People of Color Sangha
As a central part of its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, IMCW supports the formation and continued presence of affinity groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ) Sangha and the People of Color (POC) Sangha. We affirm that a key responsibility of these affinity Sanghas is to determine their own internal organization, including the makeup of their membership. Currently these Sanghas have chosen to be designated as POC-only and LGBTQ-only. The purpose is to allow a circle of belonging that feels safe to its members and to create a refuge where they can relax into the intimacy of spiritual exploration. In the midst of a larger environment, wherein people who identify as POC and/or LGBTQ may experience a sense of being targeted — even by people with wholesome intentions — these Sanghas provide a harbor of mutual respect and understanding that is anchored in safety.
Aspirations of the People of Color Sangha:
• To explore our identity as People of Color in the light of the dharma, across
multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to:
race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.
• To provide a safe and intimate space where People of Color 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 People of
Color sangha and the larger IMCW 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
The IMCW POC Sangha meets monthly. View the POC sangha flyer.
2010 Meeting Dates: August 28 (joint meeting with LGTBQ Sangha), September 25, October 16, November 27, and December 18
Next Meeting is July 24th:
| Host: | La Sarmiento |
| Location: |
Unity Woods Yoga Studio
2639 Connecticut Avenue, NW - Suite C-102 Washington, DC 20009 US |
| When: | Saturday, July 24, 4pm - 6:30pm |
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Phone:
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202.997.1399 |
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Please RSVP for the next IMCW POC Sangha Meeting on Saturday, July 24th by replying to this evite. Please arrive by 3:45 pm so that we can begin promptly at 4:00 pm. I need at least 2 volunteers to help set up at 3:30 pm. If you can, please note that on your RSVP. Thanks! The studio is directly across the street from the Woodley Park-Zoo subway stop on the Red Line. For info on public transporation: www.wmata.com. Parking is on the street, so please leave your self ample time to find a parking space. The format of the meeting is as follows: 30 minute sitting/walking meditation The reading for this meeting is "Reflect Without Thinking" by Ezra Bayda (copy and paste the link below into your web browser if simply clicking the link does not work): http://www.tricycle.com/-cushion/reflect-without-thinking Hope you can join us! Hope you can join us! Metta & sangha, La
Read "The State of the IMCW POC & LGBTQ Sanghas", a summary of this past year and what's ahead in 2010.
Upcoming Events: ON THE CUSHION: WASHINGTON, DC (ADAMS MORGAN): 2010 Buddhist Meditations that Heal and Awaken the Heart ~ Tara Brach AWAKENING THE HEART OF LOVE AND WISDOM: A WOMEN'S RETREAT ~ Arinna Weisman & Mushim Ikeda-Nash WEEKEND and WEEK LONG RESIDENTIAL RETREAT ~ Tara Brach, Eric Kolvig and Jonathan Foust For more information about the IMCW POC group, please contact: La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792 Renee Ater at aterhill@hotmail.com or 202.368.0308 Please contact La to be added to our mailing list. Thank you. |
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