Let's get something going....

hey folks, how about we start a discussion?

with introductions? or why you would want to be on a list like this?

or what interests you about being 'engaged' as a shambhalian??

curious,
kate

Re: Let's get something going....

Hey there, Kate.

Many of the discussion forums here seem pretty latent, despite growing membership, so thanks for trying to get some connection and dialogue started.

Per your inquiry:

Intro: My profile gives a proper introduction, but the snapshot is that I'm an 'in the world' mystic and lover of the Beloved. My 'Planet Earth' vocation is writing and consulting to right-livelihood and/or 'living economies' entrepreneurs, healers, and leaders who want to align who they truly are, how they are, and what they do in the world.

I've been inspired for a couple of years by the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and engaged spirituality and mystic activism just make a lot of sense. No teaching is complete or truly understood until it is embodied, or 'engaged'. If it's just intellectual, there's more work to do!

And you?

Sincerely,
Jamie

Re: Let's get something going....

hey jaimie, thanks for posting and introducing yourself!
 
i too have noticed that the 'pod' idea here at zaadz is sometimes not exactly 'happening'. i guess you have to get a critical mass involved and then get some topics stirred up. not quite sure how to do that…. but im trying!

and i totally agree about spirituality landing in engaged activism.

i am currently working with the peacemaker institute in boulder. we do a series of trainings involving the 'contemplative approach' to social action.

i am always very interested in finding more 'skillful means' and ways that my buddhist practice can show up in the world to benefit . i've been a buddhist for over 30 years….i met chogyam trungpa at naropa university in the first summer sesssion in 1974.

i also run the prison dharma network and teach yoga and meditation in local prisons and jails.

currently i'm writing a workbook for incarcerated youth based on our peacemaker training entitled “the path to freedom”.

today i'm working on the session for 'groups' which is a large topic…groups, families, communities and in particular gangs……  how they form, why they form and what needs they meet,  how to turn conflicts in groups into creativity, how to deal with inclusion issues, choice points, etc.

Ive been researching 'gang' life and seeing that they meet….. or at least promise to meet alot of unmet needs for these kids…and that those needs are valid but the gang strategy is most times pretty misguided….. I'm looking for ways to language or inspire the possiblity of finding other ways to meet those needs than harmful behavior. but 'membership' or belonging or feeling a part of  a larger group or community. with shared values..these are pretty strong needs that need to be addressed.

 i watched an inspiring segment on msnbc last night's  'lockdown' series with a woman who is teaching shakespeare …macbeth in particular ….to men in a maximun security lockup and how inspired these men are by shakespeare…they are rewriting macbeth in their own words and then doing theatre pieces and music. very creative way to let people be heard, inspire insight, and to make use of a horrible situation for the better. one man said..and i paraphrase here “if i can walk out of here not hardened like these concrete walls ….but softened like the grass i will someday walk on….then i'll be ok”.

kate