news & views, 2013

OPEN WAY NEWS & VIEWS VOL. 24, NO. 1 FALL 2013

OPEN WAY SANGHA, INC. • MISSOULA, MONTANA • WWW.OPENWAY.ORG PAGE 1

Open WayNews & Views

Dharma Practice in the Tradition ofThich Nhat Hanh & The Order of Interbeing

Ripening Practice:Gifts Along the Path

Contributors* to*this* issue*were*invited*to*share*re1lections*and*experiences* around* the* theme* of* the* gifts* we* have* received*along*the*path*of* Practice.*The*sharing*that*follows*comes*out*of*retreats,* days*of*mindfulness,* and*mundane*moments.*They*all*point*to*the*power,*surprise,*and*joy*that*our*practice*offers*us,* and*we*hope*you*will* 1ind*them*inspiring–our*Dharma*gift*to*you,*Dear*Friends.

Nicole'DunnCultivating JoyWhen'I'emerged'from'a'mentally'and'emotionally'dif6icult'sum8

mer'a'couple'of'years'ago,'I'came'to'understand'that'joy'takes'prac8tice.'Before'that'point,'I'think'what'I'6igured'(subconsciously)'was'that'joy'was'something'that'either'happened'to'me'from'outside'forces,'or'was'something'that'sort'of'magically'appeared'when'the'conditions'were'“right.”'Either'way,'I'didn’t'play'an'active'role'in'whether'joy'manifested'or'not.'After'that'dark'summer,'I'came'away'with'two'very'deep'realizations:'1.'Joy'takes'practice.'2.'My'happiness'really'is'up'to'me.Cultivating'joy'is'simple'(although'most'likely'not'easy)'–'we'have'

to'do'it.'We'actually'have'to'physically'practice'joy.'Just'as'if'we'were'to'go'and'learn'how'to'play'the'piano,'to'paint,'to'play'tennis,'how'to'6ly'6ish,'or'crochet,'we'have'to'put'in'the'time'necessary'to'master'the'art'of'joyful'living.'It'may'feel'foreign'at'6irst,'even'awkward.'But'we'would'not'expect'to'sit'down'to'learn'how'to'play'the'piano'and'be8come'a'brilliant'pianist'in'a'matter'of'minutes.'We'have'to'put'the'time'and'effort'into'learning.'We'have'to'be'patient.'It'is'like'this'too'with'the'cultivation'of'joy.So'how'do'we'practice'joy?'What'does'that'mean?'It'means'that'

we'make'time'to'do'the'things'that'create'for'us'an'authentic'sense'of'connection.'It'might'be'a'connection'to'ourselves,'to'others,'or'to'the'

IN THIS ISSUE:

ART

POETRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

PRACTICE REFLECTIONS

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world.'But'most'importantly'it'would'foster'our'connection'to'feelings'of'gratitude,'understanding,'and'harmony.'It'would'bring'us'home'to'the'here'and'now.'Too'often'we'prioritize'things'which'are'of'the'least'value,'such'as'watching'TV'or'sur6ing'the'net,'or'a'complete'waste'of'time'all'together,'such'as'worrying'about'the'future'or'living'in'the'past.'We'need'to'make'time'for'the'things'that'we'enjoy'doing.'And'it’s'important'to'remember'that'what'brings'joy'to'one'person'may'be'different'for'another.'There'are'as'many'ways'to'practice'joy'as'there'are'stars'in'the'sky.Gratitude'is'also'an'element'of'joy.'The'practice'

of'gratitude'strengthens'our'versatility,'adaptabil8ity,'and'acceptance'of'how'life'unfolds.'There'will'always'be'things'to'dislike,'situations'that'make'us'uncomfortable,'and'things'that'happen'that'we'don’t'want'to'happen.'There'will'also'always'be'beauty,'there'will'always'be'goodness,'there'will'always'be'a'multitude'of'things'to'be'grateful'for.'

When'we'cultivate'gratitude'we'practice'the'art'of'going'with'the'6low'of'life'instead'of'6ighting'against'it.'We'practice'widening'our'perspective,'balance,'and'light8heartedness.'We'practice'seeing'the'present'moment'in'full,'vibrant'color.'We'need'to'make'the'practice'of'gratitude'important,'be8cause'it'is.'If'we'are'not'rooted'in'gratitude'then'it'will'be'impossible'to'develop'true'joy.To'review,'Step'One:'Do'it.'Step'Two:'Enjoy'it.'

Step'Three:'Be'grateful!

(This*is*an*edited*version*of*a*threeCpart*series*of*blog*posts.*Read*more*of*Nicole’s*mindfulness*pracCtice*blog*at*www.*goingoutwordsandinwords.*wordpress.*com).

f

PEBBLE SANGHADid you know?There’s a sangha on retreat down on the beach.It’s only been going on for about ten thousand years.Did you notice?They don’t always sit in silence.They don’t always sit in stillness.Sometimes, when you shuffle your feet through them,They are tinkling little bells.Sometimes they tumble in the wind-driven waves,Practicing over and over a primal, chaotic, full-contactTouching of the Earth.Over the eons, they have become skillful.They have ground off each others’ sharp edges,Now more gently rubbing polished shoulders.So that, when they are silent, when they are still,You can see how they nestle together in perfect sangha,Each a lake-splashed jewel,None worried that in another ten thousand years,They will be sand,Still sparkling in the lapping water.

Steve Allison-BunnellFlathead Lake Rafael*Grana



http://www.goingoutwordsandinwords.wordpress.com






Gina'GarlieEnjoy The Present MomentWhile'at'one'of'my'6irst'retreats'with'Thay,'I'

purchased'his'calligraphy,'“Enjoy'the'Present'Mo8ment.”'To'this'day,'it'hangs'in'my'dining'room'of8fering'inspiration.'Over'time,'I’ve'added'alternate'endings'of'this'gatha'to'create'awareness'of'my'habit'energy'and'to'the'wonder'that'the'present'moment'truly'is'a'gift'available'to'each'of'us,'right'now.

“Enjoy*The* Present*Moment.*Stop*Trying* to*Control*It.”

The'habit'energy'of'thinking'I'control'each'moment'has'been'a'deep'seed'planted'within'me.'Adding'this'addition'to'the'gatha'brings'a'smile'to'my'face'and'helps'catch'me'in'my'habit'energy'of'wanting'to'control'what'was'in'front'of'me.'Over'the'years,'I'have'released'much'of'this'deep'seed.'However,'when'control'does'show'her'face,'I're8member'to'nod'in'acknowledgement,'smile,'breathe,'and'come'back'to'the'present'moment.

“Enjoy*The*Present*Moment,*Darling.”

Over'time'an'endearment'showed'up'for'me,'“Enjoy'the'Present'Moment,'Darling.”'I'heard'Oprah’s'interview'of'Thay,'and'he'offered'a'medi8tation'using'the'phrase,'“Darling'I'am'here'for'you.”'What'a'lovely'way'to'respond'to'yourself'or'another;'the'word'darling'is'rather'old'fashioned,'but'the'sweetness'allows'the'smile'to'go'deeply'within'to'a'cherished'place.'I'love'the'affection'of'such'a'simple,'yet'powerful'message.

