Thursday, July 30, 2020

Like kelp in the ocean (Insight LA)

Founder Trudy Goodman (insightla.org); Ashley Wells, CC Liu (eds.). Wisdom Quarterly

Jack Kornfield + Trudy Goodman
The Pacific Ocean has been cool again this week, good weather for kelp. In ideal conditions kelp can grow 12 inches to 18 inches a day. Kelp stores carbon as efficiently as tropical rainforests.

Kelp in the Pacific nourishes thousands of species who graze on the blades (leaves); it shelters fish, seals, sea lions, and whales who seek safety and refuge in the forest fronds; the anchoring roots are home to anemones, sponges, and starfish. Sea otters take naps wrapped in kelp frond hammocks so they won’t drift out to sea while sleeping.

One of the great joys of life is watching folks who practice meditation grow like kelp, in insight and metta. Insight or mindfulness meditation is a way to transform the experience of suffering (disappointment) and let go of what is not needed in life.

Humans are a different species, obviously not brown algae like kelp, but all life needs certain conditions to exist and thrive. The ideal conditions for kelp to grow – upwelling cool water to bring nutrients to the kelp forest, strong rock foundation to anchor it during storms, light for photosynthesis – all reminiscent of what’s needed to cultivate strong mindfulness.

Loving kindness (metta) in awareness is the cool water, the upwelling of nourishment for our hungry hearts, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness are the rock that anchors stability of presence-of-mind when the heart wants to turn away, so that mindful awareness illuminates life.

Like the refuge of the kelp forest, a steady meditation practice shows us how to rest and relax with things just as they are, without getting uprooted and drifting away lost at sea. Nature, the ocean, the teachings of loving kindness can provide shelter from stormy weather and global uncertainty.

Understanding the conditions needed to be of benefit, we humans, like kelp, can be an ecological treasure. Nourishing ourselves with a regular practice, we flourish and become a treasure -- nurturing all those around us.

Love,
Trudy Goodman
Founder of insightLA.org

Let's connect. Register now for these upcoming Special Events, Affinity Groups, and Practice Groups.

Featured Special Event


This Vulnerable Human Life

with Frank Ostaseski​

Saturday, August 15, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT

More Special Events and Series

THIS WEEKEND


Mindfulness of Body, Energy, and Emotions: An Introduction to the Nine Bodies with Phillip Moffitt and Tuere Sala
Saturday, August 1, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM PT

The Antidotes for Our Collective and Individual Burnout with Eve Ekman, PhD
Sunday, August 2, 2020 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM PT

UP NEXT


Fierce Self-Compassion 2-Day Workshop with Kristin Neff, PhD
Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2020 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM PT

The Relaxed Mind with Beth Sternlieb and Kate Lila Wheeler
Saturday, August 22, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM PT


Intro to Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication with Meenadchi
Monday, August 24, 2020 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM PT
BIPOC: Intro to Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication with Meenadchi
Monday, August 31, 2020 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM PT

An Evening with Dan Siegel MD and Trudy Goodman PhD
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM PT

The Dharma of Anxiety and Uncertainty: Finding the Inner Trust Fund
Saturday, September 5, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PT

Real Change: Mindfulness To Heal Ourselves and the World
Saturday, September 12, 2020 | 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM PT

Affinity Groups

Mindful Parents Practice Group: Fridays, 1 - 2 PM PT
Managing Stress and Emotions from Job Loss: This Saturday, 8:30 - 9:30 AM PT
Mindful Writer's Practice Group: This Sunday, 1:30 - 3:30 PM PT
Chronic Pain and Illness Practice Group: Sundays, 1:30 - 3:30 PM PT
Meditación en Tiempos Difíciles: Los Lunes, 6:30 - 7:30 PM PT 
BYOD: Supper with Old and Older Friends: This Tuesday, 5:45 PM - 7 PM PT
Men’s Wednesday Morning Practice Group: Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 AM PT
Meditación Calmando la Mente y el Corazón: Los Miércoles, 9 - 9:45 AM PT
Mindful Aging: Wednesdays, 10:15 - 11:45 AM PT
Chronic Pain and Illness Practice Group: Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:30 PM PT
Summer Hang Out: Mindfulness for Teens: This Wednesday, 4 - 5 PM PT

Practice Groups

Calm the Mind: Fridays, 12 - 12:45 PM PT
Morning Community Sit – Guided Meditation: Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 8 AM
Listening to the Wisdom of the Heart: Mondays, 12 - 12:45 PM PT
Stillness in a Chaotic World: Tuesdays, 6:15 - 7 PM PT
Community Practice Group: Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:15 PM PT
South Bay – Redondo Beach Practice Group: Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:15 PM PT
Compassion and Resilience in Difficult Times: Wednesdays, 12 - 12:45 PM PT
Be With the Body: Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7 PM PT
Deepening Your Practice (Peer Led): Thursdays, 7 - 8:30 AM PT
Thursday Evening Practice Group: Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:15 PM PT


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