"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house." Audre Lorde
People are aware that they cannot continue in the same old way, but are immobilized because they cannot imagine an alternative. We need a vision that recognizes that we are at one of the great turning points in human history when the survival of our planet and the restoration of our humanity require a great sea change in our ecological, economic, political and spiritual values." ~ Grace Lee Boggs, Civil Rights Activist
Folks, we don't know how long we're going to be in this global pandemic, or how long it will take to get us to true and sustained systemic change in our racialized world. While statues of confederate soldiers are coming down in the city I went to college, the name of my high school is finally being changed after years of petitioning, and states are changing their names to reflect their break with white supremacy, it's still a mess out there. We are at this turning point, and it's time for us to begin dreaming into the world we want to create...and we gotta be well rested for the revolution, folks! Here are a few ways to drop into this sacred act over the next month.
Many have said to me that they do not need Sangha. My response has been, “Then where will you go when you begin to experience liberation? Who will know the journey you have taken and your vow to be awake? ~ Rev. Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
This sitting group provides instruction in insight meditation and fosters mutual support and understanding among the growing community of people of color who find nourishment and inspiration in the practice of meditation.
No previous meditation experience is required.
Fee by donation: Suggested starting donation is $15 but whatever you offer is greatly appreciated and no one is ever turned away for lack of funds. For this event all donations are shared between the teacher(s) and NYI.
The Tuesday Dharma Gathering provides an introduction to Insight Meditation, as well as an opportunity to meditate in a supportive environment. These teacher-led gatherings offer the opportunity to meet teachers, hear a dharma talk, and participate in a dialogue about how to apply the principles of Buddhist meditation to our daily lives.
It has taken me a loooong time to get here, folx, but I'm teaching a daylong retreat on heart practices! To explore heart practices during these times takes a fierce vulnerability; the ability to consider joy and to keep an open heart in the face of sickness and death, and to protect the heart and mind from being colonized by the three poisons of greed, hatred and delusion. They are sometimes referred to as the “levelers of social barriers” as they provide the remedy to social conflict and the balm for the wounds brought on by systems of harm and oppression.
This daylong will be a way to explore how we can cultivate these states of heart and mind in our own personal practice – giving us the opportunity to live with more ease as we move through this world.
Whatever name we attach to it: anger, fear, grief, sadness…we need to move this stuck energy through our bodies so it doesn’t set up residence and start colonizing our hearts and minds. It’s imperative for us to scream, shout, cry, create art, lift our voices, and most importantly to rest, so we can feel our hearts again. This one hour webinar led by Leslie Booker will be a time to begin to explore our emotional bodies, and an introduction to the follow up retreat on August 1.
This live webinar will be conducted on Zoom at 4pm EDT on Tuesday, July 21. The webinar link will be emailed to participants within twenty-four hours of your registration. Registration for this live webinar closes at 3pm EDT on July 21. Please note that participation in the live webinar on Zoom is limited to the first 1,000 attendees. We will also be live-streaming this program on our Youtube.
*There will also be a follow up daylong retreat on Saturday, August 1st from 11am - 5pmEST.
Please mark your calendars!
Finding Your Ground in Groundless Times:
A 1/2 Day Retreat for Educators, Activists, & Anyone Who Needs a Break! Thursday, July 23rd | 11am - 5pmEST
*There will be a 2hour lunch break Online | CMiND (The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society)
In the midst of grief and loss, anger and rage, how do we show up for those who look towards us for guidance? How do we find steadiness, balance and a sense of confidence in our leadership in this groundless time? In this nourishing 1 / 2 day retreat, we’ll take time to rest, restore and find refuge in the collective. We will use the practices of mindfulness, embodied wisdom and connection to guide us back to our imagination. In this space it will be okay, and encouraged, to not be okay. Please, come as you are.
For more accessibility, Access Grants are available for this retreat
If you didn't get a chance to listen live, please listen to my interview with 2019 MacArthur Fellow Sujatha Baliga from a few weeks ago. Reconnecting with my old friend, we got a chance to discuss the shifting of our activists' lives, de - centralizing Whiteness, anger, liberation, and rest through the lens of our spiritual practice.
Needing a Bit of Support Right Now?
MNDFL Mentoring is Back!
This is not the time to navigate these waters alone, Dear One. MNDFL Mentoring is an opportunity for folks to work with me directly to support them in deepening their mindfulness-based practice, and to support during these uncertain times. Mentoring manifests differently with everyone I work with, so schedule a 15 minute Chemistry Call, and we’ll see if we’re a good fit. I'm looking forward to holding and guiding you in your practice.
Our mailing address is:
Leslie Booker
PO Box 132
New York, New York 10031
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