Saturday, October 22, 2022

The Awakened Life with Beth Upton (video)

Beth Upton (bethupton.com); Dhr. Seven (ed.), Ananda (Dharma B Meditation), Wisdom Quarterly

When Beth Upton was a nun (sayalay)
It is going to be a sudden change of weather (and seasons) for Beth Upton as she prepares to travel to frosty Canada to an upcoming retreat, having just finished ten days of filming YouTube videos in sunny Southern Spain.

Filming with Alexis
She's happy to say that although not without challenges, it was a productive ten days of filming. Thanks to all who sent in ideas for videos! She's excited to have covered most of the topics suggested and to have made several videos on more advanced meditation techniques that she will be releasing over the coming months.

Videographer Alexis with Beth Upton
She would also like to offer an extra special thanks to her ever-patient friend and videographer Alexis. Quite simply, she wouldn't be able to do it without him.

In 2019, Alexis made a film about Burma (Myanmar). It offers a great window into Burmese culture and into Alexis' adventurous nature:


Since making the film, there was a military coup and several of the people Alexis met along the way have been severely affected. He is now fundraising for a building project to help house 70 children whose homes have been destroyed by the military.

He has already had success finding funds to house some of the most vulnerable children, but he estimates another £1000 is needed to complete the project. For more information or to make a donation, email Alexis at: alexispn777@gmail.com.

Meditation Cave Community of Spain
As regards fundraising, Beth Upton is delighted and grateful to announce that the Cave Spiritual Community (Sanditthika Meditation Center) recently reached its fundraising goal of 30,000 euros! A huge thanks to all who supported the fundraiser with money, time, and skills.

It is a source of great joy and excitement to see this budding community begin to blossom. To find out more about Sanditthika, take a look: Sandiṭṭhika Meditation Community (sanditthika.org).

Loving-kindness practice

Out today is Upton's latest YouTube video on one of her favorite practices to do in a city: loving-kindness (metta) sent to groups.

Online group interviews
Tuesday Oct. 11th was the latest group interview. These online sessions offer us the chance not only to ask questions about our own meditation, but also to listen and learn from the questions of others. These group sessions are open to everyone and are also a good option if one is having difficulty booking a one-on-one Zoom appointment with her. Book a spot on a group interview up to a month in advance here: bethupton.com/group-interview.

Full moon gathering
On Tuesday Nov. 8th, 8:00-10:00 pm UK time, she will be hosting the next full moon gathering.

These gatherings are a great opportunity to come together to deepen our connections to the Dharma (the Buddha's Teachings) and to each other. The next gathering will be on the topic of nature -- how interaction with our natural environment impacts our Dharma practice and how our Dharma practice can impact our natural environment. Everyone is welcome! Book for full moon gathering.

Zoom appointments
Although Beth Upton will be leading a retreat through October and November, she will still be making time available for Zoom appointments on most weekdays. Book regular one-on-one Zoom appointments with her up to two weeks in advance here: bethupton.com/online-appointment.

Upcoming retreats
If interested in joining a retreat with her then take a look at her upcoming retreats here: Retreats and events

Support
As ever, all of Beth Upton's work is given on a donation basis. For information about some ways in which one can support her work, take a look here: bethupton.com/support-my-work.

No comments: