it for what it really is and what could possibly become of it if you just look at it a different way?! *phew

Well just look. See here? You’re missing everything!

Lately, I have been trying very hard to step back often and look at my life, my surroundings, my feelings, and the people in and around it. I want to truly SEE, understand, appreciate, (name your synonym) what is in front of me. I want to explore new relationships and interactions with places and people I have not encountered, I have once briefly seen, and I know very well. I think I do this more easily now since starting meditation a year ago, but it gets more difficult to embrace those moments when I stop meditating regularly. My goals require an open mind, contemplation, a divergence from what I know and am comfortable with, and, ultimately it requires vulnerability and direct action to really affect my view and impact on the world around me. This week’s U30 activity emulated that very well. When you are taken out of your element, slightly disoriented, and see something you may or may not recognize but have no immediate frame of reference for…it’s exhilarating! Step away from what you think you know or from the way you always perceive a place, interaction, person, or feeling and see it in a new light. Each day is filled with opportunities to consciously interact with even familiar scenes and people in new ways. For example, during the activity, we were told to look at random spots in the room. Some of us focused on one part we didn’t recognize before and others just saw abstract shapes and lines. We talked about walking along the street and deciding to give that person some change and possibly having a conversation with them. On a more personal note, I have very recently had an incredible rush of the most wonderful, intimate, inspirational, and brand new interactions with quite a few people from my past and present. We now know each other in new and deeper ways because we decided to open our eyes to new possibilities and be fearlessly honest with each other. Some interactions were quite beautiful and others were actually painful to deal with, but I’d rather take the chance in saying and hearing the truth while feeling and experience something new in my life than not see new possibilities at all.

I wanted to write about U30 this week because 1) in the past month or two I have only attended Nyinthun if at all and have not stayed for the U30 discussions 2) I find it very difficult to make my second paragraph more of a reality without dedicating some time to formal meditation and discussion every week and 3) I recently told a friend in Shambhala that I don’t know why I am STILL completely shocked that our Shambhala discussion DIRECTLY relates to my life. The focus of our discussions and what is absolutely significant at that point in my life converge in some way every week. Seriously! That’s powerful stuff.

Peace and Carrots,
Meghs

Cancelled: Tues May 10: Shastri Krusinski Evening

2011-04-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Shastri Krusinski will be holding office hours and leading discussion on Tuesday May 10th. Don't miss it!

Tues April 5: Shastri Krusinski Visiting

2011-03-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

This upcoming Tuesday, Shastri Krusinski will be holding office hours and leading our evening discussion.

http://bsu30.blogspot.com/p/shastri-hours.html

Shambhala Day Address

2011-03-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

If you joined us Tuesday March 15th, we listened to part of the Sakyong's Shambhala Day address.

If you are interested in listening to the address, you can find it here:
http://shambhalatimes.org/2011/03/08/making-the-impossible-possible/

Or you can read it here:
http://shambhalatimes.org/2011/03/12/shambhala-day-address-2011/

Our Calling Cards

2011-03-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

You may have seen our "calling cards" on the table by the door. If you haven't here is what they look like:

Those are nearly out, so I wanted to design something new for the next batch. I wanted to leave some space for being written on and I wanted to use a picture that seemed more relevant.

The picture I choose is one I took a couple of summers ago of three stages of a blooming flower stitched together like panorama's are done.

The physical manifestation of the cards will show up at the center in the next few weeks.

Under 30 Group Sits Together in (Cyber)Space

2011-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Posted on Wake Up Boston!

Under 30 Group Sits Together in (Cyber)Space

Sarah Lipton will offer Under 30 an evening called The Presence Point

2011-02-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

"Be present
In your body
In the space
While moving
Sensing
Expressing
Reflecting"

Shambhala art, or dharma art refers to any creative work that springs from an awakened state of mind, characterized by directness, un-self-consciousness, and nonaggression. It's not about "art", it's about direct perception and playing with the creativity that springs from that experience.

Join us Feb 22, 2011 at 7:00pm!

To dive more fully into Shambhala Art, join us for Shambhala Art Part I & 2: Coming to Your Senses & Seeing Things as They Are, February 25th - February 27th with Acharya Arawana Hayashi.

