DharmaWorks Bowl & Jizo Chibi
My partner Tim painted this beautiful still life of a traditional Burmese begging bowl and the Jizo statues. Jizo Bodhisattava is considered to be a protector of all people, particularly children. The story began 2500 years ago when Jizo promised Buddha he would remain on earth until every soul was finished suffering. Jizo is revered throughout Asia as the guardian of women, children, and travelers.
The innocence of these natural forms conveys loving kindness and compassion to me. The shell and bird’s nest remind me of life’s fragility and transience. The color and light in the picture inspires me to look deeply – to explore – seeing the images for the first time, again and again. Such simple profound blessings we share.
We can share meditation practice together. I offer instruction in simple mindfulness meditation techniques based on the Theravada Vipassana tradition. I also incorporate the works of meditation teachers from different traditions in various workshops I offer at Yoga Bliss. We started a “Meditation Book Group” in which we incorporated periods of gentle movement, sitting meditation and discussion. Our first read was Taking the Leap: Freeing ourselves from Old Habits & Fears by Pema Chodron. You can access the material by reading the blog posts categorized as “Taking the Leap Meditation Book Group.”
We’re planning another four part series in April to practice and study Kelly McGonigal’s The Willpower Instinct How Self-Control Works, Why it Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It.
Saturdays
Date: 4/7/2012 – 4/28/2012
From: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
A wonderful opportunity to learn/practice meditation and participate in poignant discussion on this easy-to-read, life-changing book.
This 4-week Saturday morning series will include:
11:30-12:00pm: Gentle yoga (optional)
12:00-12:30pm: Group Meditation w/ instruction
12:30-1:00pm: Book discussion
About the meetings: I will lead the optional gentle movement session which is intended to help establish stability and ease during the seated meditation. The meditation instruction will be simple variations of mindfulness practice. Weekly discussion and “homework explorations” will be drawn from the writings in The Willpower Instinct. Students are encouraged to purchase the book and read the introductory chapter prior to our first meeting on April 7th. Your whole hearted participation is most welcome!
About the book: Each week, we will read and discuss The Willpower Inctinct: How Self-Control Works, Why it Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It. The book describes willpower in new, accessible ways that focus on the mind-body connection:
- ”Willpower is a mind-body response, not a virtue. It is a biological function that can be improved through mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
- Willpower is not an unlimited resource. Too much self-control can actually be bad for your health.
- Temptation and stress hijack the brain’s systems of self-control, but the brain can be trained for greater willpower
- Guilt and shame over your setbacks lead to giving in again, but self-forgiveness and self-compassion boost self-control.
- Giving up control is sometimes the only way to gain self-control.
- Willpower failures are contagious–you can catch the desire to overspend or overeat from your friends–but you can also catch self-control from the right role models.”