Monday, 15 December 2014

End of year break


Beaches Sangha meetings are now over for 2014. We'll resume our meetings on Thursday 8 January 2015.

Thank you for being a part of our group this year, whether you're a stalwart, a regular, patchy, or occasional participant. What we do on Thursday nights is very valuable. Living Gotama's teachings is described as going against the stream. This is made much easier and richer with the company of like-minded friends on the swim. Sangha is my weekly 're-set button' and a source of nourishment for me, and I know for others too. Whatever your contribution has been - thank you.

I'd also like to say a special thank you to the members of our SOG (Sangha Organising Group): Betsy for organising and updating the program; Sylvie for looking after the tea n bikkie supplies and opening up most weeks of the year; Neil for being our Treasurer and back-up venue opener, and Susanne for being a general back-up helper and supplier of naughty things (e.g. Lindt balls!). I feel lucky to have my SOGgies helping turn the wheels of sangha - thank you so much guys!

If you'd like some little thought-starters to keep you going through the break, don't forget to 'Like' the Secular Buddhism Australia Facebook Page. I'm doing little dharmic posts there at least 4 times a week at present, so feel free to tune in.

And lastly, here's a link to an 8 week mindful parenting program run by my dear friend Tim Goddard who teaches MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction). It's over in Waverley, but well worth the trip. It starts in early Feb.

I hope you have an enjoyable, safe and mindful festive season.
Best wishes and happy new year.
Lenore

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Sangha party this week


This week we meet for the last time in 2014. As is our tradition, we'll have a short meditation (20 mins) and then our sangha party....



which doesn't look a whole lot like that.

We'll share some vegetarian food, wine and each other's company. If you haven't yet RSVPd and would like to come, please bring a small dish of something savoury to share. If the weather's good, bring a picnic blanket and we'll sit outside. If you have some picnic crockery/cutlery/glasses or sheltered candles you can bring, that'd be great too. 

I'll do a short end of year post after our session on Thursday before 4 weeks of being able to ignore my phone reminder to 'do sangha email'.

I hope you can make it.
LL

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

This week @ sangha - we want to hear from you



Hi all. 

This week - feedback session
This week at Beaches Sangha we really want to hear some input from you about what we do next year. Have a think about what you've found valuable, anything you'd like more of, less of or done differently. All input is welcome, whether that's about topics, our format or the way we run things generally. Also, if you'd like to get involved in helping to run sangha we'd love to know. Please do come and share your feedback.

Next week - sangha party, please r.s.v.p.
Also, don't forget next week (Thurs 11th) is our last meeting for 2014 and we'll be having our little end of year sangha party. If you haven't already, please let me know if you're coming and if so, whether you'll bring a sweet or savoury dish to share. (Either let me know at sangha this week or post a note in the comments section under this post on the web site.) As is our tradition, we'll do a short meditation (20 mins) and then enjoy each other's company over some food and drink before we disperse for the silly season.

I hope to see you on Thursday.
LL