 Hello Soma Sangha! Just a few things to say here. First, I want to say how much I enjoyed working through the Brahmaviharas series of classes with you. If you missed anything or want to go back to revisit some part of the stuff we covered, you can always come to any class and bring up the subject for discussion. The little books we used from Ajahn Amaro are always freely available electronically or by asking for them in paperback by going to our webpage and getting them. I also keep copies of the Metta Sutta on hand at the sit if you'd like one to take home, just ask. As it turned out, I was asked to lead a daylong retreat in Eugene during this series and the topic they requested was Loving-Kindness (Metta), so I was all primed for it. As I arrived in Oregon, I got some scary news that a skin cancer biopsy I had days before came back malignant and needs to be surgically removed. This is where the benefits of the practice come into the spotlight and of course having a loving, supportive partner in Emily and a loving supportive Sangha in you all. I'm told it is a very routine procedure and that I have nothing to worry about. The following week, Em and I practiced a 3-day silent retreat in Joshua Tree with Noah, Rebel Saints & Co. and found the Three Jewels alive and well in the high desert. It felt like a family affair... because it was. I highly encourage the silent retreat experience. If you'd like recommendations, please let me know. Onward, this week (June 5th) We'll wrap up the series with a second discussion around Equanimity, review the four sublime abodes as a whole and see what else we can tie into the methodology and benefits of Metta practice. Next week, June 12th, We have a special Guest Teacher, Jason Murphy, coming in to lead our group! This is a rare treat not to be missed. Catch Jason before he heads back overseas once again! (More info Below). Join us for a pizza party on June 26th, 5:30 at Little Joes to help celebrate a couple of pinnacle milestones I'm traversing :) I couldn't have done it without you and would like to share appreciation. So if you'd like, please RSVP so we have a chair for you, then just come and enjoy! The Soma Sangha Kayak Tripoffered by Chris, Owner of HMB Kayak Co. is on deck for late summer, probably August. If you haven't already signed up for this FREE GIFT, please do the next time you come sit with us. Emily's artwork: still some special edition prints available. I'll have a batch of rock-album stickers ready for the 6/12 sit. And of course, ongoing weekly meditation sittings, Dharma talks, and discussion! ~Cuz that's our JAM! JUNE 12th! Teacher: Jason Murphy-Pedulla (photo below) This evening event is open to anyone who would like to deepen their understanding of Insight meditation practices and Buddhist psychology. No prior meditation experience necessary. All teachings are freely offered and your practice of generosity is appreciated. Participants will gain an understanding of the basic tenets of the Buddha’s teaching i.e. wisdom, compassion and ethical integrity. How we can apply this ancient wisdom teaching to our current life and society? The teachings found in early Buddhism are a revolutionary and rebellious path to inner freedom. This sit will focus on engaged Buddhist practice as well as everyday mindfulness. Rebel Against Greed! Against Hatred! Against Delusion! Join in the Rebellion! Jason Murphy-Pedulla MA, LMFT has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1994. He is a meditation teacher, and therapist helping youth, families and adults for over 20 years. Jason has studied and trained with several prominent teachers in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah and Burmese Masters Mahasi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita. Among them are Ajahn Sumedho, Ajahn Passano and Amaro Bhikkhu. Other teachers and mentors have been: Mary Grace Orr, Gil Fronsdal, John Travis, Sylvia Boornstein, Jack Kornfield and Steven Smith. Jason has sat long-term residential retreats in the U.S as well as in Asia. He received ordination in the Mahasi Sayadaw lineage in 2016. Jason is empowered to teach by the Spirit Rock Teachers Council. He received his training with Noah Levine, Mary Grace Orr, Spirit Rock teacher and Bob Stahl, Ph.D., guiding teacher at Insight Santa Cruz, international teacher of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and author of several books including Living With Your Heart Wide Open. 
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