link to Pema Chödrön’s talk in Lion’s Roar magazine

Jane explained, from the perspectives of both modern psychology and Buddhist dhamma, ways that we can be kinder to ourselves, rather than beating ourselves up. link to talk transcript. link to Jane’s short Self Compassion Meditation on Insight Timer

Sue led a meditation practice then we listened to Kamalashila, a senior member of the Tri Ratna Buddhist Order in the UK. He led us through a contemplation of the birth and death of the body. The Buddha encouraged us to practice this often, in order to decrease our fear of death, and to live more fully. Link to Kamalashila's contemplation.

Marysia led a guided Mettā meditation practice and offered reflections on this important practise with reference to the 4 brahmaviharas (immeasurables): loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. link to Ayya Anadabodhi's meditation and talk

To manage anxiety and in fact any other uncomfortable emotions, we need to learn to create a daily practice where we nurture the things that truly make us happy.

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Bruce offered readings and reflections from Thich Nhat Hanh’s highly recommended book: Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet.

"When you wake up and you see that the Earth is not just the environment, the Earth is us, you touch the nature of interbeing. And at that moment you can have real communication with the Earth... We have to wake up together. And if we wake up together, then we have a chance. Our way of living our life and planning our future has led us into this situation. And now we need to look deeply to find a way out, not only as individuals, but as a collective, a species."
-Thich Nhat Hanh

Reflections on mettā practice as a way of re-appreciating our relationships.

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Based on some teaching by Gil Fronsdal, looking at the role of feeling-tone (vedanā) in driving reactivity, when there's no mindfulness. link to talk

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The Buddha taught that everything in life - events, emotions, and people - is impermanent. Marysia presented three teachings on ways we can navigate the stress and discontent change and uncertainty can bring into our daily lives from dharma teachers Pema Chodron Living Beautifully with Uncertainty & Change ; Ajahn Chah Uncertainty abounds ; and Gil Fronsdal Not Knowing . 

Sue presented a talk by Gregory Kramer about taking refuge in the Buddha, one of the three jewels. On Vesak, the day of the Buddha’s birth, awakening and final passing away, he invites us to remember the Buddha’s legacy and find inspiration in his path to enlightenment. link to talk

Learn the keys to a joyful and loving life that brings more peace to the world5 Days  |  16 Teachers  |  FREE ONLINE  |  June 13-17

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Bruce presented a talk by Jack Kornfield, which spoke about overcoming anxiety in the face of the tumultuous world that we live in, and choosing appropriate action. link to talk (the talk starts about 4 minutes in)

Sue shared with us her recent experience of meeting H.H. The Dalai Lama, and attending his dhamma talks in Dharamsala. Books she referred to are: Freedom In Exile and The Buddha is still Teaching

Do you or anyone you know want to learn the basics of Insight Meditation? Discover the transformative power of meditation in this comprehensive six-week course, led by Jill and Sue.  Please share this with any friends or family who might be interested. more info

The Buddha emphasised the importance of cultivating gratitude as a pathway to inner peace and contentment. Jane talked about the importance of a gratitude practise in her life and referenced Thich Nhat Hanhs book Being Peace as an inspiration for developing gratitude in present moment awareness in our lives. She mentioned her Morning Intention Meditation on Insight Timer , which you can listen to here.

In this short talk, Jill looks at some classical definitions of Nibbāna, then relational practice exploring how you taste or touch freedom in your own life. link to talk

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In the Four Noble Truths, the Buddha identified attachment and ignorance as the root of all suffering or dissatisfaction. Attachment and aversion are two sides of the same coin. Bruce discussed “The Three Poisons” : attachment, aversion and ignorance and their antidotes and led a guided mettā meditation practice - the antidote to aversion or hatred.

Jane read and discussed an excerpt from Jack Kornfields book: A Path with Heart.

Together and alone: Finding freedom individually and collectively. Link to video. For information on this retreat and to register, click here.

Death is one of the greatest fears that many of us have. Recognising the pervading nature of impermanence and addressing the delusion that somehow it wont happen to me, are ways that can free us up and allow us to live more fully. Link to talk.

Continuing to explore freedom in the context of the Buddha's teachings, how mindfulness supports it, and some ways to maintain mindfulness in everyday life. Link to talk.

A short talk introducing a new theme for the start of the new year The Way to Freedom: what hinders, and what helps. Each week we'll be looking at some of the common obstacles that cause stress, distress and suffering in our lives, and what we can do to support experiencing more ease, happiness and peace. In this talk, Jill focuses on what freedom means to each of us then looks briefly at the three core afflictive energies of greed or compulsion, hatred or aversion, and ignorance or delusion. Link to talk.