February, 2012

Posted on February 24, 2012 by montereymeditation

Included here is information about Thursday and Tuesday evening meditation, an invitation to this Saturday’s Retreat Day, news about upcoming events and a summary of January’s Retreat Day.  Please be sure to read the sections that are of most interest to you.

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian

 We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in February and March 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 (except for March 6 and March 13).  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.

Retreat Day    Saturday, February 25, 2012    8:30 am – 3:00 pm         Meeting in the Manse (the room in back of the fellowship hall)

 Joseph Cotham will lead our February retreat day with a focus on Zen meditation.  We will have three sittings of meditation in the morning, a time for listening to a reading by Suzuki Roshi, a lunch break, and conclude with another three sittings of meditation.  Come join us as we learn from Zen practice how to deepen our silence and bring more love and peace into the world.  Please bring a sack lunch.  Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided.  A freewill offering will be available.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                                       Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer

Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

Ongoing                                       Satsang – with Mokshananda

Unitarian Universalist Church

490 Aguajito Road, 624-7404

2nd and 4th Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm

March 31                                    MMG Retreat day

Insights from neuroscience on the

fruits of meditation

8:30 am – 1:00 pm (in the Manse)

April 21                                      MMG Retreat Day

8:30 am – 1:00 pm

 

Summary of January’s Retreat Day

 Susan Raab delighted us with her passionate presentation of the Christian content in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.  We were taken on a hero’s journey through the first of Joanne Rowling’s seven books.  Susan gleaned much of her research from books by John Granger, described by TIME as the “Dean of Harry Potter Scholars”.

The Hero’s Journey is a circular path that begins in the known world, travels to the unknown, and then returns to the place of origin with new knowledge.  For Harry, his call to adventure comes to him with the realization that he has special powers and is able to talk to snakes at the zoo.  He has supernatural aid in the form of the abundance of letters that pour into his house trying to reach him with the invitation to be educated in magic.  His threshold guardian and helper is Hagrid and his mentor, Dumbledore.  His revelation at the abyss takes place with his journey to capture the sorcerer’s stone.  The gift of his journey upon his return to the beginning is the knowledge of who he is – someone who is gifted with magical powers.

Susan shared with us a multitude of symbols that J.R. Rowling used in her book.   To name a few, the world of magic is a metaphor for the spiritual life, and the Dursley’s and the Muggle world shows life without the spirit.  The sorcerer’s stone is a symbol for the unlimited riches of Christ and eternal life.  The underlying thread in the book of God pursuing us (the Hound of Heaven) is played out in the symbols of the multitude of letters that keep coming to Harry until he is able to receive the message. It also plays out in the chapter where Harry receives his wand – the wand chooses Harry as God chooses us.  A third symbol used in the book is the Mirror of Erised (Desire).  J.R. Rowling uses this image as a metaphor for resolution of subject/object duality.  We need to see ourselves and reflect to others in the world what we truly are – not what we would like ourselves to be or what we want that is other than what is happening in the present moment.  If we look into the mirror and only see regret for the past or desire for the future, we miss the opportunity to realize our unity with the Source.

In closing,

Ocean Blue

Drifting grey,
Rising blue,
Crested white,
Golden light.
I am not
And God is.

                                                                                     Joanne Ablan, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

In peace and love,

Janet

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January 2012

Posted on January 17, 2012 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in January and February 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.

January Retreat Day

Retreat Day    Saturday, January 28, 2012    8:30 am – 1:00 pm

                                                                                        Fellowship Hall

Past Watchful Dragons:

Christian Content in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Can it be that the real reason the Harry Potter books are so successful is that “all souls are Christian souls” and resonate with the “true myth” of Love’s triumph over death? Join us Saturday for our retreat day when Susan Raab gives us a taste of how Harry cast his global spell: the deeper meanings in J.K. Rowling’s enchanting system of heart-touching symbols. 

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                                       Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer

Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

Ongoing                                       Satsang – with Mokshananda

Unitarian Universalist Church

490 Aguajito Road, 624-7404

2nd and 4th Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm

February 3                                  Jacob Needleman:  The Ten Great

Questions of Human Life 7 – 9 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church

February 4                                  Jacob Needleman:  The Love of

Wisdom and the Art of Living

Unitarian Church 9:30 – 4:30

February 10                                Taize at First Presbyterian 7:30 pm

February 25                                MMG Retreat   Day of Zen sitting

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

March 31                                    MMG Retreat Day

8:30 am – 1:00 pm

 

Summary of November’s Retreat Day

The teaching portion of our retreat day featured a DVD by Pema Chodron, a Buddhist nun.  The title of the DVD is “Good Medicine” and Pema focuses on ways we can open to becoming more compassionate human beings.  One of the first hints she has for us is one we often run from:  she invites us to have a more openhearted relationship with our own pain.  The seed of happiness and well-being and compassion comes from our relationship with difficulty and pain.

