Jivani Lisa

Mindfulness Community of Hampton Roads

March 4, 2022 Jivani Lisa

The Mindfulness Community of Hampton Roads was founded in May 1992. Its mission is to provide a sangha, or community, to support those who practice Buddhism in Norfolk and elsewhere in Hampton Roads. Although formation of the Mindfulness Community of Hampton Roads was inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, it became evident soon after its inception that there was a need to expand its scope to embrace the support of practitioners from all Buddhist traditions, as well as those who practice secular mindfulness and have an interest in Buddhism.

The sangha was on hiatus due to COVID-19 protocols, but is now meeting again. All are welcome to join us in our practice, including beginners. We meet on the first and third Sunday (10:30AM-12:30PM) of each month. Although basic meditation instruction is available for beginners, many in our group have received meditation instruction in some other context.

“A sangha is a community of resistance, resisting the speed, violence, and unwholesome ways of living that are prevalent in our society… A good sangha can lead in the direction of harmony and awareness.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Find more information here: Mindfulness Community of Hampton Roads

Poetry, Spirituality

Heron

March 3, 2022 Jivani Lisa

Heron
swoops in
before me,
wings rustling
the wind.
Light footsteps
barely brush
fertile earth.
Feathers fluff,
eyes take in all.
A quiet, gentle
spirit is.
Then beak jabs
soft ground –
some small snake
captured.
Heron shakes
and shakes
his head
to effect
sure death.
A good meal
on a clear day.

Spirituality, Yoga

Why Resistance is Necessary

March 2, 2022 Jivani Lisa

“Resistance is Necessary” by Sri Swami Satchidananda….

We are all searching for the happiness and peace that we once experienced. Now it seems to be missing. Certainly we want to find it the quickest way possible. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come that easily. We have to go through many kinds of resistance. Why? Because only by passing through resistance do we become stronger. Resistance is necessary.

A seed needs some sort of resistance. That’s why you dig a hole, put the seed in and cover it up. Then it says, “Oh, you think you are going to stop me here? I’m going to come up!” It pushes through and grows strong.

So don’t look for the way of least resistance. No matter how big that resistance is, face the situation. Your own strength, your own mental courage will help you a lot. Once you feel that, “Yes, I can win it!” you will win. Don’t say, “Ah, I don’t know. I’ll try.” No. With that attitude, you have already lost seventy-five percent of your strength. Be bold. Be strong. “I will achieve it. Today or tomorrow I am going to get it.” That’s very important. You need that will to achieve what you really want in life.

Spirituality, Yoga

Jnana Yoga study group

January 3, 2022 Jivani Lisa

Namaste! I’ve been reading and re-reading this book by Swami Vivekananda. I absolutely love it! First published in 1902, it’s a compilation of lectures given by the Swami to large groups of people. Here’s the book’s description:

“In the pages of this book, one comes across a brilliant exposition of the philosophy of Vedanta and its practice through the method of enquiry and discrimination. These lectures were delivered by Swami Vivekananda at London and New York. The great Swami’s exposition of a subject so abstruse in a style which makes its comprehension easy even for an ordinary man is nothing short of a miracle in the English language. One of the best books dealing with the path of discrimination for attaining the summum bonum of human life and hence very important, not only for the seekers of truth, but also for the academicians and students of Vedanta.”

I’m beginning a weekly study group for this book beginning on Wednesday, January 12th at 1:30PM eastern time. Please contact me if you’d like to receive the Zoom link to join our discussions.

Peace to all!

Vibrant Health

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

January 3, 2022 Jivani Lisa

Happy New Year! Make this the year you decide to take care of your physical, mental, and/or spiritual needs. How exactly do you do that? Set S.M.A.R.T. goals! Decide exactly what you’ll do each week. Make what you do:

S = specific;

M = measurable;

A = attainable;

R = relevant;

T = time-sensitive.

Basically, what will you do, how will you know you’ve done it, when, where, how, why? You deserve to be happy and healthy!