Buddhist Dating: open to desire? (InsightLA)

InsightLA Senior Teacher Justine Dawson; Ananda (DBM), Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Instructor Justine Dawson

Desire is one of the most potent forces in human experience. More than just a sexual urge, the energy of desire (thirst, craving, lust, grasping, attachment, neediness, clinging) sparks inspiration, nourishes vitality, and fuels creativity.

It’s life’s call into aliveness and connection [and disappointment and this endless merry-go-round called samsara].

• Dating with Depth with Justine Dawson

When we try to disconnect from desire, it’s not uncommon to feel listless, uncertain, or lost. The experience of desire can also stir confusion, touch shame, and activate clinginess.

As soon as craving arises, there's dukkha.

There’s a reason we fear desire. So how do we engage with desire skillfully? What does it look like to turn towards desire, become curious about its nature, and integrate its intelligence and aliveness? 

When we include desire in our practice, and apply mindfulness, we discover it can be the foundation of healthy boundaries and intuitive knowing. We access its energy. We deepen our intimacy. And we may even find it to contain the seeds of our awakening – acting as an agent that shakes up our narrow sense of self, our ideas of who we “should be,” revealing something authentic and whole. 

In this highly interactive and practical class, explore how to skillfully come into relationship with desire in all its manifestations.

Through conversation, meditation, inquiry practices, and optional paired exercises, develop the capacity to:

• Become aware of what you desire, tuning into the subtle whispers and sensations of your body and engaging them as a guide
• Be with the experience of longing, without collapse or reactivity
• Develop understanding of (and practices for) the fear and shame that keep you from working consciously with desire
• Express desire skillfully, discovering its connection to healthy boundaries
• Discern between the intelligence of desire and the suffering of greed and clinging
• Cultivate the energy of desire to bring more vitality into your life and mindfulness practice

Our minds are hacked! (Dr. Lustig)

This class is welcoming to and inclusive for all adults (18+), single or in relationship, of all genders and sexual orientations.

Due to the connected nature of conversation in this class, all students are asked to introduce themselves with video on.

SCHEDULE:

• Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 pm PT
• September 8
• September 15
• September 22
• September 29

COST: Optional suggested donation... More

Dating with Depth

Slow down, man! Let's take this course at InsightLA together to do this right, okay?

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Tired of endless Fumble swiping? Would it be better to connect with others in a deep and fulfilling way? Join InsightLA Senior Teacher Justine Dawson for a 3-week exploration of sexy and mindful DATING. Through conversation, meditations, experiential inquiry, and optional homework exercises, explore how to:

• Take on dating as a practice for growth and self-awareness
• Create a dating profile that reflects your true self and desires
• Set up dates that are fun, meaningful, and feel good
• Develop intimacy skills with every interaction... More