The Middle Way Initiative Newsletter: December 2024
Dear Friends,
I’m feeling that cozy vibe coming on!!! I hope you are too. I love the mountains in the winter: quiet…but you know you’re not alone because you can see all the patterns in the snow as evidence. The outdoor beings are very busy! I’m not quite in hibernation-mode because December is probably our most active time at MWI. We have some unique events coming up over the next few weeks. I hope you can join in!
Please join me Saturday, December 21 with kirtan musician Krishna Das for our Open Question Conversation on the inspirational topic, “The Universe Held in Names”. See details and link to register below.
I also invite you to listen to my most recent Podcast, “Looking Into the World”, where I discuss the provocative title poem by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
The end of the year is also when we seek your support for my teachings and work through The Middle Way Initiative. Please join and support our annual donor campaign!
This year’s donor campaign includes a chance to be entered into a drawing for a beautiful print of Matthieu Ricard’s photograph “In Meditation”. You are eligible for the drawing if during 2024 you give or have given a cumulative amount of $108 or more. Please know that all donation amounts are welcome and appreciated.
MWI team member Pricilla Almeida made our sweet holiday video. I hope you enjoy it! We all wish you a spectacular winter holiday.
Last but not least, see below for our selected Losar 2025 T-shirt design.
With deep appreciation,
Elizabeth
OQ Live Conversation: The Universe Held in Names with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Krishna Das
Please join us on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10am- 12pm MT USA for the OQ Live Conversation: “The Universe Held in Names” with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Krishna Das. This event is offered livestream via Zoom in English and in Portuguese simulcast translation. Recordings will be available after the event for free to event registrants.
Kristina Das, affectionately known as KD, is an American vocalist known for his performances of Hindu devotional music, or kirtan. Elizabeth will ask Krishna Das to share his experience as a close disciple of the Northern Indian Saint, Neem Karoli Baba (Maharahhi), the devotional practice of call-and-response chanting, and the way Bakti (or devotion) is expressed in his tradition. We are truly looking forward to having him on our next OQ Live Conversations. Please join us!
For more information about Krishna Das please visit: KrishnaDas.com
EVENT PRICING $35 (USD) | FINANCIAL AID
This event is an important source of financial support for The Middle Way Initiative teaching programs. Your generosity is appreciated. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Episode 505: “Looking Into the World”
In this episode Elizabeth reflects upon the provocative poem composed by the renowned contemporary teacher, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, entitled, “Looking Into the World.”
“It’s not a cozy poem,” says Elizabeth, “It’s a reflection on loneliness. It is an incantation to distrust. It is a tribute to the freedom and confidence that comes from standing on our own two feet.” Put your familiar and conventional views aside for this wonderful exploration.
Poem used with permission: “Looking Into the World“ from Timely Rain, by Chögyam Trungpa, ©1972, 1983, 1998 by Diana J. Mukpo. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boulder, CO. www.shambhala.com.
Thank You for Answering Our Call for Creativity!
A big, “Thank you!” to everyone who submitted the beautiful artwork to celebrate Losar 2025, year of the snake! Our choice for the T-shirt art is secondary to our first intention of connecting with you and sharing in your creative process. We will be featuring all of these gorgeous creations in a video in an upcoming Newsletter. Please visit our website gallery to see them on our website.
The design that we will feature on our 2025 Tashi Delek MWI fundraiser T-shirt, celebrating the year of the snake, was created by Deborah Haynes and Amy Hayes. T-shirts will be available on our website store in January 2025.
Congratulations Deborah and Amy!
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE!
OQ Live Conversation: Notebooks of a Wandering Monk
Recordings available for the October 26, 2024 OQ Live Conversation: “Notebooks of a Wandering Monk,” with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Matthieu Ricard.
Event registrants have received their promotion code to view for free.
For those who missed registering for this event, or any 2024 event, recordings can be rented for one year. They are available in English and Portuguese translation.