Announcements

Dear Sangha,
I’ve been reading about the benefits of meditating with a group this week.  
Here are are five reasons:
1. Spiritual support
2. Helping to maintain commitment to your meditation practice
3. Helping to overcome ego
4. Learning from each other
5. Camaraderie

We will meet for meditation on Sunday from 6 -7:30 pm in the Walker Room of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal, 1613 E. Emerson Bloomington, IL 61701. 

Arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Chairs are available; bring your own cushion or bench. 

We meditate together for an hour: sit for 20 minutes, walk/sit for 20 minutes, sit for another 20 minutes. Then we have a 30 minute discussion of a book, dharma talk, video, or just “checking in” with our practice. Participation in the discussion is always optional.

The book we are currently reading together is Mindfulness A to Z by Arnie Kuzak, Ph.D. (link below). We will read it together over the months and there is no need to obtain the book. 
https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-108-Insights-Awakening-Now/dp/1614290571/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488169457&sr=1-1&keywords=mindfulness+a+to+z

These group messages will appear on the under the Blog section tab at our website below. You will also find a link to the Facebook page on the website. There are many other features and resources there, including suggested readings and websites on meditation and mindfulness. Let me know if you no longer wish to be on the emailing list.
Reply to this email or through the website “contact us” for questions or comments.  http://bnmeditation.com
Peace,
Carolyn

Hi Beautiful Meditators,
As always, we’re meeting to meditate together this Sunday at 6:00-7:30. Also, the steering committee is going to meet before to talk about books, movies, retreats, or social events. If you’d like to help “Steer”, send me and email.
Peace.
Carolyn Moon

Hi Beautiful Meditators,
There is a documentary coming up at the Normal Theater with some Buddhist themes.  You might be interested in checking it out.  Information is below.
Peace,
Carolyn

March 11, 2018

Time:
7:00 PM

Address:
Normal Theater209 W North StNormal, IL 61761

Cost:
$7 for General Admission, $5 for Students / Under 13

The Departure

Sunday, March 11, 2018In this incredibly intimate 2017 documentary from Lana Wilson we are introduced to Ittetsu Nemoto, a former punk-turned-Buddhist-priest in Japan, who has made a career out of helping suicidal people find reasons to live. But this work has come increasingly at the cost of his own family and health, as he refuses to draw lines between his patients and himself. THE DEPARTURE captures Nemoto at a crossroads, when his growing self-destructive tendencies lead him to confront the same question his patients ask him: what makes life worth living? In Japanese w/ subtitles. NR / 87 min. “A genuinely spiritual experience. A quietly galvanizing portrait of life, death and the thin places in between. A film that explores life’s toughest and most transcendent moments with tenderness, honesty and care." – Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post "Wilson's film, a quiet wonder, emphasizes the courage it takes to choose the hard work of living." – Alan Scherstuhl, The Village Voice

Dear Sangha,
We will meet for meditation on Sunday from 6 -7:30 pm in the Walker Room of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal, 1613 E. Emerson Bloomington, IL 61701. Arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Chairs are available, but you can bring your own cushion or bench. 
We meditate together for an hour: sit for 20 minutes, walk/sit for 20 minutes, sit for another 20 minutes. Then have a 30 minute discussion of a book, dharma talk, video, or just “checking in” with our practice. Participation in the discussion is always optional.
The book we are currently reading together is Mindfulness A to Z by Arnie Kuzak, Ph.D. (link below). We will read it together over the months and there is no need to obtain the book. 
https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-108-Insights-Awakening-Now/dp/1614290571/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488169457&sr=1-1&keywords=mindfulness+a+to+z
These group messages will appear on the under the Blog section tab at our website below. Let me know if you no longer wish to be on the emailing list.
Reply to this email or through the website “contact us” for questions or comments.  http://bnmeditation.com
Peace,
Carolyn

Sent from my iPhone

Beautiful Meditators,

Several people from our group have been to this retreat and recommend it.  Scholarships are available.  Ride sharing is also available.

http://www.lakesidebuddha.org/2018May6.pdf

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RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MIDWEST

