The retreats in Wisconsin and Alberta were nourishing. The time in the cold nature of snowy Winter helped me slow down and be with the body as it responded to the elements. Overall I would characterize the retreats with the word “happiness.” Certainly, there was much that wasn’t drenched in happiness, and there were very unpleasant mental states to work with as well as body pain – You know the smorgasbord of dukkha. Yet, the flavor of happiness appeared again and again until I felt like it was a friend visiting often in the heart.
After many tough retreats, this has been a rejuvenating blessing. Sharing merits and deep appreciation to Common Ground Retreat Center and to Canmore Theravada Buddhist Community and Monastery. Both provided amazing and nourishing support. What a blessing.
I am writing from the airplane that I almost missed by sitting at the wrong gate after a gate change announcement that didn’t penetrate. It’s good to know I can run in robes with bowl and luggage when really needing too. Even the minutes of frenzy between gates weren’t such dukkha to turn from happiness. And what a burst of gratitude to just catch the plane. Thank you WestJet!
We will land in the Southern California desert and I will see how the practice is informed by a different climate and different practice conditions. This stretch will be a mix of solo practice and retreats led by highly regarded
teachers. I look forward to practicing amidst Dhamma friends under the guidance of, first, Sayalay Dipankara, and then, Beth Upton. It is good there are such wonderful teachers in the world. Gratitude to Dhamma Dena near Joshua Tree, CA for providing accomodations and support and to the retreat organizers.
That’s it for now. I’ll be off to Belgium after retreat and may write again from the next plane, hopefully without running to catch it.
With a heart of loving-kindness and happiness,
Ayya Niyyānika