Wednesday afternoon meditation session evolves.....

[Jim Ellsworth]

I've really enjoyed witnessing the increased enthusiasm and attendance at our group meetings over the past few months. This Ning group is now up to 48 members and we've had group meetings so large that we've broken discussions up in two groups so that people can have adequate time to share how the teachings apply to their own individual lives.

We've also maintained a focus on meditation practice, both together and hopefully for people at home. That's personally important to me since I hope people can find in this group an opportunity for awakening, to begin to open to the world in a new way. Words can guide one toward that experience but they can no more substitute for direct experience than the idea of water can quench one's thirst. (Ken's analogy but it's too late now to go look it up!). It's important to have a place to talk and learn. But it's also important to experience the power of silence, to move into the space beyond words that so many of us try so hard to ignore. In my opinion, good group meetings will balance both. And ours have been doing that well.

So, I'm wondering if it might be time to add another session to our weekly calendar. My idea is to offer something during the weekdays, most likely in the early afternoon. I know of no other group that offers regular programs other than weekends and evenings. It might fill a gap for people who don't fit the normal M-F 9-5 schedule.

At least two of our members work swing shifts so they can't come to evening programs. Are there any others who may be interested in attending a program during the week? If so, do you have any ideas for what you'd like to do during your time together?

[Andrew Wood]

Yeah that'd be great for me. Wed or Thursday would probably be best for my schedule

[Chris McCarthy]

Jim,

I would be interested in stopping by for an open sit during the week when I am in Columbus. For me, early/mid afternoons Tuesday or Wednesdays generally work best. But, my schedule is very irregular and unpredictable when I am in town. Just letting you know that I may be able to drop in for a sit on occasion.

Chris

[Jim Ellsworth]

Hey Chris and Andrew....thanks for your quick replies. I'm thinking that we'll need 3 people that are fairly committed to this venture for it to work. I can stop by sometimes but it will really depend on the group members to decide the times and format for the meeting. A mixture of dharma study and practice time seems to work well for most people. When the details are hammered out, we could post the information on Buddhism Central Ohio. Perhaps there will be some others who want to join. Thanks!

[Dan]

Another 2nd shift person here :)

We are close to making this happen, details coming :)

Dan

[Dan]

So how does everyone feel about this?

Wednesday afternoon gathering, hopefully at noon. My thought is one hour in length (for those attending during there lunch time), 25 minutes of meditation, check in, dharma talk.

Thoughts?

Dan

[Jim Ellsworth]

Dan! This sounds like a great idea. Thanks for posting it. :))

Having it from 12-1 is a good idea for people who'd like a break from their workday. It may conflict with the folks at the Narasiharama since they now have a resident monk who may have just finished his meal for the day. We'll have to ask Andi if it's possible. Alternatives might be to push it back from 1-2 or to look for a different location.

I like the format. Listening to and discussing a single "Unfettered Question" podcast may work well for the dharma talk since they generally run from just 5-10 minutes. The group could even submit questions to Ken if you can wait a couple of weeks for the reply to post. Or, you could also see if Janaki or George could join via Skype for quick input to your practice. Group group members might also decide to do something different if it better meets their needs.

Again, thanks for all you're doing to get this rolling!!!

[Jim Ellsworth]

Hi Dan,

I spoke with Andi about this. It might be better to wait until June to start this meeting if we meet at the same place. We could always search for another place, possibly one with no religious affiliation.

[Dan]

I'll come up with some time to look this week or next - my wife named about 5 places that may well work :)

[Mary Galo]

i could attend weekday and would be interested in group discussions along with meditation practice. i am not new at meditation, just not very good at it. "racing mind".....

[Jim Ellsworth]

This is good news. I met one other person today who's interested in an afternoon meeting. So we've just about reached a quorom!

As for the racing mind, I really encourage you to attend the upcoming programs with Janaki and George. You'll probably find that the body-based approach is a powerful antidote to the monkey mind.

[Jim Ellsworth]

Dan...

I think we're up to about 5-6 people who are interested in a weekday meeting now. Have you had any luck searching for a location or do you want to wait until early June to use the current center?

[Michael]

I am interested in attending. I am currently between jobs but am volunteering. My schedule there is fluctuating wildly but I should be able to adjust it. Let me know where and when.