Pema also teaches us about “Maitri”, or unconditional love and loving kindness toward ourselves.  “Maitri” is the basis of compassion.  “Maitri ” is unconditional friendship, acceptance, and kindness with oneself.  “Maitri” is compassion for oneself.  Pema encourages us to explore “Maitri” – to stop thinking that acceptance is going to come from outside ourselves and discover it within.  We do this by feeling at home with our own mind and body.  We learn this by ceasing the struggle against our pain.  With meditation we learn how to become intimate with ourselves.  When we are deeply honest with ourselves “Maitri” grows in us.

In closing, 

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Rumi

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November 2011

Posted on November 17, 2011 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in November and December (except Thanksgiving, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29) 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. (no meetings Dec. 20 or 27)

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.

November Retreat Day

Retreat Day    Saturday, November 19, 2011    8:30 am – 1:00 pm How to Turn Pain into Compassion

In addition to our sitting and walking meditation, we will watch and discuss a DVD by Pema Chodron, an American born Buddhist nun.  Pema Chodron will introduce us to Tonglen, “a simple and elegant meditation system for ordinary people like ourselves.  Through Tonglen, we can use the difficulties in life – those that cause the most suffering—as a way to befriend ourselves, accept the past we have rejected, and widen our circle of compassion”

All are welcome and a freewill offering will be available.                                

 

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                                       Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer

Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

Ongoing                                       Satsang – with Mokshananda

Unitarian Universalist Church

490 Aguajito Road, 624-7404

2nd and 4th Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm

December 8                                 Bring Adopt-a-Family donations to

Meditation

December 15                               MMG Cookie party from 8 – 9pm

No December retreat day

January 28, 2012                          MMG retreat day – Susan Raab

The Christian dimension of Harry Potter

Summary of October’s Contemplative Retreat 

Last month was our contemplative retreat with Ruben Habito and I would like to first thank those of you who were able to give an extra donation to help make the retreat possible.  It was very much appreciated and we received the $800 in donations to makeup our projected shortfall.  We are grateful.

On Friday evening Ruben began our evening with two statements:

“We are perfect just as we are” and “We have a lot of work to do”.

In our practice it is important for us to accept ourselves just where we are.  Our practice is not a self-improvement method.  However, it is a process of purification in which we are able to spiral into deeper and deeper levels of letting go.  This letting go is the work that we have to do.  Ruben ended the evening talk by reading us a lovely children’s book, The Three Questions based on a story by Leo Tolstoy by Jon J. Muth.  It was a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations that was about a young boy wondering what he should be doing in life.  The answer to his question is a nugget of wisdom that is included in the closing quote of this newsletter.

On Saturday we had a day of silence that included sitting and walking meditation, private interviews with Ruben, and two talks.

Ruben talked about the question, “What is Zen?”  Zen is coming home and being truly yourself.  Ruben teaches that our innermost core is where we meet the Infinite, and when we sit we meet the place where Spirit comes home.  Our breath is our guide in this.  Ruben teaches us to come home to our breath, to the Infinite, to the ground of our being.  Let the breath take over, not the ego.  The breath is the gateway to the Infinite. 

In closing, 

From The Three Questions by Jon J Muth

…”Remember then that there is only one important time, and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side. For these, my dear boy, are the answers to what is most important in this world.”

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October 2011

Posted on October 17, 2011 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian  

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in October and November (except Thanksgiving Day) 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 meditation October 18 and October 25.

October Retreat

   Monterey Meditation Group    Contemplative Prayer Retreat

                                                                      A Presentation and Workshop by

Ruben L.F. Habito — Roshi

 

Friday                                        Saturday

            October 21, 2011        and          October 22, 2011

            7:00 pm – 9:00 pm                      9:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

First Presbyterian Church of Monterey

501 El Dorado Street

Monterey, CA

 

Ruben Habito will explore Zen as engaged spirituality

in a retreat that will include zazen, talks, and discussion

Ruben L.F. Habito – a practicing Catholic and  Jesuit priest, as well as an acknowledged Zen master and a professor in the Perkins School of Theology and Southern Methodist University—makes a clear case that Zen practice can deepen a Christian’s experience of God, further clarify the Gospel teachings of Jesus, and enable one to live a more joyful, compassionate, and socially engaged life.

