A Journey of Heart
Course Description
The world can feel overwhelming. With the climate crisis, increasing violence and war, and the day-to-day demands of life in the 21st century, it can feel like a lot! How do we stay steady? How do we maintain a sense of true joy and happiness? How do we grieve and hold compassion without being completely pulled under? Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha offers us a path to peace, even when the external circumstances of life are challenging. Specifically, the Buddha’s teachings on the Brahma Viharas offer us a skillful way to develop mind states that can buoy us in turbulent times. Practicing with a sangha offers us a loving community with whom we can take this journey.
Join me for a year-long journey into the Brahma Viharas. Rooted and grounded in mindfulness are the teachings and practices of lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. As a community, we will come together to share in practice and support each other’s development of these four boundless qualities of the heart. This group is anchored in each person’s commitment to the intention of waking up and living a kinder, more compassionate life. Kindness and compassion are directed inward and outward. As each of us dedicates this year to practicing these qualities within our own lives, our sharing with each other will deepen and expand the possibilities of living wholeheartedly.
During each group session, we will take time to center ourselves through guided meditation. There will be a brief time in which I will offer some reflections on the topic of the month and then we will share with each other our experiences with our practice. Sharing may come in the form of dyads, small groups, and the larger group as a whole.
Outside of group time, 30-45 minutes of study and practice are expected each day. This expectation reflects the commitment to integrate these qualities into one’s life. As Christina Feldman says, we do this in order “to commit ourselves to kindness in our thoughts, words, and acts and to be a conscious participant in healing the world we are part of.” You will also have a practice partner each month. The expectation is that the two (or three) or you have 1-2 30 minute connections with each other to share your practice and contemplate the material together.
Course Logistics
Where: On Zoom
When: Every 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month
Time: 8:30AM - 9:45AM
Beginning: January 19, 2024
Cost: This group is being offered freely. If you would like to offer dana as guided by your heart, I am grateful. There is no set amount. The amount should be decided based on your financial circumstances and what feels called for by your heart. The only mandatory aspects of this course are a genuine desire and commitment to living a kinder, more compassionate life and to be in group regularly to support the community.
Group Size: Limited to 20 people
Course Books:
Feldman, C. (2017) Boundless Heart
Salzberg, S. (2018) Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
Sofer, O. J. (2023) Your Heart Was Made For This