Sunday 28 June 2009

Urban Nature!

I've just finished leading a week long Urban Retreat. A retreat in which the participants did not retire to some idyllic venue in the countryside but instead developed practices which helped them be mindful as they went about their daily lives at home and work. Although the retreat started with a full day of practice and discussion and ended the same way (what one participant referred to as bookended), the main practice was engaging with the days in between. One really powerful practice which all appreciated was a daily dedication ceremony. In this participants pledged to practice amongst other things developing their awareness, their sense of connectedness, tranquillity, harmony and contentment; dedicating themselves to the practice for the benefit of all beings. What a powerful activity, imaging committing your life everyday, to be for the benefit of others, human and non human, our green and open spaces, nature and the wider environment. Working to create a better place. Not getting depressed when things don't happen in a manner or as quickly as we'd like, instead recognising the beauty that is there, sharing what we have in common, our hopes, fears, pain and joy even the air that we breathe. The other key area, other powerful practice was to have a reminder to be mindful. Have something natural to look at, a flower, plant, view, pet; something to remind you of the beauty all around if only you take the trouble to look.

No comments:

Post a Comment