Dear Friends,
Summer is here with alternating periods of sun and rain. The high humidity makes everything feel moist and heavy. Opening the door, one is hit in the face with blast furnace temperatures. At times like this it is tempting to consider taking a break from our practice. A voice in our heads says " You can resume when the weather is more suitable and comfortable. Take a break." It can be difficult staying in the present moment when we are uncomfortable.
But we are taught that we need to begin where we are. And we are in south Florida and its is summer. It is natural for the temperature and humidity to be high. We must make the best of it.
Take advatage of the mornings and early evenings. Avoid going out in the middle of the day if possible. Connect with something in nature everyday. There can be a sense of cleansing with the heat and humidity.
I did a yoga class this morning near the beach. It was hot and I was feeling weak and limp. The instructor wanted me to do backbends which are not my favorite asana. I spent a few moments feeling miserable and then I surrendered to the moment. I leaned backwards while sittting on my heels lifting up form the core. From this new perspective, looking at the world upside down, I noticed what I hadn't previously seen. The sea oats were swaying in the gentle breeze and in the distance the sun was reflecting on the ocean swells so intensely they seemed to be on fire.
One moment in misery, the next in bliss. We stay aware through both. In moments of misery we surrender to the discomfort and wait to see what arises next. It might be something beautiful.
Did I mention the mosquitoes?
NEWS:
• Rising Moon will have a float in the 4th of July Parade. This is the 50th anniversary of the parade and at the last minute we decided to help celebrate this wonderful community tradition. We are planning to have a 4 wheel pedal power bicycle surrey complete with a red and white striped roof. Elena has volunteered to decorate and Angel and Mauricio will help Bill pedal. Its not too late if you would like to join in the fun ( send email ). Next month we will include a picture of the float.
• Attention early risers: Rising Moon will be open in July for Monday morning sittings at 6:00 AM. We finish at 7:30 AM. Morning practice is a bit different as we do more chanting and bowing during the first period and then 2 regular 20 minute sittings. It is a wonderful way to start the day.
• Found Person of the Month: We found Junes's MP Nancy Coppola in Homestead where she moved with her husband Michael in 2005. They love being near the farms and the Everglades with the attendant slower pace that life offers. She is still active with IZIF and attends sangha Sundays but doesn't come to Key Biscayne because she sees double at night and doesn't like to drive in the dark. Hobbies include photography, online Buddhist forums and volunteer work. She is chairperson of the Bea Peskoe Lunchtime Lecture Series at the Homestead Center for the Arts. She meditates when she wishes to and enjoys these times.
• Missing Person of the Month: Has anyone heard from Clara Rodriguez? She sat regularly with us in 2004 at the former "zendo" on Glenridge Rd.
• RM founding member Marius Robinson has been experiencing some health issues and we ask that you send healing energy.
CALENDAR:
• Rising Moon meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the home of Bill Durham. Please call or email prior to first visit. Schedule: 7:30 PM tea and light conversation, 8:00 chanting, 8:05 meditation, 8:25 slow walking, 8:35 meditation, 9:00 finish. For additional information visit www.kbzen.org.
• Rising Moon will be open on Monday mornings at 6:00 AM during July. See News section for details.
• July 11, Meditation Day at IZIF. 8:00 AM til 5:00 PM. A great way to deepen your practice. Includes healthy organic lunch.
• August 7-9, Mindful Awareness Week-end at IZIF. A great opportunity to slow down and really settle into the present moment.
• September 19, Meditation Day. IZIF
NOTES:
Rising Moon Sitting Group is a satellite group of the International Zen Institute of Florida. www.IZIF.org