IMCW LGBTQ Sangha 

". . forgiving oneself, moving away from shame and internalized oppression, is the beginning of spiritual practice, the beginning of personal integration, the beginning of the opening of the heart . . . and such forgiveness is possible only through uncompromising honesty and self-examination, humility, and a willingness to let go of belief systems and constructed point-of-view . . . so that we finally open to the marvelous journey in celebration and gratitude . . ."

-Caitriona Reed
www.manzanitavillage.org

Aspirations of the IMCW LGBTQ Sangha:

• To explore our LGBTQ identities in the light of the dharma, across multiple and
intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to: sexuality,
gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.

• To provide a safe and intimate space where LGBTQs can deepen the practice
of meditation and mindful dialogue.

• To study the dharma from diverse perspectives and to inspire insightful
discussions.

• To cultivate a sense of belonging and community both within the LGBTQ
sangha and the larger IMCW sanghaThe IMCW LGBTQ Sangha meets monthly.

Click here for the LGBTQ flier.  

Note: The "Sex, Gender, & The Buddha" awareness training and fundraiser has been postponed to the fall.

NOTE: We will not be meeting in July and August. Meetings will resume again in September.

Fall 2008 meeting dates:

September 20th
October 18th
November 22nd
December 20th

Holiday Banquet: December 20th

Upcoming Events:

Register Now!:

Transforming Our Rage Inheritance - a 1-1/2 day interactive workshop with Ruth King

Friday, September 12, 2008 from 7:00 - 9:30 pm and Saturday,
September 13, 2008 from 9:00 - 4:30 pm at the Foundry United Methodist Church in Dupont Circle.
We all embody a rage inheritance-the unresolved rage of our parents and ancestors that we carry forth out of an unconscious loyalty to them. With the insights from African indigenous wisdom, Healing Rage and Family Constellations methodologies, we reveal unconscious entanglements with the fates of family ancestors. In this work, we create a 'knowing field' as we stand in for each other and decode this unconscious legacy, and in so doing, we learn how to:

• Let go of habitual pain patterns.
• Release long-standing traumas.
• Be present to and enjoy the moment.
• Expand perceptions of right and wrong.
• Rest well in body, mind and spirit.

In this profoundly intimate and experiential work, we experience the beauty and complexity of unconditional love. We discover how seeing, being, and honoring our past frees us to be powerful and genuine in our present-day relationships, lives, and service.

Cost: $80 (sliding scale available upon request)

Click here for more details and registration form.  Sign up early -- this workshop will fill quickly!

Save the Date!:

Embodied Presence Daylong with Jonathan Foust

Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Foundry United Methodist Church in Dupont Circle

(Registration information coming soon!)

ON THE CUSHION:

"An opportunity to support daily practice by meeting o­n a regular basis for short, silent meditations where you work and live . . ."

WASHINGTON, DC (ADAMS MORGAN):

Time:  Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:00 - 8:30 am
Location:  Studio Serenity, 2469 18th Street, NW, WDC 20009
Contact:  La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792
Donations accepted in gratitude to Studio Serenity.
This is a silent sit. No guided meditation instructions provided.
Click here for flier

With metta and in sangha,

La Sarmiento
Facilitator, IMCW LGBTQ Sangha

For more information, please contact: 

La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792

Subscribe to the GLBTQ email list: Click here to subscribe or send an email to: glbt-subscribe@lists.imcw.org. You will receive email confirmations to complete the process.

Unsubscribe: Click here to unsubscribe or send an email to: glbt-unsubscribe@lists.imcw.org. You will receive email confirmations to complete the process.

Change of email address:

1. Unsubscribe your old address: Click here to unsubscribe or send an email to: glbt-unsubscribe@lists.imcw.org.
2. Subscribe your new address: Click here to subscribe or send an email to: glbt-subscribe@lists.imcw.org.