. . . the bliss of uncertainty
Weather-wise, we didn’t have much of a winter, and until yesterday, we weren’t
having much of a spring. And then the sun came out . . . AH!
So far, the return of the seasons is dependable, sort of. And yet. It is not a
secret that all of our assumptions can be overthrown in a heartbeat. It’s
happening all over our home planet and to many of our Dharma brothers and
sisters; it’s happening to us. Uncertainty makes everyone uncomfortable, and
some become fearful. Learning to be with uncertainty fully, joyfully, in all its
uncomfortableness is a big part of freedom.
When we purchased the Retreat House eight years ago, there was a stunted tree
in the back garden, some kind of pear tree, we were told. For four years, it was
an ugly stick that produced only a few withered leaves. Year five brought forth
three blossoms. They didn’t amount to anything . . . except for being a source of
wonder and joy! This morning there are over 50 baby pears on that tree.
Gray day? Only on the outside! Thanks for this image go to Keith Shaw, aspiring
master of light.
There is so much changing in our lives, we are living day-to-day, with glee. So
far, it’s all working, and we are deeply grateful to all those whose practical support
makes it possible. We are only able to continue because of your generosity. Deep
bows!
. . . looking back
Deep Retreat 2010 had a strongly Kiwi flavour, and we like that! Every year the
power of practice done here amazes and delights us.
In addition to daily guidance for meditators, Bonni was able to offer a very full
season of teachings during the three month retreat period. This was only possible
because so many others stepped up to help: Sara Fitzpatrick as Retreat House
assistant, Alison Lindsay, Sandy Quinn, Luinda Bleakley, Kathleen Thacker, Sarju
Sooch and Carrie Shaw as cooks and the merry band of 15 local students that
planned, postered and served to make the public classes such a wonderful
doorway for others. Thanks and deep bows to you all.
Matthew has been teaching the Meditation on Breathing with the intention of
giving new students a good base for their practice. What is truly splendid is that
many of the “old” students are finding them valuable as well. This Sunday
morning class has evolved into deepening group practice.
. . . and ahead
Our Summer Program (Part 1) was announced today. You should be able to find it
at www.retreathouse.bc.ca within the next day or so if you’d like to see what we’re
offering. Since there is no longer a Retreat House assistant, what teaching is
possible will be limited by the physical energy it takes for Bonni to keep the
garden thriving, the fish in the pond happy and Mila the dog cared for. Since he is
now 13, he is very opinionated about what that looks like!
. . . next stop, Boise
Bonni leaves for teaching in Boise this week. A very full city program of morning
explorations of the meditation on Peace, evening classes on the theme “Putting
Others First” and a weekend workshop focussed on the traditional vows and
commitments will be followed by a residential retreat based on the Namgyal
Sadhana. For more info, e-mail Cyrese Lingard at pclingard@juno.com
. . . another year of Deep Retreat
It seems safe to commit to this, since Deep Retreat 2011 has been pretty close to
full for a while. Please let us know if you would like to practice here next year by
June 1, and we’ll let you know what space is available.Email the Retreat House at retreathouse@dccnet.com
Right now we are uncertain about offering four spaces, or hoping that someone will come forward to
fill the role of assistant.
. . . beyond that
who knows? Impermanence, yes! That probably means things get better and
better and better, yes? So far, so good.
the world is my cloister!