--
Sarah is the full-time Center Coordinator at the Boston Shambhala Center. A graduate of Naropa University, she now manages the publicity for the Shambhala Center, as well as coordinating behind-the-scenes activity to help the Shambhala community flourish in Boston. She lives in Jamaica Plain, MA with her husband, garden, and Brazilian Rainbow Boa.

Shastri Hours with Carolyn Krusinski

2011-01-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

Shastri Carolyn Krusinski will be available between 5:30pm and 6:30 pm on the days that she teaches, in the Kalapa suite to discuss anything Shambhala. Carolyn has generously set aside this time to meet with members of our group, so be sure to stop by!

You may be wondering:

Who is Carolyn Krusinski? Carolyn is precise, passionate, knowledgeable, kind, supportive, interesting to talk to and just plain awesome! See this blurb from when Carolyn visited our group in the past.

What is a Shastri? A senior teacher who is focused on the Way of Shambhala curriculum. See this article from Shambhala Times for more info: Sakyong creates new teaching and mentoring position in Shambhala

Where is the Kalapa Suite? It's on the left as you enter the center with the double-glass-doors.

When does it start? Tuesday February 1st.

What do you mean "anything Shambhala?" Curious about those "levels" we keep talking about? Have a question about your practice? Have you been practicing for some time and would like some direction on your path? Wondering who this "Sakyong" guy is? Would you like a recommendation on a good book to read to support your practice? Never met Carolyn before? Want to know what all that stuff is on the shrine? What to know how to get more involved in the center?

Of Noticing Things

2010-12-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

Today while I was sitting in Nyinthun, I noticed something I'd never seen before. In the small shrine room there are actually two shrines, one on the left and one on the right, what I noticed about them today was that the shrine pedestal to my left was orange while the one to my right is white. Never seen that before, I always thought they were the same colour. Even if someone had swapped the pedestal, I'm not sure I would have paid attention to such a thing, something made me Notice.

Nick talked this week about the moment of noticing. That instant where you realize you've gone somewhere and that you're not focusing on the breath. This has started to happen to me in my everyday life. A few weeks ago, I noticed a church on the road I live on. I haven't been in this place a long time, about 5 months now I think, but I'd never seen this church before. I looked up, and said to myself, wow, where did they get this church from?

Sitting meditation has definitely set the stage for me to wake up to the world around me and actually SEE things, things I never noticed before.

I begin to wonder where that moment of waking up occurs. Like Nick said, you can't tell what happened, one second you're off on your story, the next you realize you're not focusing. Something in our bodies is causing that realization to fire. My theory is that we can't find that moment because it isn't a conscious thought which triggers it; it's part of the hardware of our minds. Sitting meditation seems to wake up that interrupt mechanic and pull us out of our stories.

I'm going to continue to sit and I'll let you guys know what else I manage to notice, and maybe, hopefully, learn more about the way my mind works~

Practice to Path

2010-11-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

Shastri Carolyn Krusinski was our guest speaker on Tuesday and I have dedicated much thought to the insightful discussion we had with her last week.

What is a practice? How and when does it become a path? Is it something you decide or does it happen naturally? When do you realize it? Do you even? Why does it become a path? Should it? If there is a path, is there an entrance as in this photo? Is is clearly defined or does it take shape as time goes on? Does a path have an end if the beginning is uncertain? Should it?

I thought about meditation and how it started as my practice. I do not consider my first curious venture into the Shambhala center for Under 30 night as the beginning. Rather, it began when I would constantly ask good friends of mine about what Shambhala means to them since they had been practicing and/or been on the path for a few years already. They always graciously indulged me with their thoughts and experiences. As I realized how deeply my friends had felt and how much they have become more aware, outward, and not-at-all somber, unemotional, or withdrawn in a negative way...and that I held such a vested interest in meditation without having tried it yet...I decided to go to the Shambhala center as soon as I could.

I have been meditating semi-regularly for about 7 months, visited a meditation center during this time, and have been more active in the local Shambhala community. Does that mean I am on the path? Frankly, no. I do not feel as though I have a path yet. I DO know that Shambhala or some form of meditation will always be a strong and vibrant part of my life, but what it will become and what it ultimately means for me I do not know just yet. I have not realized how it will be kept close to my heart and mind in the future. Meditation is not something I believe I will deliberately "use" for a particular gain, goal, or purpose. I know that its purpose will take shape on its own in its own way for me. So it will be a natural, constantly changing path. Where it starts? I have no idea! But I can't wait to find out.

