Days of Mindfulness

Twice each year--in summer and winter--we have a formal day of mindfulness (DOM), and invite the general public to join our sangha for a lovely introduction to the teachings and practices of Thich Nhat Hanh. Throughout the day, we nourish our mindfulness and calm through sitting, walking, eating meditation, and gentle silence.

Winter DOM - We gather at the lovely cabin of a sangha friend.  The western wall of the cabin is all windows, from which the Platte River can be seen gently flowing by.  It is a very soothing environment.

Summer DOM - Held at the Knowles Mercy Retreat Center in Elkhorn. Also on the Platte River, the Center features lovely walking paths along the lake, a beautiful, window-filled chapel overlooking the lovely campus, and a Labyrinth for outdoor walking meditation.

Sample DOM Schedule
9:30 AM  Arrive, Settle in, Intro to retreat
9:30-10:30 AM Silent Sitting & Walking Meditation/ Guided Meditation
10:30 - 10:45 AM Free Choice
10:45 - 11:45 AM Dharma Talk/Sharing
11:45 - 12 Noon  Singing
12:00 - 1:00 PM Eating Meditation- Silent Sack Lunch
1:00 - 1:15 PM Mindful Movement
1:15 PM Total  relaxation and Touching the Earth
2:15 - 2:30 PM Free Choice
2:30- 3:00 PM  Outdoor Walking Meditation (Weather Permitting)
3:00 PM  Tea  Meditation/Closing Circle
4:00 PM  End of retreat

I Will Say I Want It All
by Thich Nhat Hanh

If you ask how much do I want,
I’ll tell you that I want it all.

This morning, you and I
and all people
are flowing into the marvelous
stream of oneness.
Small pieces of imagination as we are,

We have come a long way to find ourselves
And for ourselves, in the dark,
the illusion of emancipation.

This morning, my brother is back 
from his long adventure.
He kneels before the altar,
His eyes full of tears.
His soul is longing for a shore to set anchor at 
(a yearning I once had).

Let him kneel there and weep.
Let him cry his heart out.
Let him have his refuge there 
for a thousand years,
Enough to dry all his tears.

One night, I will come
And set fire to his shelter,
the small cottage on the hill.
My fire will destroy everything
And remove his only life raft
after a shipwreck.

In the utmost anguish of his soul,
The shell will break.
The light of the burning hut will witness
his glorious deliverance.
I will wait for him
beside the burning cottage.
Tears will run down my cheeks.
I will be there to contemplate his new being.

And as I hold his hands in mine
and ask him how much he wants,
He will smile and say that he wants it all-
just as I did.