Choosing Kindness: Empathy, Emptiness, and Empowerment in Challenging Times
with Venerable Amy Miller
In our daily lives, we are often bombarded by external experiences that show cruelty and heartlessness. We are influenced by these situations and begin to believe that in order to be happy we need to follow a particular behavior, obtain an array of material items and/or attain a certain status. Little by little, the natural authentic dynamic flow of who we really are gets blocked and instead manifests as something more constrictive, negative, hostile or fearful. So we escape, blame or numb ourselves to what is really happening. Then the ruminating mind takes over deepening a false veil on our perceptions. This is the perfect time for practice!
How can we use our vulnerability to generate a strong wish to emerge from our confusion and separation and spark a deep experience of compassion for others? This program explores a practical path of transformation by being present with our pain, fear, and aversion. Mindfulness exercises and emptiness meditation are included along with reminders of how the Buddha practiced to help us move through these less than comfortable states.
Open to all levels.
Recordings
About the Teacher
Venerable Amy Miller has been teaching extensively since 1992 and was ordained as a Buddhist nun in June 2000 by the great Tibetan master, Venerable Choden Rinpoche. She has previously directed several FPMT centers and projects for decades and has completed a seven-month solitary retreat. Her teaching style emphasizes a practical approach to integrating Buddhist philosophy into everyday life. She is happy to help people connect with meditation and mindfulness in an effort to gain a refreshing perspective on normally stressful living. Venerable teaches and leads retreats and pilgrimages around the world. Her teaching schedule and other information can be found at www.AmyMiller.com.