Suggested Donation:   $15 for Friday            $40 for Saturday (lunch included)

                                         $50 for both Friday and Saturday (lunch included)

  • All levels of meditation experience are welcome.
  • Bring your own cushion or bench if you have one. Chairs are available.

”

YES!   Please reserve a space for me at the Ruben Habito Retreat

 

Name  _____________________________________________________________________

Address  ___________________________________________________________________

City  ___________________________________________  State  _____  Zip  ___________

Phone _________________________   E-mail _____________________________________

Send to Janet Hoffman at 25351 Markham Lane, Salinas, CA 93908 or

contact Janet at (831-484-1686) or hoffmanjms@gmail.com.

                                

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                         Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer Center

(Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

November 19                  MMG Retreat Day—Pema Chodron DVD

How to Turn Pain into Compassion

 

Summary of September’s Retreat Day 

Last month Monterey Mediation Group gathered at Point Lobos for a Day in Nature.  We were so fortunate!  After a summer of grey, foggy days, we were treated to glorious sunshine!  We hiked together around Whalers Cove and came upon a Great Blue Heron nesting in the trees.  We paused and were silent.  We also hiked down to the rocky beach and gazed out to the blue ocean.  All the beauty made us hungry and we hiked back to the picnic area for a delicious potluck lunch.  It was a lovely day.

In Closing

From Eckhart Tolle’s Stillness Speaks:

When walking or resting in nature, honor that realm by being there fully.  Be still.  Look.  Listen.  See how every animal and every plant is completely itself.  Unlike humans, they have not split themselves in two.  They do not live through mental images of themselves, so they do not need to be concerned with trying to protect and enhance those images.  The deer is itself.  The daffodil is itself. 

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September 2011

Posted on September 17, 2011 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities

Thursday evenings at 1st 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.

 

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July 2011

Posted on July 17, 2011 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities 

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian  

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in July and August 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 meeting on August 9.

July Retreat Day

Retreat Day    Saturday, July 23 2011         8:30 am – 1:00 pm Sacred Poetry

We will meet in the Manse (the building behind Fellowship Hall)

Join us this Saturday for a day of meditation, fellowship, and poetry.  Joseph Cotham will once again gather a collection of poems with spiritual themes from a variety of poets.  We will read the poems together and share the impressions and insights from what we hear.  The poetry is rich and deep and the sharing from the group brings the poems to life.

All are welcome and a freewill offering will be available.  Please note that we will be meeting in the Manse, the room behind the Fellowship Hall, as Vacation Bible School will be doing setup in the Fellowship Hall.                                

 

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                                       Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer

Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

August 7 – 12                                East/West Sesshin at MercyCenter

August 26 – 28                              Living the Gospel of Matthew

Dr. Joann Branson/St. Francis

Retreat Center

No MMG Retreat day in August

September 17                               MMG Retreat Day/ A Day in

Nature at Point Lobos

October 21 -22                             Retreat with Ruben Habito

November 19                                MMG Retreat Day

  

Summary of June’s Retreat Day

Professor John Provost, a philosophy instructor from Monterey Peninsula College, was the guest presenter for last month’s retreat day.  His well-received talk was on Rumi, the Sufi poet of love and devotion.  The Sufi path in Islam is for those who desire to go deeper on their spiritual journey.  The Sufi journey uses the language of romance and love and the supreme poet of this journey is Rumi (1207 – 1273).  Rumi is considered a mystic, yet he followed Muslim precepts and lived an ordinary life as a husband and father.

Rumi’s poetry falls into four stages of the spiritual journey.  The first stage is learning to listen, the second opening and humility, the third longing and pain, and the fourth love and union.

John shared with us a metaphor that Rumi used to expound on the fourth stage of love and union:  “Rumi uses the images of grapes being turned into wine.  Each grape must lose its individuality as a grape, but it never loses its juiciness.  This essence of juice is the spirit.  The spirit incarnating as a specific grape is only a temporary illusion of sorts.  The Juice inside the grape will join the juice in other grapes to become one juice.  ‘Grapeness” is lost, but wine is gained.  And when this takes place, then everything becomes a blessing.”

In closing,

Be a warrior!  Desire something

powerfully!  Saddle your horse

and get ready for the quest.

Don’t accept a crown

made of this visible sky.

Wait for what Gabriel brings.

 

Sanai

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June 2011

Posted on June 17, 2011 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities 

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian  

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in June and July 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.

