January News and Residency RegistratioN

"All experience is preceded by mind, 
Led by mind,
Made by mind.
Speak or act with a corrupted mind, 
And suffering follows
As the wagon wheel follows the hoof of the ox.
All experience is preceded by mind, 
Led by mind,
Made by mind.
Speak or act with a peaceful mind, 
And happiness follows,
Like a never-departing shadow."
- Dhammapada (Gil Fronsdal translation)

Dear Sangha:  
Right now, more than ever the world is in need of the spiritual practices of non-harming, selfless compassion and connection with community.  Jack Kornfield states that "when greed is replaced by generosity, hatred is replaced by love and ignorance is replaced by wisdom, we all thrive."  We are grateful to all of you for the generosity of your presence in the Sangha and for the myriad of ways that you bring your love and wisdom into the world.  And may the offerings of the Sangha continue to be of benefit to all beings. 

We are so looking forward to Brian for offering this extensive upcoming residency and we hope that you all can attend. Brian is also offering individual practice discussions (see times below) and has opened retreat registration to those who can only attend the initial weekend.
FEBRUARY RESIDENCY
February Residency With Brian Lesage
PLAYING WITH PERCEPTION: A WAY TO FREEDOM  
(retreat will take place on ZOOM)
The Buddha’s teachings leading to freedom can be summed up as practices that train us to perceive our experience in different ways. Through perceiving our experience in these different ways, we are gradually freed from the limiting habits that constrict our hearts and minds. A function of play is to practice new ways of experiencing the world. During this residency, we will playfully explore classical ways of perceiving our experience and explore how they lead to freedom that is relevant to our daily lives. This offering will include retreat time and weeknight discussions. This residency is open to both beginning and experienced practitioners. 
 
The format of the residency will be as follows: 
February 10 - February 28, 2021 
Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 – 7:45pm  Introductory talk 
Saturday, February 13th - Sunday, February 14th  9:00am - 3:00pm both days 
Wednesday, February 17, 6:30 - 8:00pm  Meditative exploration and discussion  
Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 - 8:00pm  Meditative exploration and discussion 
Saturday, February 27th - Sunday February 28th 9:00am - 3:00pm both days 
Registration is online at :
https://salidasangha.eventsmart.com/?p=106
Priority ​registration ​will ​be ​given ​to ​those ​who ​are able to register ​for ​the ​entire ​program. ​ Brian opened registration for those who can attend only the first weekend, please indicate this wish when you register.
 
PRIVATE PRACTICE DISCUSSIONS w/ BRIAN
Brian will be offering private practice sessions via Zoom on  
Tuesdays, Feb. 16th & 23rd - 9:30am; 10am; 10:30am
Wednesdays, Feb. 17th & 24th - 10am; 10:30am; 11:00am; 11:30am. 
To reserve a time and to obtain meeting link,  please email sangha@salidasangha.org
UPCOMING CLASSES
Awakening Joy - 10 Steps to Happiness
A ​10 Week Virtual Class taught by Cindy Sasso
This class will be using Zoom​
Mondays, Jan 18 - Mar 22, 2021 - 6:00-7:30 pm or
Thursdays, Jan 21 - Mar 25, 2021 - 10:00-11:30 am
 
​Awakening Joy will guide you on a journey to embrace happiness and well-being and chart a path to an enriching and meaningful engagement with life. Through this class, we will learn skills that can be applied to our everyday life.  Each class will include a theme, exercises and group discussion. 
Suggested Donation: $0 - $175 (no one will be turned away due to inability to pay)
For more information visit www.cindysasso.com.Introduction to Meditation Course
In this 5-week online course, we will learn multiple meditation practices that help us move from reactivity to response-ability in everyday life. Classes via ZOOM. Each class will include short meditation sessions, a Q&R(response) period, and homework for the week.
Wednesdays, Jan. 27 - Feb. 24, 12:15pm - 1:30pm.
Suggested Donation $0-$105 (no one will be turned away due to inability to donate)
For more information visit: www.deniseackert.com
Mindful Parenting Course
In this 5-week online course, we will learn mindful parenting tools that help reduce reactivity & increase healthy communication, compassion, and ease, leading to healthier, happier, more connected families. Classes via ZOOM. The course includes discussion, mindfulness practice, and weekly home practices.
Thursdays, Jan. 28 - Feb. 25, 12:00pm-1:15pm
Suggested Donation: $0-$105 (no one will be turned away due to inability to donate)
For more information visit: www.deniseackert.com
SANGHA WEEKLY SITS (via Zoom)

Sunday 5:00-6:00 pm Sit and Discussion
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/731489839
Meeting ID: 731 489 839
 
Tuesday Noon Sit
https://zoom.us/j/645877836
Meeting ID: 645 877 836

ADDITIONAL SANGHA NEWS
CARING COMMITTEE
Our Caring Committee, under the leadership of Kym Mellsop, continues to offer meals, compassionate listening, and other non-financial support to our members.  One of our We Sangha members is offering compassionate listening and support for those struggling in any way at this time.  She has many years of experience in this area. If you are in need of any of these supports, please text Kym Mellsop (anonymously if you wish) at 719-207-3077 and she will help set this up.

LIBRARY ACCESS
Deb Tannenbaum has graciously offered to meet people at the sangha house who might want to access the great variety of books available in our library.  If you wish to check out books please contact Deb via email at tannenba8@aol.com or via phone at 719-539-5256.
MINDFUL RECOVERY
Mindful Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired support group for people struggling with every imaginable kind of addiction or compulsion.  That includes alcohol and other drugs of course, but also addictions to toxic relationships, anger, self-doubt, internet websites. The Mindful Recovery group is totally inclusive. Our program will not conflict with any other recovery programs you may have joined.  What you will find is kindness, acceptance, understanding, and support from people who understand.  What you will not find is judgement, criticism or exclusion.   Meetings are held (currently by Zoom), Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM.  Who attends, and what is said during meetings, is held in respectful confidence.  If you think this might be a place for you, please visit our web page for contact person and more information contact Denny Radabaugh, active member and recovering alcoholic, at (740) 816-1603 or email at dcradaba@owu.edu.  

JANUARY RENT DONATION
This month we sent $650 to the Alliance that empowers people beyond domestic violence and sexual abuse.  To learn more about their important work visit: alliancechaffee.org.

Sending Boundless Metta to You All,
Your Salida Sangha Board