Sunday Gatherings:
Kindness, Compassion, and Resilience
Oct. 23—Nov. 20, 3:30–5:00 pm. Scroll down for details.
Open to all, no charge. Most gatherings are held at the Quaker Meeting House (see dates below), which is mobility accessible, with street and neighborhood parking, and bike racks in front.
Our practices grow from the roots of compassion and service reflected in stories of Neem Karoli Baba, mirroring the wisdom of the world’s enduring spiritual traditions. All are welcome to join us to chant, sit in stillness, share reflections, and connect.
Feel free to bring a few flowers for our small altar, or fruit or sweets to share. Program donations are completely optional (to help cover space rental), at the door or online.
* Sundays: Oct. 23 & 30, and Nov. 13 & 20, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Quaker Meeting House, 4312 SE Stark, Portland, Room 12
(Possible morning on Nov. 6, 9:30-11:00 am; contact us for location and details.)
These gatherings explore wisdom practices that nurture stability and resilience and enhance our capacity to be of service, whatever the circumstances. Kindness and community are vital to well-being, especially when growing tensions affect us, our loved ones, and our planet. In stressful times, even trusted systems can fail and deep divisions can undermine our sense of balance and hope. Communities of practice validate our longing for a livable, caring world and strengthen our intentions to nurture that possibility. Together, we’re reminded that we all belong and we all can serve, here and now.
These circles will resemble Living Earth’s Open Door dharma gatherings and Lovingkindness retreats over the past 20 years. We’ll settle in, chant, sit, and reflect on teachings from Ram Dass and others addressing the theme of kindness, compassion, and community in troubled times.
Living Earth’s gatherings have their own fluid shape, but they carry a deep appreciation and gratitude for Ram Dass’s many retreats and satsang teachings for more than fifty years, as well as Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy’s interactive practices for balance and engaging.
For a more extended look at this subject, check out Love Serve Remember’s course, Foundations of Kindness.