- Thich Nhat Hanh
This Sunday we explored what
it means to be Solid as a mountain.
As always it was a cozy,
creative, reflective time to focus on our sensory connections, and dig a
little deeper. It is wonderful for us to be able to practice this way
together- thank you all for coming & sharing this time with
us!
Here's a recap of what we
did...
We Began our Sunday in song!
Each season we have explored ways to gather and begin the workshop a
little differently. Starting our morning with song as we have done
consistently this time round feels really nice. Each week it has set the
background for our theme, and this week was no different.
"There's
ol' Buddha, sittin' under a Bodhi tree
... doesn't
mind rain, doesn't mind thunder... what could bother 'ol Buddha I
wonder..."
- Rev. Patricia Dai-En Bennage
In this interactive song our Buddha wasn't bothered by "people taking his toys" (a well put suggestion), and that sounded pretty challenging, so we decided to take it one step further and substitute some of our names with things that normally bother us - it was super silly and just plain fun!
To our Feelings poem & stretch we added one more pose to reflect the mountain in this weeks theme. The stretch consisted of rooting our legs and imaging ourselves trees caught up in the winds of a storm - with our feet strong, our arms wild and waving about we say "feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky" 2x. Then in slow motion we move to yoga tree pose while we say "conscious breathing is my anchor" and the second time we say it, we slowly go into yoga mountain pose, and bring our mind & body back down to solid ground.
Model this at home when things get stormy... bet you'll have everyone's attention!
"When we connect to this Mountain space inside of us we are no longer shaky, distracted, or restless. We are strong, firmly rooted to the earth and not easily pulled into anger, fear, regret or worry."
"No wind or storm can blow a mountain over"
"When you are solid, people can rely on you. When your loved one is solid you can rely on him or her.
Solidity is something you can offer yourself and the person you love
- it makes it possible for us to be happy" - Thich Nhat Hanh
We listened to the bell as we breathed in these words, and then began our discussion with an investigative activity... what's your "tipping point"? Breaking up into pairs, one person standing tall - feet together, arms comfortably at their sides. The other person very very gently applies pressure to the standing persons shoulder using only their pointer finger. Well! all were amazed! It was astonishing to see how little it took to tip! The children shared what triggers their feelings to tip off balance, become irritated, or angry. "My brother", "My mother telling me what to do", "When the stove is on and it makes the room too hot", "not being able to do what I want to do" everyone was on the same page.
We continued our INVESTIGATION, but this time we stood instead feet apart. This tiny adjustment proved to bring very different results. 2,3,4 times the pressure and ... no tipping! SOLID as a mountain instead. The children then shared when they feel connected, solid, and safe... being with family and animals echoed around the circle. We ended our discussion by sharing some of the ways we are relied upon. "Feeding the chickens, taking care of the ponies, getting myself ready, taking care of my cats", were all proudly mentioned.
TREE HUGGERS we were. Outside we went to find a special tree - each to his/her own. We looked, and listened, and touched, and sat, to see, and just be, with a tree. Some named their tree - we had "Bernie", "The giving Tree", and "Lemonade", other trees shared their names - as did "Leaf". Special qualities found, were fruit, not crumbly, super hard, peeling bark, tall, strong, and safe. What a wonderful way to look deeply, and appreciate the calm peaceful energy of a tree.
Pumpkin CARROT muffins, cider and carrot orange juice were served around the circle as each in turn offered the next to eat and drink. All helped to read the seven food contemplations, and then sat back to enjoy the autumn spices.
In Aloka and The Band of Robbers from The Buddha's Apprentice, Aloka is brave and wise when faced with a potentially dangerous situation. His inner mountain - solid & calm - keeps him clear headed, and able to outsmart the robbers.
CLAY time was FUN time after our Mountain MEDITATION had us all imagining ourselves mountains and connecting to the solid, calm, peaceful, space inside. Complete with trees, animals, and rock, these mountains are a special reminder of inner & outer strength available to us from ourselves, and from the earth... visit the Art Gallery to see their beautiful creative works!
