Get some insight — and much more — from Sylvia Boorstein

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Get some insight — and much more — from Sylvia Boorstein Posted: 13 Jul 2012 01:00 PM PDT Our new Sylvia Boorstein spotlight page features the best of her work from the Shambhala Sun, including her latest piece, "I Want to Be… Insightful," from the July 2012 magazine. In it, she writes that we suffer not because there's anything inherently wrong with us but simply because we misunderstand the nature of reality. "The idea of no separate, enduring self—emptiness—is a peculiar idea until we have a direct experience of it. It certainly feels that there is a little "Me" living in our bodies that decides what to do, that sees out of our eyes, that realizes it has woken up in the morning. The "Me" has thought patterns that are habitual associated with it, so it feels enduring. If I woke up one morning thinking other people's thoughts it would be deeply disturbing. "So it was a complete surprise to me, some years into my retreat practice, to be practicing walking meditation, sensing physical movements and sights and smells and heat and cool, and realizing that everything was happening all by itself. No one was taking that walk: "I" wasn't there." You can read a longer excerpt from "I Want to Be… Insightful" here, and you'll find the whole thing inside our July 2012 magazine—click here to order a copy of this issue, and here to subscribe. Read More @ Source

Metta Institute founder Frank Ostaseski invites you to join teleconference with Stephen and Ondrea Levine Posted: 13 Jul 2012 10:00 AM PDT Ondrea & Stephen Levine The Shambhala Sun Foundation is pleased to co-sponsor this free teleconference. Here, Metta Institute founder Frank Ostaseski explains why it shouldn't be missed. "Be sure to join in rare opportunity to be with my friends Stephen and Ondrea Levine. They are magnificent teachers with a wealth of knowledge to share on healing into life and death." –Ram Dass How often are you invited to spend an hour with two of the most remarkable teachers of our generation? Please accept my personal invitation to join us for a free teleconference with the Levines at 12 p.m. PDT July 24. Let me tell you why. For over 30 years, Stephen and Ondrea have selflessly supported those who are life-threatened, and their caregivers. Their healing and forgiveness workshops, writings, and endless compassion have touched the lives of thousands of people all over the world. I feel a deep personal gratitude and love for Stephen and Ondrea. They have been my teachers and friends for over 20 years and a steady inspiration in our service with dying. Much of our work at the Metta Institute is influenced by their early teachings. When I was creating the Zen Hospice Project, Stephen was a trusted guide. He regularly offered wise counsel, met with our volunteers and lent us his confidence, humor and kind heart when ours floundered. He taught me to trust in the Mystery, that when we acted with integrity from a clear intention, what was most needed would follow. I remember a meeting in the early days of Zen Hospice. We were wringing our hands over how to raise the money we needed to care for men and women who were dying on the streets of San Francisco. Some questioned if would be able to continue. Just then, the phone rang. It was Stephen. He said, "Ondrea and I are coming to town soon. We wondered if we could maybe help you guys by doing a benefit." (Stephen has always had a terrific sense of timing!) Stephen is a rebel… a radical who has helped create a gentle revolution in this country in the way we care for the dying. He is an authentic teacher, who with Ondrea has embraced multiple traditions while skillfully avoiding the dogma of any one. Perhaps the practices they have most developed are that of conscious relationship and compassionate service. During this special 60-minute teleconference Stephen & Ondrea will discuss care of the dying, forgiveness, the spiritual journey and Ondrea's new autobiography The Healing I Took Birth For. It will be their first public teaching in 10 years. Their contribution to the dharma and conscious dying is priceless. Now is time for us to support them. Stephen and Ondrea are both facing significant illnesses and the resulting financial burdens. When you join the teleconference, you will have an opportunity to both benefit from their teachings and extend your gratitude and respect in a most practical way. Frank Ostaseski Founder, Metta Institute, Co-Founder Zen Hospice Project To join the teleconference or to receive a free podcast, register in advanced here. Read More @ Source

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