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. |