Dharma Topics

Prior to each Thursday evening gathering in Silver Spring for meditation and Dharma sharing we send out an announcement of the topic. The announcement is includes a short essay that focuses on a way of bringing mindfulness into our lives, families, work, and society. Below are topics that we've discussed in the past.

The archive goes from 2004 to the present. You can search by one or more key words, such as: Compassion Training (no quotes), or by phrases, such as: “emotional and spiritual healing” (with quotes). If you would like to receive our weekly announcement, please click on the bar to the right.

The Art of Resting

Facilitated by: Beth H.| in: Dharma Topics

Discussion Date: Thu, May 06, 2021

May 6, 2021, 7:00 to 8:45 pm Silver Spring, Maryland, community online on Thursday evening May 7, 2021, 7:00 to 8:45 pm Open to all online on Friday evening Dear Still Water Friends,

Sometimes in life I go through inspired and engaged periods, and other times I am vaguely irritated and my life seems without spark. I may simply be tired and tied into a habit of stressful attitudes, having gone through several years of heavy demands. I have not looked deeply at this irritation, but I have noticed that what I really want is to PLAY and REST, not to have a plan or objective.

Our guidelines for meditation include following the breath, observing the passage of thoughts, and sitting upright and comfortably. It seemed to me effort was involved, which for me is the opposite of rest!

I shared these thoughts with... Continued