“Impermanence and selflessness are not negative aspect of life, but the very foundation on which life is built. Impermanence is the constant transformation of things. Without impermanence, there can be no life. Selflessness is the interdependent nature of all things. Without interdependence, nothing could exist.” ~ Thich Nhat Hạnh
Dear NVIM Community,
This Tuesday evening (Sept. 8th) at 7:00 pm NVIM is excited to the host the return of our good friend Shahara Godfrey. She will lead our meditation and give a dharma talk entitled, “The Gift of Impermanence.”
Shahara has followed the teachings of the Buddha since 1989, with her primary practices in Compassion and Social Activism. She has completed the Community Dharma Leadership Program and the Path of Engagement programs at Spirit Rock, and received her Ph.D. in Humanities with a focus on Transformative Learning and Change from the California Institute of Integral Studies. In addition, she is a core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, CA. A self-taught mixed-media artist, she has exhibited in the Bay Area, Oregon, Washington, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Upcoming NVIM Events
Saturday, Sept. 19th Daylong: Being an Earthling, with Wes Nisker: In this Daylong, Wes will help us explore the joys and sorrows of living in the modern era, including the issues of climate change and species extinction. For more info: http://goo.gl/Lvdnik
Tuesday, Sept. 29th, Guest Teacher Mark Colman: Mark has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1984. He is a Spirit Rock Meditation Teacher and has been teaching Insight Meditation retreats since 1997. He also leads wilderness meditation retreats from Alaska to Peru, integrating mindfulness meditation with nature. He is author of Awake in the Wild: Mindfulness in Nature as a Path of Self-Discovery. For more info: http://goo.gl/71zg6z
Thursday Morning Silent Meditation: For those interested in supporting their daily practice, we invite you to join NVIM on Thursday mornings for silent meditation. This 30-minute meditation will begin promptly at 9:00am and is a wonderful opportunity to nurture your practice in an intimate and supportive setting. All are welcome.
On-Line Course
On-Line Course, Essential Buddhist Teachings: This 10-week course, led by Spirit Rock teacher Mark Coleman, offers an in-depth understanding of core Buddhist teachings and meditation practices and is useful for newer students as well as more experienced meditators who want to refresh their knowledge. The course starts on 9/3 and the cost is $100.
For details go to: www.spiritrock.org/calendarDetails?EventID=4088
On-Line Course, The Science of Happiness: Created by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, this free 8-week course will offer practical, research-based supports for living a happier and more meaningful life. Themes such as empathy, mindfulness and gratitude will be covered. The course starts on 9/8.
For details go to: www.edx.org/course/science-happiness-uc-berkeleyx-gg101x-1#!
Check NVIM Out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/napainsight
Blessings-
Forrest