Loving-Kindness for Ourselves

Four Tuesdays, February 9-March 2, 6-8 p.m.

 

 

When we slow down and take time to appreciate ourselves, we connect with our Buddhanature. We learn that, in each moment, there is inherent basic goodness – in our heart, mind, and body. We are naturally awake and open-hearted. In this class, we will connect with our Buddhanature and cultivate unconditional friendliness toward ourselves. With gentleness, we will explore what blocks our hearts and causes us to shut down. In this class, participants will be guided through experiential exercises:

We will also learn what is happening at a physiological level when our hearts are open or closed. 

 

The atmosphere will be warm-hearted and welcoming of all. Readings, videos, and podcasts from Buddhist teachers – Pema Chödrön, Sebene Selassie, and angel Kyodo Williams – will be offered to help deepen our understanding of loving-kindness. Participants will leave with specific practices for self-care and nurturance. 

 

 

Level: All are welcome.

 

Registration: Kindly complete payment below or contact Rachel at [email protected] to register and discuss other payment options. Donations in any amount are graciously appreciated. In addition to online payment, you may send checks to: The Dancing Elephant, 14 School Street, Rockland, ME 04841. Please register by email first. Thank you!

 

 

Kelly Richards’ fascination with Buddhism began in the 1970’s. Her experience of nature drawing echoed the Zen of Seeing: paying attention to twigs, seed pods, or vistas brought deep calm. She is a certified CBCT® instructor and has taught meditation to children since 2006. Kelly helped create “SEE Learning,” a K-12 curriculum for compassion-based ethics through Emory University. She and her husband retired to Vinalhaven in 2014, where she teaches mindfulness to children and adults. Kelly feels deep gratitude for the natural beauty and the close bonds of the community.

Rachel Nixon has been exploring Buddhist teachings since 1999. Over the years, she has been inspired by Pema Chödrön's writings and has trained at Shambhala Buddhist Centers in the U.S. and Canada. Rachel attended the seven-week Yarne Retreat with Ani Pema at Gampo Abbey in 2019-2020. Rachel has also studied with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and the Mangala Shri Bhuti community, as well as at the Insight Meditation Society. She has been trained as a Shambhala Path Meditation Instructor and a k-12 Mindful Schools Educator. Rachel loves to teach meditation and explore the Buddhist teachings with people of all ages. She also loves sailing, hiking, and swimming.