Dear Friends,

Now that we have started to settle into this "new normal", IMFW is reevaluating what we might offer to stay connected as a Sangha on the Buddha's Path of Liberation. When we closed the doors to Sangha House in March, in one short week we quickly transitioned to the Zoom online platform.

While many of us have (mostly) adapted quite well to this virtual world, it is also quite natural to yearn for its end and to speculate on the ever-shifting question of when we will be able to gather together to share warm greetings, hugs, and our joys and sorrows.

As we look ahead, we cannot foresee a time when we might return to Sangha House gatherings or what it might look like when we do. Many of you have expressed sorrow at this loss of community gatherings. So, the Board of Directors is looking for ways we might offer opportunities to connect.

As I mentioned in last month's Newsletter, the second Tuesday of each month, we will begin implementing what we are calling Second Tuesday Sangha Connect. Following the Tuesday night Sangha meeting, at 7:00, those who wish to connect on a more personal and informal way, can stay on the Zoom call. From 7-8 we will offer time for checking in with one another, discussing our current meditation practice, asking questions about the dharma, and offering comments or questions about the evening Dharma Talk... or anything else that comes to mind that you might want to share with the group. We invite and welcome anyone who wishes to participate in this more intimate time together.

Another new IMFW opportunity is bringing back the Sunday Morning Sit, outdoors! On Sunday morning at 10:00, we will gather in the back garden at Sangha House (weather permitting) to meditate together. Bring your own chair, cushion, or blanket; wear a mask, and the leader for the morning will sound the bell to begin and end the 45 minute meditation period.

Over the last few years, I have been meeting personally with yogis to discuss their personal practice and answer questions they might have regarding the dharma. Before Sangha House was closed, I met with Dharma Buddies in the Sangha House library or somewhere in the community, be it a park to walk and talk, or maybe over coffee or tea for a time to share celebrations and difficulties, or talk about some book or sutta one might be reading and studying.

I find great joy discussing the dharma and invite you to become a Dharma Buddy in whatever way you might find beneficial. Please call, text, or email if this is something you would like to do or wish to inquire about. Sometimes I meet weekly with people, sometimes monthly, sometimes just when something arises that yogis wish to discuss. The relationship can be designed to meet the needs of the student. I have so benefited from the relationship with my teacher, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia and wish to offer you the opportunity to dig deeper with me into your practice and the dharma.

If you have additional suggestions or ideas how we might create connection in these times of social distancing, please contact me or a member of the board of directors.

May you be well, healthy, and safe,

Drew Consalvo is offering an Introduction to Insight Meditation Class via Zoom. This four week, one hour class is offered freely beginning Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 pm. To sign up for the class, and to receive the Zoom link, visit https://www.imfw.org/intro.

Insight Meditation is a practice that trains the mind to be aware of what is happening, when it is happening. When we begin to see our experience more clearly, we become better able to make choices about how we might live our lives with less stress and anxiety. As the mind settles and can see more clearly into the difficult situations of our lives, the qualities of love, compassion and wisdom naturally arise.

While there is no fee for the classes, donations can offered online by clicking here for those who wish to express their gratitude for the teachings in support of the maintenance of the building and the many programs freely offered.

The second Tuesday of each month, we will begin implementing what we are calling Second Tuesday Sangha Connect. Following the Tuesday night Sangha meeting, at 7:00, those who wish to connect on a more personal and informal way, can stay on the Zoom call. From 7-8 we will offer time for checking in with one another, discussing our current meditation practice, asking questions about the dharma, and offering comments or questions about the evening Dharma Talk... or anything else that comes to mind that you might want to share with the group. We invite and welcome anyone who wishes to participate in this more intimate time together.

Sunday Morning Sits are back beginning September 6th! The new twist is that we will be hosting them outdoors, in the back garden (weather permitting). The bell to open the 45 minute meditation period will ring promptly at 10 am. Please bring your own chair, or blanket, or cushion. We ask that you continue to social distance and be safe. Masks are encouraged.

Dear Friends,

Please visit our updated website at http://www.insightfw.org/. Matthew Katinsky has graciously shared his time, talent and inspiration to help create a more inviting and informative website. Matthew, we cannot thank you enough!

The Board of Directors continues to revisit the decision about when to open the building for in person gatherings. For the time being, the building remains closed, however, we are offering different ways to connect with one another. Everyone's safety is our utmost concern. Any changes and all updates will be communicated via the newsletter and the website.

We invite people to take advantage of our garden space at Sangha House, 2332 Sandpoint Road! While the building remains closed, our gardens are as lovely as ever! If you are looking for a quiet spot for meditation or simply a refreshing break; Sangha House may just be the place!

Tammy is offering a time to connect with each other after the Tuesday Zoom Dharma talk on the second Tuesday of each month. She talks about this in more depth in her letter.

The HVAC improvements are wrapping up! We are encouraged that this will provide a more comfortable and quieter experience inside of Sangha House. There will still need to be some painting and clean-up work.

A deep bow of gratitude for those who continue to support IMFW through the dana of their financial gifts and their time and effort donated to help keep the building and grounds looking great. We cannot thank you enough.