“Enjoy* the* Present*Moment,*With*Ease*and*Peace.”

When'I'6ind'myself'regretful'over'a'past'situa8tion,'I'breathe'and'invite'myself'back'home'to'the'present'moment.'When'I'have'a'feeling'of'fear'or'anxiety'causing'my'mind'to'race'into'the'future,'I'once'again,'with'the'gentleness'of'my'breath,'bring'myself'back'to'this'present'moment.'I'am'strengthened'and'nourished'by'knowing'how'the'present'moment'is'all'I'have.'I'can'choose'to'look'

at'the'past'when'I'have'restored'my'calm.'I'can'also'choose'to'look'to'the'future'when'I'am'grounded'and'stable,'nourished,'and'cared'for'in'this'moment.'Until'I'am'ready,'I'can'stay'right'here'in'the'present'where'I'am'witness'to'the'falling'leaves,'the'green'grass,'and'the'solid'earth'below'my'feet.

“Enjoy*the*Present*Moment,*Friend.”

I'appreciate'the'“enjoy”'part'of'the'gatha'be8cause'of'course'I'want'to'“enjoy”'this'precious'life'I’m'living.'Yes,'there'are'moments'6illed'with'strong'emotions'that'do'not'feel'joyful.'But,'there'is'a'friend'that'I'have'come'to'know'and'she'is'my'breath.'I'enjoy'knowing'that'I'can'care'for'my'pain'with'the'care'of'my'breath.'I'can'smile'at'myself'for'the'silly'things'that'may'cause'irritation,'know8ing'that'the'irritation'is'a'way'for'me'to'become'trapped'in'my'head,'rather'than'in'my'heart.'Even'the'irritation'can'be'a'pathway'to'friendship,'be8cause'with'awareness'of'irritation'I'can'smile'and'breathe'into'this'present'moment.

“Enjoy*the*Present*Moment,*Child.”

At'this'time,'as'I'nurture'joy,'I'think'about'add8ing'a'new'ending'to'my'gatha,'“Enjoy'the'Present'Moment,'Child.”'In'doing'so,'I'add'a'tenderness'and'awareness'that'goes'within'me'to'a'place'where'my'child'self'wants'to'be'acknowledged.'Adding'child'brings'a'lightness'to'my'being,'a'play8fulness,'a'warmth,'and'a'willingness'to'be'open,'fresh,'and'alive.Recently,'I'was'swimming'in'a'crystal'clear'

river,'turning'over'rocks,'looking'for'dragon6ly'larvae,'exploring'with'fresh'eyes,'purely'living'in'the'moment'with'curiosity'and'joy,'just'as'a'child'might'feel'exploring'for'the'6irst'time.'In'that'mo8ment,'I'saw'life'and'I'saw'death,'and'I'knew'that'I'was'witnessing'a'world'6illed'with'unending'cycles'in'which'I'am'not'separate'from'now'or'ever.

o





Corrie'GralloGifts From FamilyAs' fall' turns' into' winter,' I ' am' struck' by' the'

amazing' beauty' of' the' world' around'me' and' the'tremendous'gifts'I 'have'been'given'this'year.'I'love'exploring' the' sights,' sounds,' textures,' and' move8ment'of' fall' with' my'two' young' boys.' The' leaves'dance'and'swirl'in'the'wind,'swishing'and'crunch8ing' underfoot' as' we' race' home' from' the' park'laughing' in'the'dark.'There' is'a'place'on'our'walk'home' that' I' wish' I' could' show' you.' Many' large'maple'trees'with'yellow'leaves'are' illuminated'by'an' overhead' streetlight.' When' you' stand' in' just'the' right'spot,' the'world' turns' to'gold.' It' feels'so'magical,' so'warm' and' soft.' For'me' that'place' is' the' brief' moment' of'pause' before' something'amazing'and'unexpected'happens.' It' is' that'moment' where' any8thing' is' possible.' I'wish' I' could' bottle'the' golden' light'and'take'it'out'in'the'cold'grey'of'February'when'summer' is' just' a' distant'memory.When' Thatcher' was' born'

three'years'ago'in'April' I 'was'still' lost'in'the' drab' bare' cold' of' late' winter.' I' fought' and' I'struggled' so' hard' against' the' changes' that'were'happening' in' my' life.' Our'house' was'under'con8struction,'my'beloved' dog' of' eleven' years'passed'away' the' week' before' Thatcher' was' born,' and'nursing'was'not'going'well.'All'day,'every'day,'my'house'was' 6illed'with'men.' .' .' and'hammering.' .' .'and'dirt.' .' .' and' clutter;' I' could' think'of' a' million'things'that'I'wished' I'could'change'about'the'here'and'now.' I'felt'like'I'needed'things'to'be'different,'that' every'moment' I' was' clawing' my'way' up' a'steep' mountain' face,' struggling' to' reach' the' top'where' things'would'be' easy'and' I'could' lose'my8self'in'the'view'of'the'valley'below.

My'desires'to'build'a'cozy'nest'to'raise'our'new'boy'were' impossible.'We' didn’t'even'have'a' bed8room' or'a' 6loor!' I'can' vividly'remember'the' frus8tration' of' being' tired,' feeling' sad'that'I' could' not'feed' my' son,' and' just' wanting' time' without' the'constant' noise' and' procession' of' people.' What' I'remember'most'of'all'is'turning'that'frustration'on'Thatcher.It' took' every' ounce' of' my'being' to' stay' calm'

when'he'woke'up'20'minutes'after'I'had'spent'45'minutes' putting' him' down' to' sleep,' or' his' daily'habit'of'getting'up'at'5'am;'that'was'the'worst!'Of'course'I'tried'to'hide'my'frustration'from'him,'pre8tend'everything'was'ok.'Sometimes'I'pleaded'with'

him'or'who'ever'would'listen,'bartering'future' days' of' not' sleeping' for'

just' one' hour' right' now.'Many' times' I' could' not'truly'connect'with'the'dear' sweet' boy' in'front'of'me' because'I'was'lost'in'wishing'for'something' that'I'could'not'have.When' I' became' preg8

nant' with' my' second'child' I' vowed' to' do' things'

differently.'My'mantra'became'“I'already' have' everything' I' need' to' be'

happy' right' here' in' this' moment.”' Things' were'easier'without'construction,' but'nursing'was'still'very'challenging;'it'was'hard'not'to'give' up.'Sleep'was'harder'too,' especially'when' caring' for'a' tod8dler.'Nico'was'hospitalized' three' times:' twice' the'week' he' was' born' and' once' for'eight' days'while'my'parents'were' visiting' from' Chicago.' This'was'the'same'week'I'was'expected'to'go'back'to'work.'Things'were' far' from' ideal' and' it' was' tough,' but'through'it'all'I'was'so'happy,'so'overwhelmed'with'awe.' The' present' moment' was' nothing' short' of'luscious,' smooth' and' like' silk;' I' was' awash' with'how'this'life'could'delight'every'one'of'my'senses'and'6ill'my'mind'and'heart'with'such'love.