June Retreat Day


Contemplative Prayer Retreat

The Poetry of Rumi, presented by

John Provost

June 25, 2011

                                           HELD AT                                                            SPONSORED BY         First Presbyterian Church of Monterey                     Monterey Meditation Group                   501 El Dorado Street, Monterey, CA                          http://www.MontereyMeditation.com

Join us to learn more about Rumi, a 13th century Persian poet and Sufi mystic whose importance transcends national and ethnic borders. His original works are widely read in their original language across the Persian-speaking world, while translations are very popular in other countries. In fact, in 2007, he was described as the “most popular poet in America.”

John Provost has been studying philosophy and religion for nearly 30 years. He is a philosophy instructor at Monterey Peninsula College and has been offering courses and lectures on Integral Philosophy and Spirituality since 2007, as well as a number of online classes. John has been actively involved in contemplative practices since 1991. He has been studying Integral Philosophy since attending the California Institute of Integral Studies in 1993.

SATURDAY

June 25, 2011

8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Includes two periods of sitting and walking meditation. Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.
Suggested Donation is $20. For more information, contact Janet at hoffmanjms@gmail.com or 831-484-1686.

                                  

 

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                                       Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer

Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

July 23                                        Sacred Poetry with Joseph Cotham

August 7 – 12                                East/West Sesshin at MercyCenter

August 26 – 28                              Living the Gospel of Matthew

Dr. Joann Branson/St. Francis

Retreat Center

No MMG Retreat day in August

September 17                               MMG Retreat Day/ A Day in

Nature at Point Lobos

October 21 -22                             Retreat with Ruben Habito

November 19                                MMG Retreat Day

In closing,

Be Kind

Be kind to crawling caterpillars on damp grass,

to scurrying cockroaches and sharp hornets.

Be kind to thistles, thorns, and stubborn dandelions,

to mangy dogs abandoned and flea infested alley cats.

Oh, be kind to all croaking, creeping, leaping,

stinging creatures,

all sticky, prickly plants, all slimy snakes and leeches.

Be kind to weary teachers and truculent students,

to boastful quarterbacks with pornographic pictures,

to loud-mouthed in-laws and alcoholic aunts,

to beer-drinking deer hunters with big hairy bellies,

to sweating go-go dancers with fixed smiles,

to surly cabbies and fat clumsy nurses.

Be kind to haggard addicts and cunning con-men,

to demented killers in post offices

and terrorist fanatics with suitcases.

Thieving, cheating, killing humans are all humans.

Look deep.  Crude is surface.

Have patience.  Sinners in time are saints.

Have faith.  Cruelty yields to kindness.

Watch for hidden wild and willing angels.

All are kin.  Be kind.

William Buchanan

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May 2011

Posted on May 17, 2011 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities

 

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian  

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in May and June 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.

May Retreat Day

Retreat Day    Saturday, May 21 2011         8:30 am – 3:00 pm

A Day of Zen Sitting                                     Fellowship Hall

Joseph Cotham will lead our May retreat day with a focus on Zen meditation.  We will have an hour and a half silent meditation in the morning, a two-hour talk and discussion time, a lunch break, and conclude with another hour and a half time of silent meditation.  Come join us as we learn from Zen practice how to deepen our silence and bring more love and peace into the world.  Please bring a sack lunch.  Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided.  A freewill offering will be available.

All are welcome.

                                    

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                                       Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer

Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

June 25                                        MMG Retreat Day with Prof.

John Provost—The Poetry of Rumi

August 7 – 12                                East/West Sesshin at MercyCenter

August 26 – 28                              Living the Gospel of Matthew

Dr. Joann Branson/St. Francis

Retreat Center

No MMG Retreat day in August

September 17                               MMG Retreat Day

October 21 -22                             Retreat with Ruben Habito

In closing,

May the deep blessings of earth be with us.

May the fathomless soundings of seas surge in our soul.

May boundless stretches of the universe echo in our depths

to open us to wonder

to strengthen us for love

to humble us with gratitude

that we may find ourselves in one another

that we may lose ourselves in gladness

that we give ourselves to peace.

— John Philip Newell, Praying with the Earth: A Prayer Book for    Peace

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April 2011

Posted on April 16, 2011 by hoffmanjms

Meditation Opportunities

Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian  

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in April and May (except for Maundy Thursday April 21st) 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.

April Retreat Day

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

                                                                    Fellowship Hall                                                                

“Our relationship to food is an exact microcosm of our relationship to life itself. You are a walking and talking expression of your deepest convictions; everything you believe about love, fear, transformation and God is revealed in how, when and what you eat.”

Geneen Roth, Women, Food and God

In a culture saturated with food—as comfort, entertainment, and status symbol—how do we recognize when we’ve fallen under its spell?  Discover tips and strategies for breaking free and finding true peace with food by walking (and eating) humbly with God.