Guest Speaker: Shastri Carolyn Krusinski on Tuesday November 16, 2010

2010-11-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Shastri Carolyn Krusinski (pictured on the right) will be teaching at Under 30 on Tuesday November 16. Please join us!

Shastri Carolyn Lowery Krusinski began her practice in 1978 where she attended the first Shambhala Training Level I offered in Los Angeles and also met The Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. As a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, she was Warrior of the Center in Boston and teaches throughout the US. She studies traditional Chinese Daoist Arts along with Shambhala Buddhism to bring ancient wisdom to modern life. She is a business executive and coach. Husband Tom and she just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They live in Lincoln, MA with their son Paxton.

Carolyn is one of about sixty teachers who have been appointed to the new role of Shastri. If you are interested in learning more about the new position, you can read more about it from the article on Shambhala.org: Sakyong creates new teaching and mentoring position in Shambhala

We are meditating all the time

2010-10-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Generally, I don't remember the specifics of our Tuesday night discussions. However, I wanted to try and remember (without taking notes) so that I could write about it. So I attempted to use a memory technique for remembering shopping lists that I learned in 3rd grade. (I still remember that shopping list!)

One - Bun: A person meditating inside of a hamburger bun.
We are always meditating. What does that mean? Can anyone provide an example of when we are not meditating?

Two - Shoe: One shoe has the laces pulled tight, the other has them hanging out all over the place
When meditating, we want to be "not too tight, not too lose." This applies to many other aspects of our lives.

Three - Tree: In third grade, we were supposed to remember to buy eggs.
Try as I might, the concept we were discussing eludes me.

Four - Door: Fire on both sides of the door trying to get through
Don't fight fire with fire. Trying to approach problems with aggression and tension does not help improve the tension and aggression already present with the problem.

Five - Hive: Bees swarming in and out of a hive like breathing

Six - Sticks: A sailboat with the mast being a giant stick
Our lives are like a sailboat. If we leave the sail down and let the boat drive, we may never get to where we want to go. But put the sail up and you can aim in a particular direction.

Seven - Heaven: Cream Cheese
Again, I don't remember what it was I wanted to remember.

Eight - Gate: Virtue and Non-Virtue are both trying to get through a gate. Virtue has a crown (wisdom) and a heart (courage). Non-Virtue is lazy, busy, and all wrapped up in itself. It might explode.

Grains of Sand

2010-10-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

We had a great turn out at this Tuesday evening’s U30 group. The circle was so full, some of us were literally rubbing knees!

At the beginning of the discussion, our fearless leader, Nick, began by asking us about why so many of us ventured through Boston’s cold slick streets to meditate at the Shambhala center. Really, what brought us there? Some of us wanted to practice with a community. A few mentioned they wanted to share their homemade food with others. There was also a desire to rekindle a strong family connection with Buddhism. Others were searching for relaxation, dealing with anxiety, or were simply curious.

Whatever our motivation for going to U30, it certainly takes some courage. We stop, sit quietly, and meditate in a room full of other people we don’t know. That is rare in our society. By being there we offer our presence and support for others in their practice. Many of us speak up and share our internal realizations and experiences with others. At U30, we apply traditional Shambhala teachings to our own lives. We tell personal stories about everything from work, class, interactions with roommates and partners, misadventures on public transportation, and the battle over the dreaded dish pile in the sink. Whether we can relate to each other’s stories or not, sometimes it just means so much for another person to be heard . We become stronger in our practice and a little less fearful each week by doing so. This is what makes U30 so special and we appreciate all who come to be present, real, and mindful meditators.

During the second part of our discussion, Nick brought up a great metaphor for what our minds tend do during meditation practice. Imagine grains of sand swirling around in a glass of water. You keep twirling your finger in the water to churn up its contents because you want to see what’s in the glass: the different colors, shapes, sizes. So many grains, rocks, and pebbles come into view only to get muddled again. But, if you let it alone, the heavier particles will start to fall to the bottom, followed by the lighter sand and silt. Though it may seem settled, if you look closely there may be shiny flecks of minerals still dancing about in the water. After what seems like such a long time, the water is finally crystal clear. If you look at the sand you can finally see individual pieces. Perhaps there are striated bands of sand distinguished by size or color. Naturally, your mind is that swirling glass of sand not allowing anything to settle. You jump from thought to thought, sometimes without rhyme or reason. Through meditation, we begin to slow down and see our thoughts individually for what they are. In our everyday lives, we begin to notice when we are angry, nervous, excited, sad, or stressed without those emotions churning everything up.