Rafael*Grana





I'learned'to'cherish'the' long'nights'sleeping'on'the'couch'with'Nico'on'my'chest,' holding'him'up8right' so' he' could' breathe' a' little' easier.' It' was'magical'to'feel'the'rise'and'fall'of'our'chests'mov8ing' together,' his' soft' skin,' his'small' sweet'hands'holding'my'hair.'I'love'the'tenderness'of'4'am,'just'as'the' light'begins'to'grace'the'sky'but'before' the'sun' begins' to' rise.' I' love' the' smell' of' milk' on'breath'and'time'spent'staring' into'tiny'eyes'full'of'depth'and'wisdom.' I'learned'to'carry'the'magic'of'the'night'into'the' daylight'hours,' too,' the' hours'I'spend'with' Thatcher.' I'so'appreciate'his' laughter'and' imagination' as' he' explores' the' world,'boundaries,'dreams,'and'his'own'desires.'I'cherish'the'moments'we'dissolve'into'giggles'singing'silly'rhyming' songs.' I 'breathe' in' the' world'when' our'family' gathers' on' the' 6loor' in' our' bedroom,' my'husband' playing' guitar' and' singing' while'Thatcher'strums'along' on' his'own.' Our'adorable'bedtime' routine' and' how' my' son' sings' “This'Pretty'Planet”' in'the' style'of' Bob'Dylan.' Oh'how'I'wish'I'could'hold'on'to'these'moments'forever'for'some'later'day.Sometimes'I'worry'that'when'I'grow'old,'I'will'

spend'my'days'lost'in'a'chair'in'a'room'all'alone.' I'cling' to' the' moments' I'have'with'my'boys' in' the'same' way' I' soak' up' the' summer' sun' to' get' me'through'the'long'Montana'winters.'These'days'feel'like' the' moments' under' the' tree,' timeless' but'6leeting.' This' past' year' has' taught' me' that' I' am'able' to' be' happy'with' all' the' beautiful'gifts' I'am'given'every'second'of'every'day.'Sometimes'I'have'to'look'very'close' and'very'hard'to'see'them'and'other'times'they'call'loud'and'bright.

Sandi'SimonsGrandma, Do You See the Palm Trees?While' riding' in' the' shuttle' that'was'taking'me'

from'the'San'Diego'airport'to'Deer'Park,'I'watched'out'the'window,'I'had'never'been'to'California'be8fore' and' wanted' to' take' in' all' the' sights.' There'were' so'many'buildings'and'highways'going'in'all'directions.'But'what'struck'me'was'the'palm'trees:'They'were' taller' than' a' lot'of'buildings'and'with'their' straight' trunks' and' fronds'on' the' top,' they'reminded'me' of'natural'6ireworks.'You'could' eas8ily'see'them'on' the' skylines'above'the'city.'Seeing'these' trees' sparked' a' memory' from' long' ago.' I'was'sitting'with'my'grandmother'Irene'in'her'liv8ing'room;'we'must'have'been'watching'a'TV'show'that'sparked'her'to'say,'“I'wish'I'could'have'seen'a'palm'tree'in'real'life.”'When'this'memory'came'up,'many'emotions'did'as'well.I'remembered'her' laughter,' her' slow'shuf6ling'

walk,'the'never'empty'pitcher'of'orange'Kool8Aid,'and'the'bottomless'candy'drawer'kept'always'in'a'child’s' reach,' her' patience' and' ability' to' forgive.'When'I'went'to'school' at' the' U' of'M,' I'lived'with'her.' It' helped'me' with' money' and' also' gave' her'company' since' my' grandfather' passed' away'shortly'before'that.'Mixed'with'my'memories'were'also' dif6icult' emotions.' After' moving' away,' I' re8gretted'that'I 'hadn’t'spent'more'time'with'her'and'done' more' for' her.' There' always' seemed' to' be'something' more' important' to' do.' I' felt' ashamed'that' I'so'quickly'put'my'needs' 6irst' and' had' feel8ings' of' frustration' and' impatience' with' her' so'many'times.In' 2002,' while' living' in' Glasgow,' MT,' I' was'

alerted' that'she'might'not' live' long,' so'I'drove'to'

Nicole*Dunn





spend' time'with'her.' I'wanted' to' apologize'but'it'never'seemed' right.'Two'weeks'later,' I 'was'home'and'had' a' feeling' I' should' call' her.'We' spoke' on'the'phone'for'some' time,' but'visitors'came' to'her'room' so' our' conversation' was' cut' short' and' I'didn’t' tell' her'my' regrets.' That' night' she' passed'away.'I'felt'then'that'there'would'be'no'way'to're8solve' these' feelings'and' that' I' just' needed' to'get'over'it,' but' the' feelings'persisted' and'would' sur8face'whenever'I'thought'of'her.' I'broke'one'of'her'mixing' bowls' some' years' after' she' passed' and' I'cried' for' hours' and' into' the' night.' Pat,' my' hus8band,' couldn’t'understand'what'was'wrong' and'I'couldn’t'tell'him'because'I'didn’t'either.I'carried' these' regrets'and' feelings'until' 2007'

when'I'started'sitting'with'Open'Way'and'learned'of' Thay’s' teachings.' I' began' to' understand' these'emotions,' or' internal' knots,' and' how' to' slowly'loosen'them'through'mindfulness,'loving'kindness,'and' the' teachings' on' interbeing.' The' knots' had'grown' weaker'as' I'practiced' but' I'could' still' feel'them'when'I'thought'of'her.The' sight' of' palm' trees' brought' these' memo8

ries'to'my'mind'along'with'the'knots'of'regret'and'sadness' that' she' was' never' able' to' see' these'plants.'As'I'walked'up'the'hill'in'Deer'Park'past'the'meditation' hall,' I' slowed' to' a' stop' as' the' road'branched' off' to' the' dining' area.' A' group' of' palm'trees' grew' there' and' as' I' walked' up' to' them' a'smile'started'at'my'mouth'and' travelled'up'to'my'eyes.' Like' my'grandmother,' my' eyes' are' brown.'She' was' the' only' grandparent' with' brown' eyes,'which' she' passed' to' my'dad' and' he' to' me.' The'sadness'and'old'regrets'fell'away'with'the'wisdom'of'interbeing,' the'knowledge'that'I'am'a'continua8tion'of'my'ancestors,'and'that'at'this'very'moment'my'grandmother'was'seeing'the' palm' trees,'too.' I'felt' her' presence' along' with' my' other'ancestors'throughout'the' retreat' and'during' the' ordination'ceremony.' The'knots' I'had' around'her'memories'haven’t' resurfaced.' That' is' one' gift' of' many' that'this' practice' has'given' me:' It' has' given'me' back'my'memories'of'my'grandmother.