In addition to this presentation by Susan Raab, there will be time for discussion and two periods of sitting and walking meditation.  Refreshments are provided.  A freewill offering will be available.  All are welcome.                                    

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                                       Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer

Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

May 21                                         MMG Retreat Day of Zen sitting

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

June 25                                        MMG Retreat Day with Prof.

John Provost—The poetry of Rumi

August 7 – 12                                East/West Sesshin at MercyCenter

No MMG Retreat day in August

September 17                               MMG Retreat Day

October 21 -22                             Retreat with Ruben Habito

Summary of March’s Retreat

For our March retreat day we watched a video by Thomas Keating from the Spiritual Journey series titled “The Four Consents”.  In it Father Keating describes The Four Consents as a model of the spiritual journey that shows the invitation we as humans have to love the gift of life and consent to God and God’s will.

The first consent is offered in childhood, before the age of 12.  We are called to say “yes” to our basic goodness.  If we are not able to see our goodness as a result of our life circumstances, our emotions pull back and we hesitate to give them full expression.  The second consent occurs in adolescence.  At this time we are asked to accept the talents and creative and sexual energies that are beginning to emerge.  The acceptance of this consent gives us the capacity to relate to others.  If sexual energy is awakened too soon, as in molest or abuse, this affects our ability to say “yes” to our full potentiality.  We avoid closeness with others if we are afraid of our sexual energy and Father Keating teaches that sexual energy is necessary to serve others with warmth and love.

The third consent occurs in adulthood and is an invitation to accept our non-being.  It is a time to say “yes” to the reality of physical death and the consequences of letting go to the things we love in this world.  If we haven’t made the first two consents, this one is more difficult.

The fourth consent is the hardest of all.  It is the consent to the death of the false self and to be transformed.  Father Keating recommends the practice of centering prayer to aid in the dismantling of the false self.

The rhythm of life tends to nudge us into the consents.

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March, 2011

Posted on March 23, 2011 by montereymeditation

As I sit this afternoon to write this month’s newsletter, I look out the window to see unsettled weather.  At some times there is rain, a few moments of blue sky, and dark clouds get blown across the sky.  I’m also a bit concerned that the now swift creek may claim my back fence into its embrace.  This picture echoes the changes that have been reflected in our world this past month.  It can all be a bit unsettling.  I’m so grateful to have all of you as a support to my meditation practice.  Our deepening together helps us support each other through unsettling times.  We practice touching the place of Peace and Presence within.  We practice sharing what we experience with the world.

March Retreat Day

Saturday, March 26 2011

The Brother Bernie Story

For our March retreat day, we will watch another video of Thomas Keating from the Spiritual Journey Series titled “The Four Consents”.  Fr. Thomas defines four opportunities to say “yes” in life to illustrate a positive and insightful way of looking at the spiritual journey.  The four consents are an invitation to love life and to appreciate the human vocation and the gift of being a member of the human family.   Fr. Thomas uses a warm and inspiring story of a fellow monk, Brother Bernie, to illustrate a beautiful way the four consents can be lived.  This presentation by Thomas Keating will be sure to make you laugh, sure to make you cry, and most certainly will warm your heart.  In addition to watching the video together, there will be time for discussion and two periods of sitting and walking meditation.  Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided.  A freewill offering will be available.  All are welcome.

Meditation Opportunities

We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in March and April (except for Maundy Thursday April 21st) 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

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.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing                              Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer Center (Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)

April 30                               MMG Retreat Day with Susan Raab, Our relationship to food

May 21                                 MMG Retreat Day of Zen sitting, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

June 25                                MMG Retreat Day with Prof. John Provost—The poetry of Rumi

August 14 – 21                    East/West Sesshin at Mercy Center

No MMG Retreat day in August

Summary of February’s Retreat

Rev. Hei led our extended Zen retreat day in February.  We had two longer periods of sitting and walking meditation and also time to read and discuss a Zen reading, “Sho-Do-Ka” (Song of Realization).  This is a work written by Yoka-daishi, a disciple of the Sixth Patriarch who lived in the 7th century AD.  A koan in his writing that stood out for me is as follows:  One monk says, “The flag is moving”.  Another replies, “The wind is moving”.  The former clings to the entity of the flag.  The latter has a broader view, but does not understand true emptiness. The Sixth Patriarch answers them, “The flag is not moving.  The wind is not moving.  The mind is moving”.

In closing, a quote from Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander

To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is itself to succumb to the violence of our times.  Frenzy destroys our inner capacity for peace.  It destroys the fruitfulness of our work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.

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