Spring Mindfulness Retreat 2015--A Beautiful Day

LTMC refreshed past Saturday, March 21, 2015

Hello Lovelies, I'm still walking in the Pureland from retreat day on Saturday and wished to linger in the blessings by sharing a few gems that some Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community Members have asked be posted for our continued practice this spring season.

Firstly, the spring meridians discussed--Gallbladder and Liver both have articles which can be clicked on for more information and a recap of what was discussed. If you suffer from insomnia, it may be worth your time to read these in more detail. Feel free to contact me for a private session to go into more in depth treatment.

Secondly, a beautiful definition of "Dharma" which I read after sweet Robin, asked for a definition:

The Dharma is the teaching of love and understanding. The Dharma is the teachings of the historical Buddha and his descendants in the form of discourses, the commentaries and precepts that show us the path leading to peace and deep insight, love and understanding. The Dharma is all the elements in our world and in our consciousness that guide us on the path of liberation. The living Dharma is contained in every corner of the universe. The floating cloud is silently preaching about freedom and the falling leaf is giving us a dharma talk on the practice of letting go. Every time you breathe mindfully, walk mindfully or look at another person with the eye of understanding and compassion, you are giving a silent dharma talk. (The New Sangha Handbook: Nourishing our Practice, Deepening our Roots, Growing our Freedom, download this fabulous resource here)

Our mindfulness walk at Paradise Park was filled with many treasures and was personally my favorite part of retreat, especially the insights shared afterward. Speaking of insights, here were some beautiful ones from retreat participants left in the discussion basket:

• "With your feet on the ground look to the light."
• "...I invited that every emotion derives from love...."
• "Engage a loving conversation with your mind and heart to act as one."
• Question: "Is TNH Tibetan Buddhist or Vietnamese Buddhist?" TNH was born in Vietnam and ordained in tradition of Zen Buddhism. 
• "I feel like we're at the Plum Village, or where ever Thich Nhat Hahn lives :)" 

The last comment was the highest compliment possibly received as the goal of Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community is to build a place where we can nurture happiness, love and peace. A Cherokee morning song was sung to seal our time together as thanksgiving for a very beautiful day indeed. Here’s a link to a version of the song I sung on Youtube, by a beautiful group, Walela, with translation.

Oh, and one more request from retreat participants, the Spring Mung Bean Soup recipe, which nourished and sustained us through out the day! Yum, yum, entirely yum!