Neal'BrownGreat HappinessLast'night'my'Grandmothertold'me'a'story.Although'she'has'been'dead'for'many'years,I'know'it'is'true,'for'I'heard'it'with'herears,'and'I'tell'it'to'youwith'her'lips.Her'story'is'ofDeer'Park'Monastery'in'the'spring.It'was'6irst'light,'and'thrushes

A.*Meyora





were'singing'their'6irst'songs,and'the'quail'were'starting'to'talk,back'and'forth,back'and'forth.The'air'was'fresh'and'pure,'for'a'rain'shower'was'kissing'the'land,'and'when'the'sun'broke'over'Yenta'Mountain,the'entire'valley'was'6illed,horizon'to'horizon,with'a'vibrant'rainbow.When'the'rainbow'appeared,Grandmother,'she'was'seated'inside'the'Ocean'of'Peace'Meditation'Hallwhere'the'entire'Sangha'had'gathered.Our'Venerable'Teacher,'Thay,he'sat'before'the'Sangha'and'behindhim'sat'many'Brothers'and'Sisters,and'there'was'great'happiness.From'her'cushion,Grandmother,'was'looking'at'the'rainbow,it'was'outside,it'was'inside,'it'was'above'the'alter,'it'6illed'the'entire'hall'and'she'was'happy,'and'when'she'once'againlooked'at'Thay,she'was'quite'surprised.Thay'was'wearing'a'tie.It'was'a'bow'tie.It'was'a'rainbow'bow'tie.Yes!Thay'was'wearing'a'RainBow'Tie'Sattva!And'all'the'Brothers'and'Sisters'were'wearing'one'of'Thay’s'RainBow'Ties'Sattvas!Next,'Thay'bowed,and'the'Brothers'and'Sisters'bowed'andtheir'RainBow'Tie'Sattvas'turned'intoa'thousand'bowtter6lies,the'air'of'Ocean'of'Peace'Meditation'Hallwas'6illed'with'rainbowtter6lies,and'soon,'after

the'bowtter6lies'had'settled,landing'light'as'light'on'all'the'Sangha,landing'light'as'light'on'all'the'Sangha,each'practitioner,Grandmother,'andevery'practitioner,'was'wearing'one'of'Thay’s'RainBow'Tie'Sattvas,and'there'was'great'happiness!I'know'it'is'true,because'Grandmother'told'me.'.'.'.

Jere'CockrellThe Gradual Ripening of BelongingIt’s'been' almost'eight'years'since' I'6irst'began'

sitting' with'Open'Way.'For'the' 6irst' few'years'my'participation'was'intermittent'with'long'periods'of'time' during' which' I 'would' not' attend' meetings.'From' an' initial' interest' in' Buddhism' on' an' intel8lectual' level' and' searching' for' a' set' of' rules' on'which' to'model'my'behavior,' I’ve'come' gradually'to' the' understanding' that'growth' in' the' practice'comes'more' from'lived'experience'than'externally'imposed'guidelines.'Being'very'shy,'it'has'taken'a'while' for'me' to' reach'a' level'of' comfort'where' I'can' even' stay'through'an'entire'Monday'or'Tues8

A.*Meyora





day'night'program'without'signi6icantly'raising'my'anxiety.'Though'it’s'dif6icult'at'times'for'me'to'see'what' “progress,”' if' any,' I’ve' made' in'my' practice'over'this'time,'I'know'that'it’s'there.At' the' root' of' my' desire' to' engage' with' the'

practice' is'a' deep'longing' to'feel' genuine' connec8tions'with'people' outside' my'very'small' circle' of'familiar'family'and'friends.'This'hasn’t'been' clear'to'me' the' whole' time' of' my'association' with' the'sangha,'but'has'become'apparent'in'the'last'couple'of'years'as'my'involvement'has'deepened.' I'think'this' recognition' is' also' part' of'the' reason' that' I' have' trouble'seeing'where'progress'has'been'made.' From' this' perspective' I'can' criticize' the' fact' that' I' still'am' a' virtual' non8participant' in'sangha' discussions,' and' often'cannot' calm' down' enough' dur8ing'sitting'meditation'to'concen8trate' and'remain'very'awkward'in'some'social'situations.'(Silent'practice'when'everyone' is'look8ing' at'each' other'such'as'eating'meditation' are' the' activities'that'come' to'mind'most'readily'here.)On' the' other' hand,' I' know'

that' I’ve' bene6itted' enormously'from'my' time' with' the' sangha.'The'welcoming'and'loving'space'fostered' by' everyone' involved'in' the' care' of' the' center' has'truly' helped' me' to' grow'more'comfortable'in'my'own'skin'and'opened'my'mind'to'ways'of'per8ceiving' that' likely'would' not'have' arisen'without'the'support'of'that'support.'Patience'is'a'practice'I'have' dif6iculty' with' and' which' might' be' helpful'here.' I' know'my'well8being' has' been' positively'affected' from' the'practice' and' accepting' that'this'is'at'times'a' slow'process'can' help' me' transform'my'fear'and'feelings'of'inadequacy.

David'MaslankaThe Holy Practice of FriendshipI'received'a'letter'from'a'young'friend'whom'I'

have'watched'struggle'with'some'very'serious'is8sues.'She'spoke'of'my'“patience”'of'friendship,'and'called'it'a'holy'practice,'words'which'surprised'and'deeply'impressed'me.'The'patience'of'friend8ship'is'a'gift'of'ripening'practice,'maybe'even'the'primary'one.Buddha,'Dharma,'Sangha'8'the'Three'Jewels.'

Sangha:'the'community'that'lives'together'in'har8mony'and'awareness.'Our'prac8tice'places'great'emphasis'on'the'importance'of'sangha,'and'I'think'sangha'typi6ies'“patience'of'friendship.”Before'I'came'to'sangha'I'could'have'been'described'as'some8thing'of'a'“hungry'ghost.”'I'had'a'deep'connection'to'music,'and'that'was'grounding,'but'I'had'no'immediate'community.'I'essen8tially'fell'into'Open'Way'ten'years'ago,'showing'up'at'a're8treat'as'my'6irst'encounter'with'the'group'and'the'teaching.'I'began'attending'Tuesday'nights'regularly,'began'that'process'of'being'exposed'to'the'stability'of'“patient”'friendship,'a'friendship'which'allows'you'to'be'what8ever'you'think'you'are'without'asking'you'to'be'anything'else.'The'effect'of'this'over'time'was'to'soften'me'to'the'point'where'I'could'allow'myself'to'be'ac8

cepted'as'part'of'the'group.'This'is'a'very'impor8tant'distinction'from'being'accepted'by'a'group.'I'suddenly'realized'that'I'had'a'place'in'the'circle,'and'it'was'mine'simply'because'I'was'a'human'be8ing.'It'is'hard'to'say'how'important'that'transition'was'for'me.'It'typi6ied'the'process'of'the'slow'rip8

