Dear Friends,

As we enter the fifth month of the temporary closing of Sangha House, most of us at IMFW are eagerly awaiting the time we can return safely to the energy and vitality of face-to-face connection that serves as fuel for awakening. We have previously published that we would be closed until the end of June; our path forward is not yet evident, as we adhere to the state, federal and scientific guidelines.

Despite the uncertainty of the times, and the stress and suffering that is present for so many, our community is strong. Many of you join in Tuesday night Sangha via Zoom. This fall, Barb Lahman will be offering book group again (notice in this Newsletter). Beginning in August, we are adding Tuesday Night Connect (see below). We would appreciate hearing from you, as well, about additional ideas of how we might provide opportunities to connect and study with one another.

Beginning August 11, we will offer something new; Tuesday Night Connect. Following Sangha teaching, those who wish to leave the Zoom meeting may do so. Those who wish to participate in the Connect portion will stay online to have a more intimate opportunity to connect with Sangha members.

This gathering will start with an opportunity to check in. There are many ways one might do that; 1) sharing what might be going on in one’s personal life and how the practice is working or not working for you in that experience. 2) Ask questions about your personal practice or the Dharma in general. 3) Share any thoughts or questions you might have regarding the Dharma talk that evening. 4) Listen with present awareness to what others are offering. There is no requirement to share. If you have questions or suggestions about this, please call, email or text me.

Like all nonprofit institutions that rely on generous supporters to achieve a mission, IMFW is in need of donations. Generous donations are coming in (thank you) but we are having difficulty meeting monthly utility expenses. The building insurance is due in October and we discovered a plumbing issue that needs attention. While the building is closed, we are doing some needed repairs on the HVAC.

Your support at this time will allow us to keep Sangha House in good condition for our return. Please, if your financial situation allows, consider sending a check by mail or go to the donate button on the website to offer dana.

The grass still grows, weeds need pulled, shrubs need water. Every week a volunteer goes to mow, others tend to the gardens. We love our Sangha House and wish to keep it in top condition for the day we can all return and be together, in person and together.

We thank you for your steadfast commitment to IMFW and hope you will consider donating now to help us weather this unexpected global crisis. All contributions, no matter the size, will help IMFW as it continues its mission to strengthen peace, compassion, and generosity.

With all good wishes,
Tammy
tamaradyer6@gmail.com

Dear Friends,

In case you had not noticed . . . we have a few noise issues from our HVAC system at Sangha House! If you’ve ever taken a class downstairs you know that it has often been a choice between hearing – or comfort. Often the HVAC system is turned off because it is so loud. Thanks to Sangha member volunteer, Gary Hogle who has been working with HVAC professionals, Flowtech. They have uncovered shortcomings in our system and are preparing to install extra return air ducts which should reduce the noise, improve overall comfort in the building, and reduce the cost of running the system. The work is planned to be completed during the month of August while the building is not open for regular use. Gary has agreed to oversee the work. The estimated cost is over $3,000 for the duct work alone. In addition there will be related expenses to repair and paint drywall.

A deep bow of gratitude to all of the volunteers who have kept the building and grounds looking terrific; JD Nye, Charlie Burd, Rick Boys, Tammy Dyer, Barb Lahman, and Dan O’Kelly have been mowing, weeding and watering plants, even trimming trees. Also, thanks to Gary Hogle for the time and attention given to helping improve the HVAC system.

We have many free Zoom offerings. Please check them out! Tammy is offering a Connect Time to talk about your practice after the Zoom Dharma talk on Tuesday nights.

Thank you for your generous donations which enable us to continue offering these transformational teachings.

Kind regards,

Deb

The 37 Practices are the antidotes to life's highs and lows, and a way to learn about equanimity. The Practices help someone who is on a path to awakening.

"Skillful attitudes of mind are the key to facing potentially explosive situations and the ongoing highs and lows of life and practice. In fact, recognizing these attitudes and cultivating their antidotes is the foundation for all spiritual growth… By cultivating skillful attitudes of mind, we will respond to more and more of life with awareness and wisdom. With steady awareness of the way things are, the perseverance to stay with that awareness, and the willingness to learn from it, we maximize our sense of well-being."

Excerpted from Tricycle in an article by Steve Armstrong

John and Pam Steinbach have been practicing Buddhism for much of their adult lives. On Fridays at 6:30 PM, their Zoom class on 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva continues during the month of August. In Mahayana Buddhism, a bodhisattva refers to anyone who has generated bodhicitta, a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind seeking to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. These thirty-seven practices offer the seeker a way to integrate the Eightfold Path more fully into daily life. Come and hear John and Pam’s stories and the ways in which they have been affected by these practices. This is an ongoing class and you may join at any time.

Email pamela@appreciateyourlife.com for the Zoom password and explore how these thirty-seven practices can deepen your understanding of bodhicitta and lead to awakening.