One Breath at a Time

We read up to page 109, the bottom of the page. We are about to read about the Precept to refrain from stealing. We had a great discussion about the hindrance doubt, and then began the Precept Inventory, refraining from killing living beings. We talked about how the language encourages us to expand our perspective about what exactly that means, and in what ways we may be "killing" someone's joy or peace.

Consider that in your own life. Where has seeing a broader view of things helped you? Or where the idea of "don't know" mind has given you that broader view, and how that has impacted your recovery journey.

Hello Everyone, This week we read up to page 224 so we will start with The Lord's Prayer next week! We talked about different meditation techniques and how there is no right or wrong way, but to find what works for you and stick with it. We also read Kevin's set of prayers from A Burning Desire where he makes Buddhist prayers addressing different aspects of the dharma.

These are on pgs 222-224, and I suggest (as Kevin does) that for this week you choose one or two and recite them with intention on a daily basis and then come back to tell us of your experience here.

I already know which one I'm going to pick and will check back in later to tell you about my experience with it. As I shared in the meeting, it's the one to Not Self... May I be free from clinging to…

Hello everyone,

This week we started Step Eleven and read up to page 214 How Does Meditation Work. We talked about The Flaw of Memory and what exactly is the point of meditation.

This week's discussion question is about the point of meditation. What did meditation mean to you when you began and how has that changed in your practice now? What do you think might help you develop in your practice? Perhaps sitting more regularly, or doing more group sits, or studying more, or going on retreat? And then consider, what are you trying to develop anyway?

I know that for me, I started meditation hoping that it would get me high - or as close to it as i could get sober. I discovered that what I used to consider "high" is now more of a sense of calm and equanimity and I'm grateful when I can achiev…

Hello everyone,

This week we read up to page 207 The FLaw of Memory. We spoke about cognitive inventory, and seeing that we are not our thoughts.

We spoke about the all-or-nothing thinking that so many of us suffer from.

In the reading, Kevin says "Living with imperfection is what life is about...our spiritual life isn't about achieving some perfect state, but about living with things as they are."

What does this mean to you? Can you relate?

I know that for me, I used to think that being spiritual meant that I was above the trials and circumstances of everyday life, that I could sort of float above them without distress. I have since come to realize that, as much as it is a daily practice and an ongoing process, being spiritual means responding and not reacting to how things are from a place of calm acceptance and equanimity…