so we don't end up in spamsara.

In April of 2018, Jessica Heathcote responded to the need for a new Director of the Pittsburgh Shambhala Center. Little did she know that the Shambhala community—local and international—was about to descend into a period of pain, disruption, and collapse. By the time that she was appointed director in September of 2018, the community approached chaos. Throughout this challenging time, Jessica has not only selflessly maintained her role as Director, but she has done so with earthy practicality, subtle insight into power dynamics, and continuous exertion.
 
It is fair to say that Jess has held almost everything together— attending to the old lounge chair in the apartment, the alarm system and clogged toilets, the monthly rent and the virtual communication as much as the hearts, bodies, and concerns of so many of us. Now, she is leaving her role with the center’s operations in many ways more organized and consolidated than they were before she arrived. With her quick wit, understated wisdom, and steady kindness, our local community has been so fortunate to have Jessica as its largely invisible, tireless leader.
 
To be a center director in Shambhala has traditionally meant to occupy an often-thankless role of responsibility that in many cases leads to burnout. This is under ordinary, functioning circumstances. Yet over the past more than two years, the conditions have been fraught with instability, a breakdown in support, and most importantly, a loss of trust in some of the most basic teachings and people who would inspire one to be a center director in the first place. This has meant that in addition to holding the operations of the center, Jess had to navigate seemingly-intractable contradictions and conflicts. She has done so with skill and care, without ever giving up. All the while, she needed to rediscover inspiration for dharma, often on her own. Let’s call this what it is— true warriorship.
 
So it is with tremendous appreciation for Jessica that we announce her retirement. We wish her the great expansive space of freedom from all reference points as she is happily released from her post. We thank her and love her so much. 

Please join us online at the winter solstice ceremony this weekend and look for an email communication tomorrow from the transition team about our community's next steps.
 

This event will be live on Zoom. (For the safety of all, there will not be an in-person offering.)

Gather around the (virtual) fire at sunset with the Shambhala Pittsburgh sangha to honor the darkest night of the year and welcome the coming stillness of the winter season.

To prepare for the event: We invite those who would like to mark the season with us to spend some time in the days before the ritual outside gathering evergreens. The evergreen is a pre-Christian symbol of Europe that marks eternal life and the promise of returning light and warmth of spring. We also encourage participants to have candles or a fire at home available.
What to expect: At some point in the ceremony you will be asked to go outside if that works for your body. We will  be taking a contemplative journey for attuning to the elements and the season. We will try to rest in the suspension of the turning from dark and the return of light. 
This will mark the last offering of the interim practice and education team and the opening of a new chapter... please join us!

 

Join us tonight for the final gathering!
Monday Meditation and Conversation
with Adam Lobel, Local Teachers, and Special Guests
Offered Every Monday until the Winter Solstice

The theme of these sessions is meditation to help us skillfully hold the pain of our world. Our practice can help us engage in living and healing in a decaying civilization. We invite everyone to gather to deepen, learn, and support consistent meditation practice during these intensified times.