Rafael*Grana





ening'of'a'realization,'and'that'is'how'the'patient'friendship'of'sangha'works.It'is'the'genius'of'sangha'that'it'can'absorb'

whatever'anyone'brings'to'it,'while'remaining'steady,'and'without'expectation.'No'matter'what'any'one'person'thinks'or'feels'8'and'we'all'have'our'“stuff”'8'the'group'holds'an'open'and'steady'space'for'each'person'in'it.'The'great'gift'of'prac8tice'for'me'has'been'to'see'that'stable'space'grow'in'me'so'that'I'can'listen'patiently'and'without'prejudice,'look'deeply,'be'deeply'present'8'be'a'patient'friend.Finally,'my'young'friend'called'the'patience'of'

friendship'a'“holy'practice.”'This'is'a'remarkable'insight'coming'from'anyone,'let'alone'a'young'per8son.'A'“holy'practice”'is'one'which'continually'touches'the'Source,'one'which'realizes,'accepts,'and'participates'with'the'Source'as'a'foundation'for'being'and'for'action'in'the'world.

oNancy'SeldinGifts While at Sea

In*August,*Nancy*joined*the*Semester*at*Sea*proCgram*for*the*rest*of*the*year.*She*wrote*in*October.Well,' here'we'are,'about'60'miles'off' the' coast'

of' Liberia,' on'our'way'to'Ghana.'Both'air'and'sea'are' 84'degrees.'My' job–and' it' is'a' job'despite' the'exotic' setting–is' to' counsel' students,' faculty' or'staff' who' are' suffering' emotionally' in' some'way.'The' issues'are'as'in' real' life,' except'perhaps'a' bit'more' intense,' as' people' are' in' a' new' situation,'some'traveling'for'the'6irst'time,'constantly'on'the'move.'It'is'an'interesting'mix'of'students'from'the'rich,' entitled' ones' for' whom' this' is' just' another'classy'trip,'to'kids'who'worked'for'several'years'to'save' the' money,' who' are' on' scholarships,' who'work'on'the'ship' to'help'defray'the'costs.'The'ma8jority' are' Caucasian,' but' there' are' also' a' signi6i8cant'number'of'AfroAmerican,'Hispanic,'Asian'and'

other' international' students' (China,' Russia,' Ger8many,'Turkey).How'does'mindfulness'6it'at'sea?'Last'night'I'

was'on'a'panel'of'faculty/staff'asked'to'help'with'a'discussion'of'the'movie'Traces*of*the*Trade.'This'is'a'movie'AJ'shared'with'us'several'years'ago,'about'the'town'of'Bristol,'Conn.'and'how'one'family'tried'to'come'to'terms'with'the'fact'that'their'ancestors'had'been'the'largest'slave'traders'in'the'U.S.'dur8ing'that'time.'The'conversation'moved'from'the'slave'trade,'to'the'fact'that'there'are'still'people'enslaved'in'the'world'today,'and'the'fact'that'every'time'we'purchase'something'we'have'to'wonder'who'made'it,'under'what'conditions'they'are'working,'and'if'they'are'being'paid'anything'close'to'a'fair'wage.'I'found'myself'talking'about'concepts'of'interbeing,'and'non8harming,'which'are'new'concepts'to'all'but'a'very'few'here.So'many'of'the'people'I’m'working'with'have'

issues'that'a'mindfulness'practice'can'help.'One'person'who'binges'is'reading'a'book'on'mindful'eating,'doing'the'exercises'and'6inding'it'very'help8ful.'Some'are'dealing'with'loss.'Others'dealing'with'stress'and'anxiety'are'6inding'it'helpful'to'simply'work'with'their'breathing.'The'list'goes'on.Starting'right'after'Ghana,'I'will'be'offering'a'

weekly'Mindfulness'Based'Stress'Reduction'class'for'any'interested'parties.'I'did'this'when'I'last'sailed'with'Semester'at'Sea'and'it'was'good'for'all'who'stuck'with'it.On'a'more'personal'level,'there'is'a'bit'of'“No'

matter'where'you'go,'there'you'are.”'I'bring'my'own'stuff'with'me:'issues'regarding'inclusion'/'exclusion'(Jewish'kid'in'an'Aryan'community,'counter'cultural'person'at'a'football'party),'feeling'not'entirely'grown'up'although'I’m'68.'It'is'inter8esting'to'notice'my'comparisons,'and'work'on'let8ting'them'go.'To'help'students'do'that,'I'have'to'be'aware'of'and'attend'to'it'myself.So'every'day'there'is'opportunity'for'practice.'I'

will'be'home'in'Mid8December,'and'look'forward'to'being'back'in'our'sweet'community.





Linds'SandersTime TravelingGrief'has'given'me'the'power'to'time'travel.'I'

can'travel'back'years;'stand'in'my'fresh'teenage'body'again,'where'my'emotions'are'close'to'the'surface'and'vibrant.'I'can'swagger'down'the'art8laden'hallways'of'my'run8down'high'school,'call'across'the'way'to'my'posse.'All'the'while,'my'present8day'body,'a'bit'wiser'and'rounder,'stands'idly'in'front'of'you'with'seemingly'no'change'or'indication'I’ve'left'it.'I'am'a'very'talented'time'traveler.

The'catch'with'grief'time'traveling,'is'that'I'can'only'journey'to'speci6ic'moments—her'smile,'her'humble'accepting'of'compliments,'falling'to'the'ground,'my'mother'pulling'up'in'front'of'the'school,'the'news'segment,'quiet'hallways,'empty'parking'lot,'her'smile.'There'are'no'H.'G.'Wells'ad8ventures'for'me;'my'grief'is'controlling'this'time'machine.'I'travel'the'most'in'October.'No'matter'if'it'is'present'day'Halloween'or'the'6irst'of'the'month,'I'am'stuck'in'Tuesday,'October'23rd,'2007.'I'wake'up'to'my'buzzing'alarm.'The'red'numbers'harass'me;'I’m'late,'lazy,'get'up.'I'am'17'with'short'spiky'bedhead,'clothes'strewn'about'my'room,'and'pictures'of'my'friends'and'favorite'musicians'on'my'ceiling'looking'down'on'me,'also'harassing'me'

to'get'up.'Fast'forward.'At'school'I'sit'in'my'mentor'Ms.'Rina'Moog’s'English'class.'Her'last'name'is'pronounced'with'a'long'“o”'sound.'Never'moo'at'a'woman,'as'Ms.'Moog'says.'Fast'forward.'She’s'laughing'as'we'discuss'as'a'class'words'and'terms'to'put'in'a'slang'dictionary'we'plan'to'sell'as'a'fundraiser'for'graduate'Trey'Owens'who'has'can8cer.'Present'Day.'Trey'Owens'dies'in'Billings,'Mon8tana'on'March'19,'2013,'after'his'108year'6ight'with'cancer.'Rewind'and'Rina'is'asking'if'“Homie'Hoe”'is'a'critical'element'to'our'dictionary.'I'can'tell'she'fears'the'school'refusing'to'publish'such'obscenity.”Is'this'the'hill'you'want'to'die'on?”'she'asks,'6irmly,'but'respectfully.'Letting'us'decide'our'fate,'rather'than'taking'away'that'power'as'most'authority.'Present'Day.'You’re'asking'me'a'ques8tion.'What?'Yes,'it’s'been'a'6ine'day.'How'are'you?I'did'not'start'attending'meditation'with'the'

