September Local Ram Dass Satsang

When: We will continue to meet on the 3rd Sunday of this month.

Expect: a loving community space for meditation, journaling, discussion, mutual learning from the teachings of Ram Dass, and perhaps a little chanting or heart-singing at the end.

Theme:
The Changing World: Standing Halfway Between Hope & Hopelessness
“The point of that… change is happening, much of it traumatic. It's like giving birth. Birth is a beautiful thing of what finally happens. But the process is hard. And when a process is hard and people don't have a place to stand where they can handle the hardness of the process, like a good breathing method, they freak. And when they freak- when they get frightened- they contract. And when they contract, they get violent. That concept of pushing away somebody- that pushes away suffering- that does something to your human heart- that cuts you off from living spirit in life. But do you and I have what it takes to look with unblinking gaze at what is and not be fried by it, not go under by it? Do you and I have the capacity to look at the Universe of suffering and still be joyful? I speak at many peace rallies and I’m amazed at how angry everybody is. And you think, how bizarre? How bizarre. Where is peace going to begin? "If you weren't like this, we could all be peaceful." God, I don't want to be around you. What you and I are called upon to do is to find the place to stand in ourselves, from which we can look at what is in the universe, recognize the possibility that it may all blow up, or it may all turn out beautiful, do what we can. What is our unique predicament that allows us to do what we can to relieve suffering, without being freaked by what we can't do? And, with all that, be peaceful and joyful. That's what all of the inner spiritual work prepares a person to do because it gives you a context from which you can look at the events from moment to moment without getting lost in them.” ~Ram Dass

Our Shared Commitments: From the Teachings of Mahariji & Ram Dass
In the spirit of love and interconnectedness, we commit to:

• Love Each Other: See the Beloved in all beings, honor unique journeys, and embrace our interconnectedness.
• Feed Everyone: Embody love to inspire and heal. Treat all with genuine care, recognizing our impact on others. Share wisdom through actions & mindful sharing based on personal experience, rather than the passing around of advice. While we create a supportive environment, we recognize that our satsang complements but does not replace professional therapy.
• Remember God: Honor the divine in each soul, transforming our consciousness and the world.

As a Satsang, we dedicate ourselves to these practices, recognizing that being love transforms our consciousness and contribute to a ripple effect of love and peace in the world.

How to support: A $5-10 suggested donation helps us cover operational costs and ensure the continuity of the Satsang at Fitness Union PDX, and is always deeply appreciated (NOTAFLOF)

Contact: Please direct questions to Erin at nepdxlocalramdasssatsang@gmail.com