December at SIMC – Embracing Stillness and Light
- cjsmiles03
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Deep Gratitude for your Generosity
Dear beautiful Sangha,
As the year comes to a close and winter invites quiet reflection, your SIMC Board is deeply touched by the outpouring of support from so many. From our generous financial donors who help keep the heat and lights on, to our caring house cleaners and the hands who nurture our outdoor spaces - each of you contributes in meaningful ways to the well-being of our Sangha and we extend our gratitude to you.
We’re grateful as well for our two steadfast librarians, our dedicated sit leaders, teachers, and outreach liaisons, as well as our hardy snow shovelers and the kind souls who deliver nourishment and care through the meal train. And of course, to everyone who comes to meditate, join retreats, attend meetings, and participate in classes - your presence and practice keeps the heart of the Sangha beating strong.
Each of you - including those who are no longer with us - has infused SIMC with love, care, and unwavering dedication. Because of you, this Sangha continues to be a place of refuge, sweetness, and genuine connection.
As we reflect on this past year and look ahead to the new one, we hold deep appreciation for the light, generosity, and spirit that each of you brings to SIMC. Together, we continue to make this community the precious gem that it is.
With our deep gratitude,
Your SIMC Board Carla, Chad, Denise, Kym, Paul
Friday Morning Meditation Trial Offering
SIMC has begun a trial Morning Meditation every Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. We’ll be offering it through the end of December to decide whether this is something the Sangha would like to continue in the coming year.
You’re welcome to quietly drop in at any point during the hour or sit for the full session. This is a gentle way to begin your day - supporting consistency in your practice, deepening connection with your Sangha, and settling into stillness alongside your fellow early morning meditators.
Holiday Notices
In the spirit of rest and renewal, there Will Not be a Thursday Noon Sit on December 25th or on January 1st. We invite you to nourish your heart in some way on these days. Noon Meditation will resume the following week, January 8th.
There Will Not be a Zoom Mindful Recovery on Wednesday, December 24th. Mindful Recovery Will Meet via Zoom on Wednesday, December 31st, New Year's Day, as usual.
Recovery Dharma Will Not meet in-person on Thursday, December 25th or on Thursday, January 1st. We encourage you to nourish your heart in whatever way feels supportive on these days.
Online from 9am December 31st 2025 to 3pm January 1st 2026
As we enter the New Year, what gifts of participation and healing can we offer this world? In recognizing the challenges that we face both individually and collectively, we will explore the Buddhist response of wise effort through the cultivation of wholesome states of mind. During this silent retreat, there will be sitting and walking meditation, instructions and dharma talks.
There is the option to do an intensive retreat or to customize the retreat for your personal availability.
We invite you to bring your questions, suggestions, and ideas to the meeting so that our Sangha can participate as a unified whole. You can also email your questions and ideas.
Some questions you may want to reflect on before our annual meeting:
How can SIMC further support your dharma practice?
What changes, if any, would you like to see at the Sangha that could help make our community feel safer, more inclusive, and more connected?
Library News
Outside Book Return
In addition to the return basket inside the library, we now have an outside 24/7 book return. It is located on the railing between the west entrance to the Sangha house and the parking lot. Now you can swing by anytime to return your Sangha Library items.
What Dharma book has been especially important to you?
We thank the below three sangha members who have shared so far!
The Issue at Hand: Essays on Buddhist Mindfulness Practice by Gil Fronsdahl
This book is full of wonderful "nuggets" of wisdom and mindfulness.
- Tom Meagher
Noble Truths, Noble Path: the Heart of the Buddha's Teachings by Bhikku Bodhi
A remarkable exploration of the suttas in a very understandable form. - John Ziesing
One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism by Joseph Goldstein
A look into the commonalities of the three main traditions of Buddhism (Theravada, Tibetan and Zen). The author points to the emergence of a western school of Buddhism that incorporates qualities and teachings of all three: mindfulness (the common means of practice), compassion (the result of practice) and wisdom (the essence that is being cultivated). - Chris O' Connor
These books are all available for check-out at your Sangha Library. Please let us know what dharma books are important to you by filling out a colored slip found on the library table. We look forward to your input!
Jackie Mart, jackiemart759@gmail.com
Chris O'Connor, tofutacos@yahoo.com
Radiate boundless love towards the entire world - above, below, and across - unhindered, without enmity or hatred.
— The Buddha, Karaniya Metta Sutta 1.8
As the holiday season unfolds, may it bring warmth and joy in whatever ways you celebrate. May the coming year be filled with peace, wisdom, and compassion, and may our shared practice continue to ripple kindness outward to all beings.
With gratitude,
The SIMC Board - Carla, Chad, Denise, Kym, Paul
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