hopes'of'controlling'my'time'traveling,'as'I'did'not'know'it'possessed'controls'and'gears.'The'whole'experience'is'quite'sporadic'with'concentrated'moments.'One'moment'I’m'hiking'Mount'Jumbo'waving'to'a'neighbor,'the'next'I’m'saying'good8bye'to'Rina'for'the'last'time,'unknowingly.'In'the'past'year'of'sitting'in'the'warm,'welcoming'community'of'Monday'night’s'Be'Here'Now'Community'at'the'Open'Way'Mindfulness'Center'I'have'become'a'mechanic'to'my'time'machine.'In'the'quiet'that'lin8gers'after'the'long'tones'of'the'invited'bell,'I'have'begun'developing'a'power'more'gratifying'and'ex8treme'than'time'travel:'the'ability'to'stay'in'the'present'moment.'I'breathe,'awkward'at'6irst'as'it'is'the'6irst'time'I'am'noticing'this'function'of'my'body'in'hours,'days,'maybe'weeks.'But'then'my'breath'evens'out'to'a'rhythm'unique'to'my'body,'my'soul,'my'time.'Instead'of'time'traveling,'I'simply're8member.'I'remember'Rina'needing'help'on'Fridays'with'her'half'dozen'to8go'coffee'mugs'that'crowded'her'desk'throughout'the'week.'I'remem8ber'her'af6inity'for'Post8It'notes'and'book'marks.'I'remember'Rina,'my'dear'friend,'who'passed'away'on'October'23rd'of'2007.

SteveAllisonCBunnell





I'feel'her'in'my'breath.'Breathing'in,'I'know'I'am'breathing'in.'Breathing'out.'I'know'I'am'breathing'out.'Thanks'to'the'tools'I'have'learned'at'Be'Here'Now,'I'have'begun'deconstruction'of'my'time'machine.'While'it'has'served'me'well'these'6irst'six'years'of'mourning,'I'believe'there'is'a'healthier'way'to'live,'to'remember,'and'to'grieve.'I'remember'those'beautiful'moments'with'Rina.'In'traveling'to'those'moments'hundreds'of'times,'I'have'found'they'all'share'two'powerful'things'in'common:'I'am'with'Rina'and'I'am'in'the'moment.'This'moment'here,'right'now,'might'not'be'one'worth'time'traveling'back'to,'but'it'is'one'worth'living.

Kathy'MoeThe Ultimate GiftOver'the'past'few'weeks'I'have'been'thinking'

about'the'gifts'I'have'received'from'my'spiritual'practice.'Several'times'I'thought'I'knew'exactly'what'I'wanted'to'write'about.'But'over'time'it'be8came'clear'that'there'are'many'gifts'–'but'only'one'ultimate'gift.First,'I'thought'I'would'write'about'the'gift'of'

clarity.'Over'the'past'couple'of'months'our'sangha'has'been'discussing'the'Four'Noble'Truths.'I'de6i8nitely'know'that'suffering'exists,'having'lived'through'much'pain,'grief'and'loss'over'the'years.'Next'I'was'able'to'understand'that'my'grasping'to'my'wounded'self'caused'my'suffering.'I'craved'a'peaceful,'loving,'gentle'life.'I'wanted'my'suffering'to'end.'Now'I'am'able'to'allow'things'to'be'as'they'are,'not'demanding'that'things'be'“different.”'The'Eightfold'Path'provides'hope'that'through'my'practice'there'is'a'way'out'of'my'suffering.'This'is'the'gift'of'peace'and'hope.Then'I'thought'I'would'write'about'the'related'

meditation'practice'of'RAIN.'RAIN'is'a'practice'of'inquiry'to'look'into'one’s'self'and'discover'the'true'nature'of'who'we'are.'This'was'presented'to'me'by'Tara'Brach,'a'Buddhist'psychologist,'and'can'be'considered'a'practical'application'of'the'Four'No8ble'Truths.'RAIN'is'summarized'as:

Recognize'–'notice'what'is'arising'(fear,'hurt,'etc.).

Allow'–'agree'to'“be'with'it”,'to'“let'it'be.”Investigation'–'Get'to'know'how'the'body,'

heart'and'mind'experiences'these'energies.Non8identi6ication'–'not'having'your'sense'of'

Being'de6ined'by,'possessed'by,'or'linked'to'any'emotion.This'is'the'gift'of'releasing'one’s'self'from'emo8

tional'suffering.At'this'fall’s'retreat,'Cheri'Maples'spoke'of'the'

freedom'of'transformation,'non8judgment,'letting'go'of'attachment'to'a'wounded'self'and'realigning'our'hearts'with'our'innate'goodness'and'self.'The'gift'I'received'from'this'experience'is'the'knowl8edge'that'it'is'vital'to'be'true'to'myself.My'deepening'spiritual'practice'has'brought'me'

to'a'new'and'wonderful'place,'with'the'help'of'several'years'of'therapy'with'a'Buddhist'therapist,'beginning'my'journey'with'the'Buddhist'teachings,'joining'a'sangha,'and'sitting'with'inspired'teachers'such'as'Tara'Brach,'Cheri'Maples'and'Rowan'Con8rad.'There'is'no'longer'the'sense'of'hopelessness'and'despair'I'lived'with'for'so'many'years.'I'now'have'a'beautiful'sense'of'peace,'belonging'and'in8ner'strength.'I'sense'all'that'is'possible.'I'am'expe8riencing'the'joy'of'anticipating'all'that'life'offers.This'is'the'ultimate'gift'–'the'truth'of'my'own'

precious'being!'I'can'now'say'to'myself:'Welcome'Home!

SteveAllisonCBunnell





Treva'VoreyerRetreat GiftThe'waves'lap'the'shoreover'and'over'again,'repeatedly'and'never'ending.My'soul'has'been'givenmuch'love'and'compassion'here,'over'and'over'again,'repeatedly'and'never'ending,'permanence'in'impermanence.

Barbara'L.'ThomasFolded in SilenceMorning’s'awakening,a'peaceful'timebegun'with'prayersto'Eduda.'grandfatherof'the'East,'South,'Westand'North.'.'.Sister'of'those'gatheredof'an'eveningwithin'the'warmthof'the'Sangha,'I'know'both'joyand'suffering.'.'.'sharedsilence,'a'healing'balm.

2014 Retreat DatesBoth' retreats' will' be' held' at' the' Flathead' Lu8

theran'Bible'Camp'near'Lakeside,'Montana.

SpringMay'184Teacher:Michael'Ciborski

FallOctober'16819Teacher:Chan'Huy'from

Toronto,'Canada

In'a'heartfelt'effort'to'save'precious'resources,'retreat' registration' brochures' will' now' be' sent'electronically,' unless' you’ve' indicated' otherwise.'You' can' also' go' to' www.openway.org' for'retreat'and'registration'information.

