Ne’er cast a clout till May is out!

We had our first Mindfulness Day for some curious Wild Goslings today at Monimail Tower in North East Fife. Just a small gathering of goslings, 4 families in total. We had a really lovely time together, spirits not dampened at all by the weather. Highlights included a joyful yoga session, a mindful shared lunch and chocolate meditation, a nature walk amongst abundant wild garlic (see photo), colorful craft in the form of a “Mind in a Jar” and glorious bell ringing. A very successful day and we all left feeling that seeds of mindfulness had definitely been planted. We hope to repeat again when the opportunity arises in a different location next time to allow others to join us.

Orla & Sally

Meeting outside the commonwealth pool at 10.00am for a walk that is leisurely and wonderful. Wild Geese and friends are invited to come together to walk down from the pathway below Salisbury Crags leading to Holyrood Palace. Then a short distance onto Dunsapie Loch were you can feed the ducks, swans, and feathered Wild Geese. We loop Around passing the ruin of St Anthony’s Chapel taking the pathway that cuts between Arthurs seat and Salisbury Crags this is a lovely pathway which takes you away from the views of the city. Following the path takes us back gently where we started. At that point we can have our picnic at some grassy spot. The walk itself would be a very gentle hour and a half (approx.), the picnic as long as you wish. Of course we will be weather dependent but we could retire to the Himalaya Café for tea if the weather is to difficult. See you there.

I can hardly believe it’s been ten whole years since we first opened our doors at lunchtime on Tuesday 5th April 2005 at 12.15pm. Opening our doors to those of us seeking a short period of respite from a busy world and a busy mind. Sitting quietly on that first Tuesday at 12.15pm I had no idea if anyone would come in and sit with me – and so to all of you who have come on Tuesday’s a big thank you for making our practice of mindfulness together possible.

If you can, please come and join us on Tuesday 7th April to enjoy mindfully sharing our lunchtime together.  A lunchtime – breathing, sitting, walking and maybe eating birthday cake in celebration!

Warm greetings

Jon

We are lucky to have Brother Phap Lai visiting and he will be facilitating the Sangha night on Thursday 2nd April which will be a treat.

[UPDATE: Cancelled – Brother Phap Lai has unfortunately been called back to Plum Village and so won’t be able to make it. On the bright side I’ll be facilitating!]

You can now listen to the service we held to celebrate Ani’s life and transition.

We invite you all to join us in a morning of mindfulness on a theme of:

Kindness

This is an opportunity to come together enjoy sitting meditation, walking and eating together in Mindfulness. There will be some readings, Dharma sharing . Please bring some vegetarian food to share. Tea will be provided.

Where: The Gillis Centre. 100 Strathearn Rd
When: Saturday 11th of April 9:30am to 1:30pm
Bring: Vegetarian food to share
By Donation: suggested £5.00 donation is welcomed but please pay only what you can afford.
By Bus:
– The No 5 from North Bridge (at the east end of Princes Street) stops at our gate.
– The Nos. 24 & 41 go to Marchmont Road. Strathearn Road is at the traffic lights, Turn right into Strathearn Road and walk to Gillis (5 minutes on foot)
– The Nos. 11,15,16,27,27,45 from Princes Street and Lothian Road go to Bruntsfield Links, walk down Whitehouse Loan to the Strathearn Road junction (traffic lights) and turn left to the Gillis Centre. (5 minutes on foot) .

If you would like more information please phone Bryan 07736889165 or you can just turn up on the day.

We are holding a Mindfulness Day facilitated by Bryan and Keith on the theme of  looking at our suffering with the eyes of compassion and Interbeing. There will be guided meditation, walking meditation and some formal sharing/discussion. We will finish by eating together in mindfulness. Please bring some vegetarian food to share.

Date: Saturday 14th March 2015
Time: 9:30am to 1pm
Venue: The Gillis Centre (in Marchmont)
Cost: You are invited to contribute, if you can, to the cost of hiring the hall.

All are welcome. If you would like further details or just to RSVP please contact Bryan of Keith directly.

This Mindfulness day is followed by a Mindful Peace Walk at the Botanics on Sunday morning. Why not attend both events and convert your weekend into a mini, urban retreat!

Ceremony of respect and celebration for the life of
Ani Lodro Maverika
(Nora Romo)

St. Marks Unitarian Church
7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2DP
6.30pm, Thursday 5th March 2015

This will consist of a ceremony of celebration and farewell followed by a “munch” and a Be-In in St Marks hall.

Ani specifically asked for no flowers but we would like to invite you to bring a leaf, real, paper or any other material you like perhaps with a word or phrase on it to lay on Ani’s coffin during the ceremony to send her in our love and thoughts in her continuation.

Also poems, songs, stories, photos etc to share in the Be-In and help honour and celebrate our connections to Ani and how she has touched our lives.

If possible RSVP: It would be helpful to have an indication of numbers for catering but all are most welcome

Ani’s cremation takes place on Friday.  There will be no separate service at this time.

Please see this page for details of location, public transport and parking.