December 2021
Greetings and Metta to Everyone,
As we fall into the giving season it is important to remember to care not only for others, but also to participate in the act of self-care. This time of year can be wonderful and nearly apocalyptic at the same time. The impact of stress and myriad of triggers and temptations are enough to make any suffering being say “I give up.” It is in moments such as these where breathing techniques, mantras, and boundaries can help ground us and keep us on the steady path of recovery. Some mantras we use or have heard from others in meetings are: “In this moment, I am safe.” “I love you, and I am listening.” “Despite my wishes for you, your happiness is not in my hands.” “May I accept this without struggling, but also without giving up.” (Recovery Dharma, 2019, pg. 70) Practicing mindfulness, asking for help, and expressing vulnerability may guide one towards acceptance of self, circumstances, and others. Setting healthy boundaries is a way to protect one’s being whilst acknowledging that “This is the way things are right now.” (Recovery Dharma, 2019, pg 70). Our hopes as we enter this enjoyable, sometimes stressful, and triggering phase of the year is that you find a way to engage in self-care (whatever that may look like for you), and mindfulness. May you find peace where you are right now.
News / Announcements
In-Person Meetings - Volunteers needed We are currently trying to plan for in person meetings in new year and we will be looking for anyone who might be interested in volunteering for set up and take down during the meetings. Basically, this would involve setting up / taking down the chairs, making coffee and tea, as well as greeting at the door. If you are interested in helping in any way at all please contact us. We are trying to build a list of volunteer contacts for when in-person meetings resume. For a more detailed description of available services positions, please check our website here: Recovery Dharma YYC - Service Positions
Christmas Day Meeting This year we will be holding an extra meeting on December 25th at 7:00pm MST. Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/296005463pwd=TDNtQWtlN1lBVXJ4TDRTWE9ISVVzQT09 If you are interested and available we would love to see you there.
Dana
Dana is the Buddhist term for the practice of generosity. To continue to support the meetings and the venues during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are in need of donations. Please give what you can to help support the meetings. Also, please keep in mind, if you are wanting to donate in the form of acts of service, please contact us. :) Currently we are accepting email money transfers (e-transfer). Our expenses include but are not limited to:
Website costs (maintenance and hosting fees) Social networking subscriptions (Zoom, Slack, etc) Pamphlets/Posters - Meeting supplies
- Meeting rental costs
Community Resources / Meeting Information
Recovery Dharma is a [Theravada] Buddhist approach to recovery. No religious requirements are necessary to join the community of wise friends on the path to recovery. The meeting day and times are: Sunday: 7:00 PM (an introductory meeting where we introduce the program, and review the stories of the Buddha/Siddhartha). Monday: 7:00 PM (an open exploration of the Recovery Dharma book, where readings are chosen by the facilitator). Thursday: 7:00 PM (a revisiting of the 8 Fold Path. Wise Understanding, Wise Intention, Wise Speech, Wise Action, Wise Livelihood, Wise Effort, Wise Mindfulness, and Wise Concentration). Christmas Day (Saturday, December 25th): 7:00 PM (a special holiday season meeting format consisting of a guided meditation, an open discussion, and more). Meeting Link https://zoom.us/j/296005463?pwd=TDNtQWtlN1lBVXJ4TDRTWE9ISVVzQT09
Community Services:
May all beings be free from suffering. Namaste. | 