Sangha NewsLinda'LeeFrom an Acorn to an Oak:Practicing Generosity to Missoula’s Mindfulness CenterThe' Open' Way'Mindfulness' Center’s' place' in'

our'hearts'and'in'our'community'is'so'very'strong,'isn’t' it?'We' grow'in'amazing'ways'as'we' incorpo8rate' the' Dharma’s' teaching' in' our' lives,' not' just'now' and' then' but' every' day,' and' if' we' practice'well'in'every'moment.The' body'of' the' Sangha' is'strong' in' our'num8

bers' and' in' our' practice.' Our' programs' have'grown.' We' now' own' our' beautiful' meditation'home' and' offer' many' opportunities' to' practice.'The'Sangha'has'grown' steadily'for'almost'a'quar8ter'of'a'century.''That'is'an'oak,'and'it'is'beautiful!Our'6inancial' support'has'grown'too,'but'it'has'

been' some' time' since' we' thoughtfully'addressed'how' to' meet' program' and' housing' needs' in' a'

Nicole*Dunn



http://www.openway.org/

http://www.openway.org/



slightly'more'sustainable'way.'The'council'and'the'fundraising'committee'are'beginning'to'do'that.First,'we'are'contacting' those'who'may'be' able'

to' help' support' a' portion' of' the' mortgage.' Next,'we'are'asking' everyone' if'and'how'they'may'wish'to'support' the' programs'and' our'needs'for' basic'necessities.We'will'also'prepare'a' 6iscal'plan'that'suggests'

how'we'can'meet'the' 6inancial'needs'of'all'the'as8pects'of'our'practice.'There'will'be'some'good'old8fashioned'ways'to'meet'those'needs,' and'we'hope'to'imagine'some'new'and'creative'ones,'too.You'will' all'soon'receive' a' letter'and'donation'

envelope' in'the' mail.' Please' feel' free' to'give' only'what'you'can'and'what'you'want.' Just'remember'that' the'mighty'oak'really'does'grow'from' a' tiny'seed,'and' there'are'many'kinds'of' seeds!'To'con8tinue' to' grow' we' need' your' donations' to' water'these'many'lovely'seeds'that'Open'Way'plants.A'deep'bow'for'your'gracious'generosity.' If'you'

have' any' questions' or' ideas' for' “fun8raising,”'please'contact'Linda'Lee'(lindancing@yahoo.'com)'or'Ellen'Knight'(mtstarrynight@gmail.'com).If'you’d'like' to'send'something'now'to'support'

this'newsletter,'you'may'send'your'check'to'Open'Way'Mindfulness'Center,'P.'O.'Box'7222,'Missoula,'MT,'59802.

Rowan'Conrad'&'Gina'GarlieOpen Way Sangha, Inc. BlossomsThe'big'news'this'year'is'the' implementation'of'

the'statewide'sangha'as'a'formal'entity.'Open'Way'Sangha,'Inc.'is'composed'of'Open'Way'and'Be'Here'Now,' Missoula;' Flowing' Mountains,' Helena;' and'Open'Sky,'Kalispell.'Informally,'we'have'been'call8ing' this' the' Maha' Sangha' (Sanskrit' for' “Great'Sangha,”'meaning'the'wider'community)

The$BoardThe'Open'Way'Sangha,' Inc.' board'is'now'made'

up'of' two'senior'elected' of6icials'designated' from'each'city'with'an'Open'Way'af6iliated'Sangha' plus'other'Order'of' Interbeing' Core' Community'Mem8

bers' practicing' with' a' sangha' in' Montana' who'choose' to' serve.' The' board' then' designates' or'elects'speci6ic'roles'as'de6ined'in'the'newly'revised'bylaws.'This'year’s'board'has'been'Gina'Garlie'and'Neal' Brown' (Kalispell);' Zan' Murray,' Ann' Kuntz8weiler,'Stan'Voreyer,'and'Sue'(Helena);'and'Rowan'and'Nicole' (Missoula).' Gina' was'elected'Director;'Nicole,' Secretary;' Stan,' Treasurer;' Ann,' Retreat'Director;'and'Rowan,'Elder.'Zan'was'appointed'as'a'standing'committee'Chair'for'Order'of'Interbeing'Core'Community'Affairs,'a'role'she'had'been'doing'informally,'but'now'it’s'of6icial.

RetreatsCity' sanghas' still' take' turns' coordinating' re8

treats,'but'after'consultation,'the'Maha'Sangha'Re8treat' Director' rather' than' the' Missoula' Retreat'Director'designates'those' roles'and' picks' facility,'date,'and' teacher.'We' are'also'shifting' funding'of'the'Spring' and' Fall' retreats' to' the'maha' treasury.'So' far'this'is'the' only'money'responsibility'of' the'maha'sangha,' and' this'is'to'be' 6inancially'self' sus8taining,'instead'of'being'subsidized'by'the'member'sanghas.' As' soon' as' enough' money' builds' up' in'that' account' to' keep' retreats' going,' any' retreat'overage' is' intended' to' be' distributed' somewhat'equally'to'the'local'sanghas.

MeetingsThe'maha'board' alternates'in8person'meetings'

with' phone' conference' meetings.' This' seems' to'work'except' for'one' thing.'We'have' trouble' stop8ping' just'enjoying'each'other'and'getting'down'to'business.' That’s' obviously' better' than' getting'caught' in' bickering' with' each' other' and'not' get8ting'down'to'business,'which'hasn’t'happened'and'is'highly'improbable.

NewsletterThe' newsletter' is' also' shifting' to' the' maha'

sangha'and'details'are' evolving.'Each'city'will'de8cide' how'many'printed'copies' they'want'and'will'place' an'order'and' pay'for'those' copies.'This'has'the'Missoula' treasurer'smiling.' Each' city'will' de8



mailto:[email protected]






cide' how'to'distribute' their'printed'copies.' There'will' also'be' a' reasonable' size' 6ile' made' available'for'attaching'to'any'email'lists.'The'newsletter'will'also' continue' to' be' downloadable' from' the'openway.org'web'site.'Eventually,'we'will'6ind'out'which'people'only'want'email'copies,' and'will'not'snail' mail' to' them.' This' is' an' evolving' work8in8progress'as' is' the' overall' formal' operation'of' the'maha'sangha.

New$Status$for$Open$Way,$MissoulaPart'of' the'reorganization'is'creating' a'new'lo8

cal' governing'document' in'Missoula' and' program'councils' for' the' two' intentionally'distinct' formats' for' Monday' and'Tuesday' practice' evenings.' The'local'governing'council'is'a'smooth'operation,'and'the'two'formal'pro8gram' councils'are' stumbling' their'way' toward' effectiveness.' In' Mis8soula,' the' Finance' Committee' was'refreshed.' Rowan' Conrad' and'Ali8son' Mathew’s' terms' ended,'and' Linda' Lee,' Ellen' Knight,' and'Bethanne' Austine' were' appointed'to' continue' and' rethink' fundrais8ing' for' the' Mindfulness' Center'mortgage' payments.' The' commit8tee' members' volunteered' to' look'at' the' overall' 6inancial' picture' in'Missoula,' and' you' will' 6ind' evi8dence'of'their'efforts'in'a'separate'article.

