IMS Online Learning Center

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Amidst the unfolding polycrisis and in the face of the magnitude of suffering in the world today, we can often find ourselves asking if we are doing enough. Many of us live in a culture that prizes energetic doing and active determination, where being quiet and simply listening can often be viewed as laziness or avoidance. It may feel like there’s no place for our spiritual practice, or that our unique gifts and individual expressions may not be appreciated or needed. The cultures of social or environmental activism are not exempt from this value system, so it can be easy to question or judge ourselves when we pause to look inward, go on retreat or offer a chant or prayer, and in so doing feeling as though we are not doing enough or have nothing to offer. But without a mindful pause, we can easily get caught in the forces of greed, aversion, and delusion. Soon our actions, however well-intended, are infused with ill-will or reactivity, and we end up feeling depleted, helpless, and angry. 

There are endless ways to engage lovingly with a world in need, and this class is meant to support people in finding their own natural way of doing so. The world needs each and every one of us to show up and engage, to do what is ours to do. Together, we will let the Dharma move us to act from a place of love in the face of so much pain. All are welcome.