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BPF/NY Peaceful stories

Please feel free to read stories from chapter participants in The Village Zendo's Journal, True Expression:

• Sangha Treasure: Life as an Instrument of Peacemaking
• MeditateNYC
• Heaven and Earth: Precepts and Taxes

Peace Practice: Trusting the Heart's Intention - Manifesting Change

This practice comes out of sharings during last month's gathering, at the turning of the year. We spoke about the legacy of active non-violence, which connect the teachings of the Buddha to those of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to this election year.

We watched flowers in the center of our gathering circle. These appeared to be alive and dying at the same time. We reflected on transitioning, moment by moment and breath by breath. We reflected on what is seen and what is unseen.

Now, in the heart of winter, we can pause to integrate these aspects as they inform what gives meaning to our lives, individually and in relationship with all beings. We do this by listening deeply to intention right now. In this way, we are manifesting change.

Here's how the practice works:

Sit quietly for a few minutes. Then, allow each of the following three questions to drop in and listen deeply for any sensations, feelings, images, or thoughts which arise. There is no need to try to "think" about these. Please invite trust that the answer is already there, waiting to be heard once we can become quiet enough to hear it. Here are the questions:

1. Whenever anxiety or other forms of distressing/uncomfortable feelings or sensations arise, ask: What am I feeling right now and where do in my body do I sense it?

Try to be concrete with this and limited in scope, for instance: "I'm anxious and feel it as tightness in my chest."

2. After you realize the feeling and sensations, ask:

What is my heart's intention right now?

Notice the sensations, which arise as you consider this question. Offer yourself time to experience these and perhaps any shift in your state of mind/body/heart as you listen deeply.

For example: "I'm anxious because I really want to connect with this person and I'm not sure how."

3. After you notice your intention, ask:

What would support me in realizing this intention?

For example, you might hear a voice say, "Love you," and become aware of where you experience that sensation of loving or being loved. This might inspire you to keep breathing into this part of your body, deepening an experience of this sensation.

Your experiences and impressions are wholeheartedly welcome at the next BPFNY monthly gathering.

As we practice together in this season, may our heartfelt aspirations in each moment help us 'be peace' together with all beings.

in peace,
Judy

Judy Seicho Fleischman
Coordinator, BPF/NY

Ongoing Peace Practices

Jizos for Peace

Non-violent Communication Practice