The January 2019 Newsletter is Now Available

Our January 2019 newsletter is now available here. If you would like to receive our newsletter and other information by email subscribe here.

Resources for Encouragement

In these turbulent times, we would like to suggest these resources for encouragement.

 

Soltice Celebration

Many thanks to Pat and Peter Ladley for an exquisite Solstice celebration practice last Wednesday. With their guidance and lovely readings/meditation, we created a circle of light and then offered that to the Buddha in the world and in all of us.

This photo, taken by Mara Alper, captured that beauty. May all who see this be held in the Light and know that each of us is a Light for each other. Shine!

                                                                         

Winter Solstice 2018*

At our meditation tonight, we anticipate the longest hours of darkness in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring on Friday, December 21st.  The sun seems to have paused, deciding whether to move away from Earth, lessening its light. Do we fear, as did our ancient forebears, that the sun will plunge into total darkness? What do we fear most? And what gives us hope?

Now we know that there is a 23 1/2 tilt to the axis of our planet from a line perpendicular to the path of its year-long pilgrimage around our glorious daystar, the Sun. This accounts for the season of darkness, a new yet ageless season, Winter.
As we light candles this evening –

• We stand and sit and walk together on common ground;

• We dare to be light bearers in the darkness of our times;

• Indifference and injustice can be replaced by our care and compassion and solidarity for the sufferings of others;

• We are mindful that a passion for justice manifests itself not in privatism, privilege, or political correctness, but rather in concrete concern for the flourishing of all beings … for we are all Kin!

• As we light candles this evening and spread their light around this space, let us stand with hearts on fire

• Waiting, walking, watching, in the words of poet William Blake, “to bear the beams of love” that will illuminate and one day transform even our darkest night.

*Cedar Cabin Sangha Mindfulness Practice, Ithaca NY, December 19, 2018: an introduction to evening, followed by guided meditation, mindful walking with candles, tea and Dharma sharing.

(With gratitude to Edward Hayes, Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, 1988)

Peter Ladley 12/29/18

What Does It Mean to Be Kind?

I recently realized that I’ve lived most of my life without knowing the definition of kindness. For a long time, when I thought about what kindness looked like, I pictured the classic example of helping someone carry groceries to their car. I figured kindness had something to do with being friendly, perhaps with a pinch of generosity thrown in.

But what would be left if I peeled kindness away from action? ..........Read Haleigh Atwood's complete editorial at Lion's Roar.

A Note from Wake Up Ithaca

Dear Cedar Cabin Sangha,

This December, Wake Up Ithaca celebrated it's one year anniversary with a nourishing Day of Mindfulness at St. Paul's Church--complete with sitting and walking meditation, listening to a dharma talk by Thay, a delicious potluck lunch, deep relaxation, a tea ceremony, and a poem exchange. We are so grateful for the support that we've received from Cedar Cabin Sangha this past year to make this all possible.

With great gratitude,
Wake Up Ithaca

The December 2018 Newsletter is Now Available

Our December 2018 newsletter is now available here. If you would like to receive our newsletter and other information by email subscribe here.