Community Work Day

Loving Service Meditation

Normally when we work, we do it to get money and to get the job done. However, when we practice working mindfully, it’s less about attaining a pragmatic goal as it is to simply be present with what is being done. When we work, we know that we are working. We cultivate joy, ease and peace in our bodies and minds while we work. We are mindful as habit energies arise to push through discomfort, to pursue the completion of a task, or the tendency to stress or push ourselves. We are also mindful as we watch those same energies subside. We smile to them as they come and go. We know that there is no need to act upon them, but simply being aware they are there, and smiling at them, transforms them.

Most importantly, we work as a Sangha, as a beloved practice community which practices peace, compassion and awareness. We support each other, smile to one another and to be a gentle force to help one another let go of our anxiety, our desire for control and simply make every action with ease.

Lastly, one other reason we practice in this way is that it is another form of Dana. Dana is the Sanskrit word for generosity. Dana comes in all forms, such as a warm smile, listening deeply to a friend, financial contributions or, in this case, helping build new walking meditation trails and beautifying the property. What’s interesting about giving, is that we end up receiving so much by watering the seed of generosity in ourselves. In the end, the generosity that blooms will be a flower for everyone to enjoy. To be clear, this isn't giving from a space of obligation, we only want to encourage the type of giving that comes from the heart. We encourage everyone to listen to their bodies when considering Dana. If there is tension, it's best not to give in that way. If there is a feeling of joy or a lightness, then this is the spirit of true Dana.

Our next community work day will be Sunday, March 10th and all are welcome to register and join us. Some of the projects we will work on mostly focus on preparing paths in the forest and beautifying the land.

We invite everyone to bring the following (if possible):

• working gloves

• clothes for getting dirty (also, make sure to check the weather report before coming)

• a water bottle

• tools to pick up trash

• (a) rake(s)

• (a) lopper(s)

• (a) pruner(s)

• (a) pickaxe(s)

• (a) smile(s) :-)

Once we are finished, we will have a mindful plant-based meal together to conclude our day together.