Harmony in the Midst of Dissonance

Last night's drum celebration was awesome, celebrating the 2 year anniversary for Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community and the continued strength and harmony of our community! We're just getting started as this coming Sunday is our Summer Mindfulness Retreat . As a community, we've been deeply touched by all the events going on across our country and world: shootings in Orlando, the loss of lives and suffering in the black communities, Dallas police shootings and most recently, last night's attack in Nice, France. Our theme for summer retreat is "Harmony," and the question naturally arises--how can we practice harmony in the midst of such seeming dissonance? 

We will be exploring answers to this question on at Retreat on Sunday. As a loose preparation here is one definition of harmony to use as our guide: 

Harmony - the blending of simultaneous sounds or voices of different pitches or qualities. 

Being a singer, I strive to recognize the lead vocalist. If this is strong, all kinds of harmonies can branch off and actually strengthen the lead with their support. If there's a voice that doesn't quite hear the harmony or is unskilled in producing a similar vocal range, the blending will not be in accord. In fact, this off-key voice will tend to pull others away and distract entirely from the ultimate production of sound. Every day we encounter different voices, different perceptions and clashing events. When these happen, can we still recognize, remember and maintain the lead?

Sunday's Summer Retreat will be a time to nourish the lead of compassion and understanding, a time to strengthen ourselves, our loved ones and our community. LTMC looks forward to diving into the question--how can we practice harmony in the midst of dissonance? We will explore Right View--noticing when suffering arises in ourselves and others and practicing not making the suffering worse...ie carrying the lead.

It is said that one of the greatest gifts we can give another is our freedom. LTMC looks forward to another year of practicing and strengthening freedom, please consider joining us, we would love to hear your voice.