In the Aftermath of the Election
Image via Unspash
By Sosan Theresa Flynn, Guiding Teacher
Please note: This post is being regularly updated with new practice opportunities for the month of November 2024.
Dear Clouds in Water members and friends,
I know that many of you are suffering fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the election yesterday. Now, more than ever, it is important to be connected in community, taking refuge in the sangha jewel. We have a number of ways that you can connect at Clouds in Water and elsewhere through programs and community actions.
The 8th century Buddhist monk Shantideva advises us:
If you can do something about it, why worry?
If you can't do anything about it, why worry?
In other words, if there are actions we can take for the positive, we can choose to take those actions, rather than worrying or being angry or unhappy. If there are situations that we can't do anything about, then we can practice being present with what is and engaging our Buddhist toolkit of meditation, loving-kindness, and deep compassion.
If you are looking for something you can do, here are some ideas:
Sign-up for the Clouds Bridge Group’s email thread to learn about opportunities for engaged Buddhism - peaceful presence at protests, active work to support vulnerable people in the Twin Cities, and mutual aid within our sangha. Email ed@cloudsinwater.org to get on the list.
Contact our ISAIAH volunteers at Clouds in Water to learn ways to get involved in advocacy action. Email: Anita@cloudsinwater.org.
Attend events sponsored by We Choose Us, a campaign coalition of grassroots organizations, unions, and advocacy groups fighting for multiracial democracy in Minnesota.
If you are looking for help with the things that you can't do anything about, or if you are exhausted from trying to fix things:
Attend any of our regular practice opportunities at Clouds in Water (see this link for more information):
Morning meditation & service, 6:30 - 8 am on Tues, Wed, Thurs and Fri.
Noon meditation & loving-kindness chant, 12 - 12:30 pm on Tues, Wed & Thurs
Wednesday Evening Meditation & chanting, 5 - 5:45 pm
Sunday meditation and Dharma Talk, 9 - 10:30 am
BIPOC Sitting Groups on Zoom (contact Carol@cloudsinwater.org for the links)
Lovingkindness Sitting Group & Discussion, second Thursday of the month, 7 - 8:30 pm, in-person only.
Attend any of these Special Practice Opportunities at Clouds in Water
Contact one of the priests or teachers at Clouds in Water to set up an individual practice meeting. This is a pastoral counseling session where you can talk about what's going on for you, and receive practice suggestions and/or encouragement. See this link for teachers who are available to meet with you.
There are many guided meditations or practice suggestions which we'll be sharing with you in the coming weeks. For now, here's one: RAIN practice.
I draw strength from my practice and from all of you. May you be safe, happy, healthy and at ease.
Peace,
Sosan
+++ If you missed our sesshin the weekend of the election or the listening circle on Sunday, 11/10, there will be more opportunities like this in the coming months!