Queer Joy: The Secret of Our Strength
with Melina Bondy
Wednesday, June 23, 2021; 7:00-8:30pm
Suggested donation: $7-25*
Practice together remotely with other sangha members in a relaxed online atmosphere (7:00) and enjoy a dharma talk (7:35).
All are welcome!
June
is Pride month in many parts of the world, a time of celebration and
connection for much of the LGBTQIA+ community. In the wake of Covid-19,
even with the vaccine, joy is hard to access for many. Yet the queer
community has always known the value of a celebration, no matter what.
Joy is not a luxury. It's a necessity. The Buddha's teaching of mudita (celebratory
or resonant joy) offers practical tools to grow a lasting joy that can
be accessed by anyone, at any time, and anywhere - from a Pride parade
to a traffic jam.
This evening's gathering will include a guided meditation, a teaching on joy and time for written and community reflection.
Bring something to write with and a cup of tea. (optional)
This talk is ideal for all levels, including beginners.
About Melina Bondy:
Hello! I
started meditating in 2003 after I found “Call Me By My True Names,” a poem by Thich
Nhat Hanh, on the internet. I soon attended my first retreats in Asia and North
America and never looked back. I first studied with Insight teachers Molly Swan
and Norman Feldman at home in Canada then in 2012 I ordained with the
Vietnamese Zen Master and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village,
France. I spent six challenging and insight-filled years inside the monasteries
and another 3+ years outside of the monasteries sharing mindfulness practices
with communities across Canada and the US, taking time for longterm silent
retreats in the Insight tradition, and training in anti-racism. I’ve now left
the robes behind but my dedication to meditation and mindfulness for all
remains the same. In the spring of 2021 I knew it was time to return to lay
life and share what I've learned with a broader community. I'm also part of the True North Insight Community Meditation Mentorship Program.
I am a
queer, white settler in Canada, a cancer survivor and a writer. It is my honour
and my passion to support people in practical and creative ways to develop
mindfulness, compassion, and joy in daily life.
You can
find out more about me and my work at: www.melinabondy.com
*If
you have the means, please consider a donation tonight. We operate
entirely on the sangha's acts of generosity. Your donation will help us
meet the minimum payment for the teacher and provide some support to the
ongoing operations of the sangha as well. Everyone is welcome at all of
our events, regardless of ability to donate. Therefore, those who
donate more are helping to make the center accessible to all.
A note about dana for Wednesday night Dharma talks: Our
teachers receive 60% of the dana given for Wednesday night Dharma
talks, as they traditionally have. That said, since the pandemic, dana
given for Dharma talks has decreased. As a result, IPV now provides
teachers with a minimum guaranteed amount. If you wish to give
additional dana solely to the teacher for this Dharma talk, there will
be an opportunity later in the process below.
You
can give online or send checks to InsightPV, 116 Pleasant Street, Suite
242, Easthampton, MA 01027. FYI: we check for mail once per week.
Zoom Link
Password: 242.
Dial in by phone for audio only: Call (646) 558-8656. Meeting ID: 943 156 1684. Password: 242