I would like to extend the metaphor even further. We are all grains of sand and silt swirling around in this city going this way and that through the water…never stopping...never having a moment of true clarity. When we start meditating, we become the sparkling grains that move slower in the middle of the chaos, eventually escaping the cloud and settle at the bottom together.

Three Misconceptions about Meditation

2010-09-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

This week we were fortunate to welcome back Susan Piver to Under 30 Night as our guest speaker. After opening up a discussion on how our practice is going for all of us (even those who started just 30 minutes before), we talked about:

Three Misconceptions about Meditation:

It makes you more peaceful. (It can make you more present and aware of your emotions no matter how positive or negative they appear to be.)
Your mind stops. (Meditation is 20% focus on your breathing, and 80% openness to what may arise internally and/or externally. Thoughts may come to you or noises may interrupt a silence, but the goal is to recognize them, letting them pass while you return to experiencing your breath.)
It makes you a better person. (It makes you more of who you already are.)

Many of us start meditating with certain goals or expectations in mind. This will only muddle and obscure the power and effect meditation can have on your life. We eventually learn to let go and see where it takes us.

We also discussed the Three Ways People Deal with Stress:

Attack and fight it
Try to make peace with it
Run away and avoid it

What were YOUR misconceptions about meditation before you started...or even right now? How has your opinion of meditation changed since you started?

How do YOU deal with stress? Are your stress management strategies working? How do you know? Do you think you can deal with it in a different way?

Despite the wind and rain, there were many newcomers this week and I hope you all enjoyed the night as much as I did! Hope to see you again on an upcoming Tuesday night.

Guest Speaker: Dan Hirschberg

2010-09-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

On September 21st Dan lead a discussion on Buddhism and Emptiness. He talked about how we all make the mistake of considering ourselves to be Singular, Permanent, and Independent. This mistaken perception leads to suffering, which we can overcome by realizing that none of those things are true. This fundamental philosophy is called no-self, since what we think of as "self" really is just a part of everything; not singular, not permanent, and not independent.

Dan Hirschberg is pursuing a PhD in Tibetan Buddhist studies at Harvard and is a student of meditation master Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

Guest Speaker: Susan Piver

2010-09-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Join us next week, Tuesday September 28, for a discussion with guest speaker Susan Piver. Susan Piver is a Shambhala Teacher and best-selling author. You can find out more about her and her work at her website http://www.susanpiver.com/

Guest Speaker: Charles Styron

2010-09-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

On September 7th we had a guest speaker, Charles Styron, who spoke about love and adversity.

This is what Charles has to say about himself:

I first became a student in 1978, attended Vajradhatu Seminary in 1982 and Kalapa Assembly in 1984, and have been teaching (off and on) since the early 80's. I'm a clinical psychologist in private practice as well as a former architect and am a founding board member of The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. My wife, Nancy, is a practitioner and a psychologist, and we have a 15 1/2 year-old daughter, Charlotte, who has attended numerous dharma programs for teens. Some of my abiding interests are classical piano music, hiking in the mountains, NASCAR, gardening vegetables, reading on a wide range of subjects, and making collages.

Swing Low

2010-08-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of this week's discussion of what makes a community, how we find our place within communities, and how we contribute to them, I had encouraged everyone to go check out the installation of this GIANT HAMMOCK in the Rose Kennedy Greenway between Atlantic Ave and Congress St (near South Station). Some of us spoke up about the lack of connection or interaction with our fellow man in today's society. We are less open, energy is bound up inside us...we can feel so lonely surrounded by people. At school, at work, on the bus, along the sidewalk...I feel as though there are few opportunities that really bring us together in creative and curious ways. Plus, I think we could all appreciate a mid-afternoon nap in the late-summer sun while the cool breeze soothes our tense muscles and eases our mind as we sway and sway...
So get down there to literally rub shoulders with strangers before the permit expires on September 4th!

PS- The 4,278 feet of rope is made from recycled bottles!!!