January at SIMC – Dwelling Peacefully this Winter
- cjsmiles03
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Dear Salida Insight Meditation Community,
May the coming year offer you moments of clarity, ease, and deep connection. As we walk the path of mindfulness together, may kindness guide our words, compassion soften our hearts, and wisdom illuminate our way as we understand that we are all one. May we find peace in each breath and joy in simple presence.
Warm blessings for a bright and mindful New Year. May our positive intentions radiate outward to all beings everywhere, without exception.
With Metta,Your SIMC Board
Carla, Denise, Kym, Paul
**It is with heartfelt appreciation that we share that Chad Prevatte, after thoughtful reflection about how best to use his time and energy, has decided to step down from the SIMC Board. We are deeply grateful for his dedication, vision, and contributions to SIMC. He plans to continue supporting the Sangha in other meaningful ways, and we wish him continued ease and happiness on his path.
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?
Is there a topic of interest you would like to see in a class or retreat?
Is there an event or regular offering you would like to see that fits into our SIMC mission and vision?
In what capacity can you volunteer your time to help the Sangha (cleaning, weeding, organizing, help at retreats, other)?
Friday Morning Meditations will continue in the new year!
All are welcome to quietly drop in at any point during this hour (7am-8am) or sit for the full session.
We also welcome you to any or all of our other meditation opportunities:
Sunday 5pm & Tuesday and Thursday at Noon.
Friday, January 16th from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
SIMC House at 248 D Street
Offered Freely
Join us for an hour-long session of exploring meditation and mindfulness through stories, art, breath, movement and discussion. Parents and caregivers will participate alongside their children making it a fun, shared experience. Children of all ages are welcome.
For questions, contact Denise at 307-690-5878. Please share this with anyone you know who has children and would be interested!
Introduction to Insight Meditation
A 4-week class taught by Denise Ackert
Wednesdays from January 14th through February 4th
12:00pm - 1:15pm
SIMC House at 248 D Street
In this 4-week course, we explore the essential meditation practices and teachings of Insight Meditation that lead us from struggle to greater ease, contentment, joy, and freedom. Through practicing meditation, we see our habits more clearly, and begin to free ourselves from that which isn’t beneficial for ourselves or the world.
Course includes sitting, walking and heart practices as well as Q & A periods and home practices. This course is designed for both beginning and experienced students alike.
This class is offered freely in the spirit of generosity. You will have the opportunity to offer dana (donation) at the class to support the teacher and help sustain future offerings.
Saturday, February 7th
9:00am - 12:30pm
SIMC House at 248 D Street
In this silent half-day retreat, we will engage in the practice of Insight Meditation by focusing on the simplicity of the instructions that lead to settling the body, and opening access to the wisdom that lies within each of us. Retreat will include instruction, sitting, walking and other meditation practices and is designed for both beginners and experienced students.
This retreat is offered freely in the spirit of generosity. You will have the opportunity to offer dana (donation) at the retreat to support the teacher and help sustain future offerings.
Starts on Monday, February 16
6:30pm - 8:00pm
SIMC house at 248 D Street
This in-person group will continue every third Monday of the month. It is a way to deepen your practice through Dharma-related poetry and discussion.
If interested contact Jackie Mart at jackiemart759@gmail.com.
If the time/day isn't right for you, but you are interested, also let Jackie know through the same email address.
Library News
WHAT DHARMA BOOK HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Tell our Sangha about a particular book you value by filling out a colored slip on the library table. Many thanks for the contributions below:
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron
A mind-blower. Having read this book dozens of times, it has a different resonance at each stage of my practice. So simple and so profound. - Janie
The Dhammapada by Gil Fronsdahl
Wow! The genuine verses are very inspiring. - Tom Meagher
Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield. Any writing by Thich Nhat Hanh.
- Anonymous reader
NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR SANGHA LIBRARY
For a complete list of book titles added to our Sangha Library in December, please click here.
NEW DISPLAY IN LIBRARY
The library's current display of books is titled: FOR PARENTS AND KIDS. It's located on two shelves near the window on your right.
“In the wintertime, the real growth goes on underground.”
Thomas Merton (paraphrased in reflections on his writings)
In the quiet of winter - when the world slows, and nature invites stillness - we have an opportunity to reflect inward and rest in the present moment. May this season of quiet deepen your mindfulness and strengthen your practice as we move together into the new year.
With gratitude,
Your SIMC Board - Carla, Denise, Paul, Kym
