Meditation Opportunities

Thursday evenings at 1^st Presbyterian  

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in September and October from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. in the fellowship hall. Our format for the first hour is two 20-minute periods of sitting in silence with a 10 minute walking meditation in between.  For the second hour, we are practicing group contemplative listening.  We listen to a short reading from a contemplative author or poet, sit together for a period of silence, and share our reflections with the group.  This is a wonderful way to practice deep listening to each other.  All are welcome to join us at any time 

Tuesday evenings at Hei’s house

Hei has opened his house to those who would like to join him for meditation from 6:00pm – 6:30pm on Tuesdays.  It is one half hour of sitting meditation.

Please call him at 899-4845 for directions and to let him know that you are coming so he can prepare a place for you.  There will be no meetings on September 27, October 18, and October 25.

Retreat Day

Retreat Day    Saturday, September 17, 2011   8:30 am – 1:00 pm

A Day in Nature at Point Lobos

We will meet in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot to carpool to Point Lobos for a day enjoying nature, each others company, and a potluck lunch.  Please remember to bring a jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a journal if you would like.

Also, don’t forget to bring your favorite picnic dish to share for our potluck lunch.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                         Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer Center

(Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

September 24                Sacred Space:  The Spiritual Significance of

Place  (9:45am – 1:00pm)  Pacific Grove

Contact Nancy 831-747-4383  $20 donation

October 1                      Contemplative Outreach Day of Enrichment

San Francisco Marriott $75 (includes lunch)

October 14                     Taize Prayer –First Presbyterian Church

7:30 – 8:30pm

October 21/22                MMG Retreat with Ruben Habito

November 19                  MMG Retreat Day—Pema Chodron DVD

Summary of July’s Retreat Day 

For our July retreat day we had the pleasure of reading together a collection of poems that Joseph Cotham gathered for our enrichment.  They included the poems of Mary Oliver, Rilke, Wendell Berry, Basho, Rumi, and Dylan Thomas to name a few.

We took turns reading, listened deeply, and were rewarded with the fruits of each other’s reflections.  We departed with gratitude for the gifts we received from the poets and the insights we shared with each other.  

In closing,

From THE FLOWING BRIDGE by Elaine Macinnes

The words of the scholar are to be understood.  The words of the Master (poet) are not to be understood.  They are to be listened to as one listens to the winds in the trees and the sound of the river and the song of the bird.  They will awaken something within the heart that is beyond all knowledge.