Country

Canada

Practice

I have been practicing meditation since 2007, and exclusively within the Shambhala tradition since 2011, where I took the Refuge Vow in 2014 and the Bodhisattva Vow in 2016.

I have completed Shambhala Training Levels I-V, the In Everyday Life and Basic Goodness Series, and took the Shambhala Vow at Rigden Weekend in January 2017. I also completed a Shambhala Meditation weekthun (weeklong meditation retreat) in December 2016.

I have a daily sitting, walking, and contemplation practice, which I do both indoors and outdoors.

I was actively involved, both as a participant and a volunteer, in an online dharma community from 2011 through 2016. In the past year, I have become more actively involved at my local Shambhala Centre, volunteering to staff programs, training and being authorized as both Shambhala Guide and Course Leader, and serving as Dorje Kasung.

I work closely with my meditation teacher, Shastri Nick Kranz, around issues related to my path and practice, both on and off the cushion.

About

I live with my partner and our dog in Toronto, Canada and work as a self-employed medical transcriptionist.

As this beautiful path has unfolded before me, I have found myself unfolding in ways I never dreamed possible. My lifelong companions, anxiety and depression, while still a part of my life, have become more manageable as I develop the capacity and the tools to also tune into the contentment of simply being, the joy of service and opening my heart to others, the fearlessness that comes with acknowledging fear rather than pushing it away, and the wisdom that comes with learning to look at things as they really are and trust in the workability of their unfolding, whatever it might look like.

Main teachers

Shastri Nick Kranz, Acharya Pema Chodron, Acharya Fleet Maull, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Purpose

I am asking for funds to cover tuition for Enlightened Society Assembly at Karme Choling August 12-21, 2017. While I am able to cover the other costs associated with attending ESA, I will be taking time off work without pay, which will present some financial challenges upon my return.

Offering

Having acknowledged and proclaimed the basic goodness in my own heart with the Shambhala Vow, I look forward to deepening my practice and my commitment to seeing the basic goodness in all things with the Enlightened Society Vow and offer my practice of Shambhala Sadhana.

Cost breakdown

In US funds (I live in Canada):
Application Fee: $75 (CDN)
Tuition Base Price: $1255
Accommodation: $360
Travel Expenses (gas, passport) $300 (CDN)
Heart Gift: $100
(SMCT Scholarship: $300 CDN)
Paypal and TOB Fees: $115