Days$of$Mindfulness$&$Sangha$OfferingsOpen' Sky' and' Flowing' Mountains' continue' to'

maintain' an' ambitious'mindfulness' day' schedule'and'draw'in' excess'of' 30'participants.'The' recent'Kalispell' event' saw' 55' sign8ups,' but' a' Winter'Weather' Advisory' reduced' actual' attendance' to'low'40’s.'Missoula'is'less'ambitious'in' this'regard,'but'not'wanting' to'be' completely'outdone,'offered'a'mindfulness'day'using'a'Tibetan'teaching'format.'It' drew' some' two' dozen' people,' and' its' success''has' created' pressure' to' offer' more' such' in' the'

coming' year.' Nicole' continues' to' teach' a' well8received' Mindfulness' Class' at' the' Center' via' the'Lifelong' Learning' Center.' It' was' politely'pointed'out' to' Rowan' that'he' did' far'more' teaching' days'elsewhere' (Kalispell,' Helena,' Spokane,' Boise,' Sas8katoon,' and' Deer' Lodge)' this' year' than' in' Mis8soula.' He' has' therefore' agreed' to' do' more' Mis8soula'teaching'in'2014.

Order$of$Interbeing$Members$&$AspirantsTwo' new' OI'Core' Community'members' com8

pleted' their' training' and' were' ordained.' Rowan,'Peggy'Mallette,'Stan'and'Treva'Voreyer,'and'Neal’s'

wife'Patti'were'happy'to'help'Neal'Brown' and' Sandi' Simons' into'brown' jackets'as'they'ordained'at'Deer' Park' this' fall.' Three' more'people' are' working' on' Aspirancy'papers' to' train' for' Core' Commu8nity' ordination.' We’ll' blow' their'cover'when'we' get' the' actual' As8pirancy'Applications'in'hand.

Members$of$Open$Way$Sanga,$Inc.Maha' sangha' members'across'the'state' continue' to' be' engaged' in'employed' and' volunteer' projects'in' education,' corrections,' hospice,'the' Peace' Center,' and' various'other'activities.' If'Buddhists'were'

allowed'to'be'proud,'we'would'surely'be'proud'of'our'efforts'over'the'past'year.

Leadership of Open Way Sangha, Inc. & Local Sanghas

Open$Way$Sangha,$Inc.Open'Way'Sangha,' Inc.' is' the' of6icial' name' of'

the' umbrella' statewide' entity' to' which' the' local'sanghas'all'belong.Board OfficersDirector:'Gina'GarlieSecretary:'Nicole'Dunn

NicoleDunn





Treasurer:'Stan'VorreyerElder:'Rowan'ConradRetreats:'Ann'KuntzweilerMembership:'Sandi'SimonsOrder'of'Interbeing'Coordinator:'Zan'Murray'

Open$Way$Sanghas,$MissoulaOpen'Way'Mindfulness'Center,'702'Brooks

Open WayMeets'Tuesdays'from'7:0089:00pmDirector:'Rowan'Conrad'&'Avery'WilliamsContact:'openwaysangha@aol.'com'or'54989005

Be Here NowMeets'Mondays'from'7:3088:45pmDirector:'Nicole'DunnContact:'beherenowcommunity@yahoo.'com

' or'Nicole'at'32788408Council OfficersDirector:'Nicole'DunnSecretary:'Steve'ZellmerTreasurer:'Bill'ElisonElders:'Rowan'Conrad'&'Greg'Grallo

Flowing$Mountains$Sangha,$HelenaMeets'Tuesdays'from'6:3088:30pmSt.'John’s'Building'(in'the'law'library),'25'South'EwingDirector:'Ann'KuntzweilerContact:'Zan'at'mtmurrays@earthlink.'net

Open$Sky$Sangha,$KalispellMeets'Thursdays'from'6:0088:00pmChrist'Episcopal'Church,'215'3rd'Ave.'E.Director:'Gina'GarlieContact:'openskysangha@gmail.'com

For*current*and*complete*schedules*for*each*of*our*sanghas.*please*visit:*openway.*org

Open Way News and Views is a mostly annual publication of Open Way Sangha, Inc.Editor & Graphic Designer: Steve Allison-Bunnell • Copy Editor: Jodi Allison-BunnellLike all offerings of the Dharma, this newsletter is freely given to all without charge. If you wish to copy any article or poem for your own practice, please accept our thanks for your interest. That permission does not extend to reprinting for commercial use or reprinting for publication in any form. For those purposes, the articles, photographs, and artworks published here are copyright by their authors. Please direct requests to reproduce materials to [email protected].

EXCERPTS FROM THE NEW SUTRA ON BEGINNING ANEWAs our lives unfoldWe allow ourselvesTo become weighted down.. . .Our hearts become heavy.They begin to close.Our joy fades.Our sorrow builds.Our eyes touch beauty without seeing.Our hands touch loved oneswithout feeling.Birdsong falls upon our earswithout hearing.

We are caught in a boxof deficit and doubt.. . .I can choose to stop.I can choose to look.I can choose to change perspective.I can choose to change direction.I can choose to begin anew.. . .We smile.We bow.We let go.

With all our heart we go for refuge,To the BuddhaTo the DharmaTo the Sangha.

o(Reprinted by permission of the authors)







mailto:mtmurrays%40earthlink.net

mailto:mtmurrays%40earthlink.net

mailto:openskysangha%40gmail.com

mailto:openskysangha%40gmail.com

http://openway.org/

http://openway.org/



FALL 2007

About Open Way, Inc. Open' Way' formed' in' 1989' to'

practice' mindfulness' and' medita8tion'in'the'tradition'of'Nobel'Peace'Prize' Nominee,' Ven.' Thich' Nhat'Hanh'and'the'The'Order'of'Interbe8ing.'In'2013,'Open'Way'Sangha,'Inc.'became' the' parent' organization' to'equally' represent' all'of'Montana’s'Order'of'Interbeing'sanghas.

In' Missoula,' meditation' prac8tice' is' offered' on' Monday' and'Tuesday' evenings.' Flowing' Moun8tains' Sangha' in' Helena' meets'Tuesday' evenings,' and' Open' Sky'Sangha'in'Kalispell'meets'Wednes8day'evenings.'The'Open'Way'Sang8has' jointly'offer'residential'retreats'

twice'a'year.'Open'Way' is'active'in'the' Open' Gate' Prison' Outreach'Program,' which' sponsors' medita8tion'groups'in'area'prisons.

The' Mindfulness' Center' is' at'702'Brooks'Avenue'in'Missoula,' in'the'corner'of'Rose'Park.'For'further'information'and'a' full' calendar' of'events'at'all'local'sanghas,'visit'www.'openway.'org.

To'contact'the'Center,'call'(406)'54188191'or'email' info@openway.'org.

Send' newsletter' feedback' and'submissions'to'newsletter@openway.'org.

2013 DIRECTORS

OPEN WAY SANGHA, INC.Gina Garlie

OPEN WAY, MISSOULARowan Conrad

BE HERE NOWNicole Dunn

FLOWING MOUNTAINSAnn Kuntzweiler

OPEN SKYGina Garlie

OPEN WAY MINDFULNESS CENTER702 Brooks AvenueMissoula, MT 59801Return Service Requested









news & views, 2013

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