Awakened Heart of Practice: Metta. Compassion, Joy, & Equanimitywith Heather SundbergHosted by Mid America DharmaTuesday, April 17 - Sunday, April 22 Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MOhttp://midamericadharma.org/index.php/sundberg2018retreat/Taught by Janice Sheppard:April 12-15, 2018Mindfulness, Concentration & Insight Meditation as a Spiritual PathTaught by Janice Cittasubha Sheppard & Steven SpiroSponsored by the North Suburban Mediation Community & the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation GroupTechny Towers Conference and Retreat Center, 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny, IL 60082Registration Form at: https://www.meetup.com/Northwest-Suburban-Meditation-Meetup/events/247195702/For more details or questions: Mark Zelkowitz, Organizer, North Suburban Meditation Community (mnzdragon@gmail.com  or 847-927-9427)
 June 8-10, 2018The Balance Point: Being PeaceTaught by Janice Cittasubha Sheppard & Steven SpiroSponsored by Smiling Dandelion SanghaHorizon Village
UW - Oshkosh Campus 700 Elmwood Ave. Oshkosh, WI 54902For details or to register: Jeanna Owens;  smildandsangha@gmail.com   September 28-30, 2018Theme to be determinedTaught by David Haskin & Janice Cittasubha SheppardSponsored by the North Suburban Mediation Community & the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation GroupChicago Cenacle Retreat & Conference Center, 513 W Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614For details or to register: Steve Starr, Organizer, Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation Group (stephenbstarr@gmail.com  or 847-644-2389..) Tri-State Dharma Retreat - Oakwood Center, Selma, INThings Change: The Buddhist Teaching on Impermanencewith Wendy Eisner and Helen Vantine March 23-30, 2018 (7 night)  - $780March 23-25, 2018 (2 night - Weekend Only) - $225There are only a few spots available in our next retreat.  We will give priority to those registering for the weeklong retreat until February 23.   On February 23, we will release any remaining spots to weekend retreatants who are on our waiting list.   Please register through our website now:  www.TriStateDharma.org/residential/

Questions??  Email Sangha@tristatedharma.orgRetreat flyer:  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/ae6c1073ed98a6aed9655584f/files/1a7ca766-9c5a-46ef-8a7f-9107f47084d3/Eisner_Vantine2017RetreatFlyer_121017.pdf

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Here is another retreat coming up in the area.  Let me know if you want to try to coordinate a ride share.  

Also, Dave and I and maybe others will be driving up to the May 5 UU Buddhist day outside of Milwaukee.  Leaving very early, coming back after it’s over on the same day.  If you’d like to ride, please contact me.  

Carolyn

Begin forwarded message:

From: Insight Chicago Meditation Community <noreply@insightchicago.org>
Subject: Insight Chicago Meditation Retreat with Santikaro May 3-6
Date: February 9, 2018 at 7:14:31 PM CST
To: cjmoon@mac.com
Reply-To: Insight Chicago Meditation Community <noreply@insightchicago.org>

ShareTweetForwardInsight Chicago Meditation Retreat with Santikaro May 3-6Equanimity and Balance within the Path of Awakening

Thursday May 3, 10:00 a.m. - Sunday, May 6, 1:00 p.m.

Registration is now open for Insight Chicago's Spring retreat with Santikaro.  The retreat will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Portiuncula Center for Prayer, 9263 West St. Francis Road, Frankfort, IL 60423Register for the retreat here.Retreat Description: Maintaining an even keel in rough seas, letting go of bias and reactivity, and cultivating a relaxed engagement with life are aspects of practice gathered under the name of 'equanimity.' Emotional balance and non-reactivity are crucial for deeper meditation practice. They allow us to be with difficult situations and people, as well as our own inner challenges. Tracing the relationship of equanimity with other foundational teachings will help us to find our way of grounding practice in daily realities. Please join us for 4 days of exploring how equanimity weaves through Buddha's Way. Specific meditation practices for cultivating equanimity will supplement standard mindfulness teachings. This retreat will take place in noble silence and simplicity. There will be ample opportunity for sitting meditation, walking midst the Port's pleasant and forested grounds, personal reflection, and journaling. Talks will explore the themes of the retreat and small groups will meet with Santikaro concerning practice questions. This retreat provides a quiet, safe space for focused meditation and contemplative practice. A sangha of similarly intentioned friends accompanies and supports each of us. Wholesome vegetarian food is served.Retreat guided by Santikaro: Santikaro has been a devoted student of Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, a Thai Theravada master with whom he lived and trained, and translated for, at Suan Mokkh in Southern Thailand. Santikaro’s training continues here in the Midwest, where he is co-founder along with his wife Jo Marie of Liberation Park, a modern expression of Buddhist practice, study, and social responsibility, located in rural southwestern Wisconsin. He has been teaching in the Chicago area since his return "home" in 2000 and is active teaching around the Midwest and further afield. Life's vicissitudes have given him some acquaintance with cancer, trauma, addictions, deforestation, joy, and other challenges that he explores regularly.   Meals: There will be three meals a day with the exception of the first and last days, when there will be 2 meals.  All meals will be vegetarian. First and Last Day Schedule:  Please arrive between 9:00-9:30 am Thursday. We will begin at 10:00 am.  On Sunday, we will end silence and optionally have lunch together at 12:00 before leaving for home anytime between then and 2:00.  Ride-sharing: If you need a ride or can offer a ride, please contact the retreat manager. Cost: Costs include room and meals.  The cost per person for the retreat is as follows:Single: $ 395Double: $ 360 (as available)Non-Residential / Commuter: $ 265 Other fee structures or scholarships may be available; please contact the registrar for details.   Teacher Dana: The teachings are offered freely by Santikaro.  The cost of the retreat covers food and lodging.  Donations (dana) to support Santikaro and his work at Liberation Park will be gratefully accepted.  There will be an opportunity to offer dana at the end of the retreat. Refunds Attendees can request refunds up to 30 days before the event's start date. QUESTIONS?  Please contact the retreat registrar.  

