Practice Support Group
A Summer of Good Will
The Buddha gave us teachings which, when practiced, make us wiser and more loving. In this 6 week course we will focus our attention on the beautiful qualities of the heart called Metta (unconditional love) Karuna (compassion) Mudita (empathic joy) and Upekkha (wise love). I like to call them different “flavors of love” which we can call on to meet the many challenges of being human. In every moment of living some flavor of love is called for : compassion when there is suffering, joyful empathy when there is good fortune, love without bias when delusion is nearby, and throughout – a pervasive good will towards oneself and all beings.
We will engage with each quality as a resource and a capacity which grows over time. Each flavor of love comes with phrases which evoke the attitude and outlook of that particular kind of love. We learn to extend love to every kind of being, without preference or bias. Love can be offered in every kind of situation. You might consider making the practice of one or more of these qualities your primary focus for the entire six weeks. While receiving the support of sangha and teachings.
We might begin with a question, “Where is Metta needed? Where is Compassion needed?” Select who or what is obvious and easy. Stay with just that for several days. Use your concentration to collect your intention and steady your mind on one or two phrases. This is how Metta grows – thru steady repetition of the same phrases directed intentionally to different kinds of people, from those you easily love to those you find difficult.
Give your heart the nourishment it needs in the midst of a world gone mad. Let the steady light of good will shine forth.
WHEN
Sundays, Aug 7, 14 & 21 (see options below)
10:00-11:45am PT (During Daylight Savings Time Arizona is the same as Pacific Time)
WHERE
Like all our current offerings, this class will take place via Zoom, an online meeting platform.
COST
1 class - $25
Your generous support of IMT is needed!!
For those of you on a limited budget pay what you can. No one will be turned away.
CONTACT
For any questions contact Terry by email at insightmeditationtucson@gmail.com or leave a voice message at 520-477-1897.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration is required and is open throughout the 6 weeks. Once you register you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. Please click below to register and make your donation.
Sit every day and the teachings come alive!
The Practice Support Group is designed to help you establish a consistent and nourishing daily practice. Whether you sit 10, 20, 30 or 40 or 50 minutes daily this class will help you to find a length and frequency that works for you. When questions or challenges arise there is the opportunity to explore them in the weekly group.
Participating in a Dharma group is one of the most supportive things we can do to help our meditation practice grow.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Anna Douglas, PhD., is the guiding teacher of Insight Meditation Tucson. She is one of the founding teachers of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and a member of the teachers council. She has taught classes and retreats in the Insight Meditation tradition nation wide for 30 years. Her current work includes ongoing mentoring of students in the awakening process and removing psychological obstacles to spiritualization.