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The Under 30 meditation group at the Boston Shambhala Center managed to support each other in the practice even though they couldn’t meet physically. In the midst of a snow storm last week, the group set intentions and offered each other encouragement via the following e-mail thread. I hope you find it as uplifting as I did!
Heather: We will not be meeting tomorrow for under 30 due to the impending storm. Stay warm!
Matt: If you guys are able – set your alarms for 7 PM tomorrow and we can all sit at the same time at home~
There isn’t any substitute for getting your butt on a cushion, and even though we won’t have our regular session tomorrow due to weather, please try and sit for 30 minutes anyhow.
I’ll be sitting in my house at 7 tomorrow, won’t you join me?
Valerie: Great idea Matt. I’ll be there!
Travis: me too! (although the discussion circle will be a little harder to achieve) 
Bryan: I’m in – for the sitting as well as the telepathic discussion 
Maybe Matt can offer a topic for each of us to contemplate for the evening…
Matt: Topic- Dropping the story.
When you get really caught up in your thoughts telling yourself a long story, then you notice that you’re thinking, don’t let go of that thought, but drop the story that goes along with it. Sit with the impression you have and notice how you’re feeling; what is the real motivation behind that story?
Background- In preparing the reception for level 1 this weekend, I kept thinking about my relationships and telling myself wild stories about things going horribly wrong, but when I finally dropped the story associated with those thoughts, I noticed that I was just covering up my nervousness about finishing on time. It wasn’t a big deal, yeah I might not get done on time, but I’d do my best, and I could be OK with that. NOTE: This didn’t stop me from thinking these things, but it did give me a great insight as to why I kept getting caught in my thoughts and why they were so bizarre some times.
Ashley: This is lovely. Thanks Matt for sharing and I look forward to sitting tonight, remotely!
In addition to meditating, the group also enjoys wearing crazy wigs
Travis (at 7pm on Tuesday, when we would have been settling onto our cushions…): DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG!
Travis (at 7:30): DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooongggggggggg………….I don’t know about you. But just for kicks I’m heading downstairs for some cookies and tea.
Matt: Haha, thanks virtual Umdze Travis! Sounds like a plan~
Ashley: I’d like Travis to time-keep for reals next week!
Joseph: Thank you all for inspiring me to sit along with you 1/2 way around the world (13 hours ahead).
Geographic boundaries can’t stand in the way of mindfulness!
Valerie: Great sit! Joe so glad you could join us, meditation breaking down global barriers!
(I also agree with Ash, except I want to hear Travis’ verbal “gong” next week too)
Mason: Dang! I missed this whole thread… good stuff
Deanna: Hi everyone,
I know that I have not met many of you now on this list serv — but I wanted to chime in because the upliftedness of this group has touched me, even though I am now on the other side of the country. Your enthusiasm and commitment is contagious! It is a gift to have been a part of this group, and it is a delight to continue to get inspired by it. Thanks, friends — please stay in touch! Wishing all of you a joyful snow day.
Angela: Hello Under30!
It has been so lovely to read all the comments from everyone – members who are living both near and far. I was working at 7pm last night because I teach a class at the same time as Under30 this and last semester – I always feel sad not to be able to come most Tuesdays this year. But, I did sit yesterday, and having seen some of the emails, I was holding you all in my heart. Today, I was reflecting on how blessed I feel to have this community in my life, and how special it is, and how good it is on so many levels.
Jen: Just chiming in from the frozen depths of Fairbanks, AK…where this also inspired me to sit yesterday. I look forward to re-joining you all in person when I’m back in Boston next year, but for now this is a wonderful alternative! Thanks so much for reminding me what a wonderful community this is.
Re: I agree, although I just started coming again after almost 4 years, and I come sporadically at best, I am really grateful for this community and everyone’s dedication to staying connected!
Makes the winter seem warmer
Mia: This is definitely nice community! I couldn’t actually sit last night, but at 7 I tried to be very mindful about the tasks I was doing. It’s great to see such a wonderful response from all around the world!
Valerie: Personally, I love how perfectly this has exemplified an integration of meditation practice and western culture– which is what Chogyam Trungpa intended in the first place, right? Personally I had no idea how far-reaching this mailing list extended and to receive such warm encouragement and support from all over the world, I think, is a true testament to the Rinpoche’s cause. Call it “yeshe chölwa” but I’m loving it and proud to be a part of it.
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