Click here for more information and registration.

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MidAmerica Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship (UUBF)
Daylong Retreat, May 2018

Mark your calendars so you can attend the first ever one-day MidAmerica Unitarian Universalist
Buddhist Fellowship retreat, May 5, 2018, 9-5, at Lake County Unitarian Universalist Church in
Heartland, Wisconsin (half hour west of Milwaukee).

Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow will be the keynote speaker. Florence is the minister at the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana Champaign, Illinois and a Soto Zen priest and teacher in
the Shunryu Suzuki Roshi lineage. She has been practicing vipassana and Zen for thirty years, is
on the Board of the UU Buddhist Fellowship, and is the co-author of the Hidden Lamp: Stories
from Twenty-Five Centuries of Awakened Women.

Join us for a day of comradery, meditation, dharma talks and discussion
with other Unitarian Universalists interested in meditation, mindfulness
and/or Buddhism. Home stays will be available. For further information
and to be added to the email list contact Terry Kinsey at
mindful@unitytemple.org.

To register follow this Link: https://goo.gl/forms/7HOY1dXs90EYbAWE2 

Dear Sangha,
As always, we will meet for meditation on Sunday from 6 -7:30 pm in the Walker Room of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal, 1613 E. Emerson Bloomington, IL 61701.  Arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Chairs are available, but you can bring your own cushion or bench.  
We meditate together for an hour: sit for 20 minutes, walk/sit for 20 minutes, sit for another 20 minutes. Then have a 30 minute discussion of a book, dharma talk, video, or just “checking in” with our practice. Participation in the discussion is always optional.
The book we are currently reading together is Mindfulness A to Z by Arnie Kuzak, Ph.D. (link below). We will read it together over the months and there is no need to obtain the book.  
 https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-108-Insights-Awakening-Now/dp/1614290571/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488169457&sr=1-1&keywords=mindfulness+a+to+z
These group messages will appear on the under the Blog section tab at our website below.  You will also find a link to the Facebook page on the website. There are many other features and resources there, including suggested readings and websites on meditation and mindfulness.  Let me know if you no longer wish to be on the emailing list.

Reply to this email or through the website “contact us” for questions or comments.   http://bnmeditation.com
Peace,
Carolyn

Sent from my iPhone

Dear Sangha,
As always, we will meet for meditation on Sunday from 6 -7:30 pm in the Walker Room of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal, 1613 E. Emerson Bloomington, IL 61701.  Arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Chairs are available, but you can bring your own cushion or bench.  
We meditate together for an hour: sit for 20 minutes, walk/sit for 20 minutes, sit for another 20 minutes.  Then have a 30 minute discussion of a book, dharma talk, video, or just “checking in” with our practice.  Participation in the discussion is always optional.
The book we are currently reading together is Mindfulness A to Z by Arnie Kuzak, Ph.D. (link below). We will read it together over the months and there is no need to obtain the book.  
 https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-108-Insights-Awakening-Now/dp/1614290571/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488169457&sr=1-1&keywords=mindfulness+a+to+z
These group messages will appear on the under the Blog section tab at our website below.  You will also find a link to the Facebook page on the website. There are many other features and resources there, including suggested readings and websites on meditation and mindfulness.  Let me know if you no longer wish to be on the emailing list.

Reply to this email or through the website “contact us” for questions or comments.   http://bnmeditation.com
Peace,
Carolyn