Natural Awareness

held by Augusta Hopkins and friends

Join us on Mondays to rest, cultivate awareness, and receive guidance from Sayadaw U Tenjaniya’s book: Relax and Be Aware. Known for his laid back approach, Sayadaw teaches in a way that supports the development of awareness and wisdom in the very midst of our busy modern lives.

At 6 o’clock we’ll settle into silence as we listen to the neighboring church bells. Then we’ll receive a short reading from Relax and Be Aware to support our development of natural awareness. This will be followed by 20-30 minutes of silent meditation in any posture - sitting, walking, standing, or reclining.

Developing continuity of awareness, we will practice mindfulness while speaking and listening. After the teacher offers reflections, participants will be invited to do the same. Practice questions are always welcome. The evening will close at 7 PM with bells, some words from the Buddha, and a dedication of merit for the benefit of all beings.

Augusta's life has been transformed by the teachings of Sayadaw U Tejaniya.

When teaching, she draws on her Quaker roots, deep practice and training in the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, Insight Meditation, Theravada Buddhism, and the spiritual healing journey of the Twelve Steps of Al-Anon.

Augusta (she/her, white, cisgender) has been practicing Buddhism since 2006. She brings a depth of experience from teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction to almost 1,000 students and mentoring 100 plus meditation teachers-to-be in Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield’s Meditation Teacher Training program. Augusta welcomes all. She received lay ordination from Thich Nhat Hanh and the names True Ocean of Strength and Peaceful Fulfillment of the Heart which she embodies. She is authorized by Spirit Rock to share the Dharma and teach meditation. Augusta also holds an MBA in Sustainable Business and a third degree Black Belt in the Korean Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. When she isn’t meditating or teaching meditation she can be found swimming in the cold waters of the San Francisco Bay.