2022 Advent Series ... An Advent Calendar

A gift for you. An advent calendar with a short daily reflection (or a surprise!) From Owen Ash (Christ Church in Port Sydney) and Charlotte Weltzin (Community Church of North Orange and Tully). Give yourself a gift everyday as we count down to Christmas)

https://calendar.myadvent.net/?id=fwlnsv7b9ovgp74csrlcpy376kapw93i

2021 Advent Series

Mini Practice (December 9):

Go outside. Take a deep breath of fresh winter air. (If you have your comfortable Sit Spot, start there). Take you shoes off. And socks (yes, we’re aware what season it is*). Put your feet down onto the Earth. Into the snow (yes, a little squeal is ok). Into the Cold. Stay with it. What are the actual sensations…? What are your reactions…? Where is there uncomfortable…? Where is there strong sensation…? Where does sensation become pain…? Where is there Fear….? Why is there Fear…?

What comes up when you meet Uncomfortableness…? Can you be with the experience of sensation…? Where does the mind cross over and in…?

Come back to your Sit Spot and grab your socks and shoes. Warm your feet up gently and slowly and lovingly…

*This is not to torture nor is it to cause pain or harm!! Find your Edge of uncomfortable (maybe a teeny bit over) and explore from there. Do not go beyond uncomfortable into real pain or excessive numbing. Do not cause harm in any way. Know yourself. Remember, a bit of cold probably won’t do harm (especially with a nice, warm home to go back to), but you know yourself better than we do, so (again): Know yourself and keep yourself safe.

First Mini Practice (for December 1):

As we head into the first day of December, we recommend that you find a place outdoors to spend a few minutes just sitting. We often call this mindful outdoor practice a “Sit Spot”. Find yourself a spot that you can come to daily. Maybe a nice chair on your deck or a seat beneath a favorite tree.

Maybe it’s a spot on your front steps…choose a spot that feels right for you. Maybe it’s right out in the elements. Maybe it’s a little bit more sheltered and protected. Feel free to bring along a thick blanket or sleeping bag to cozy up in.

Choose a spot and commit to sitting in your spot at the same time each day for at least five minutes until Christmas or until the end of December or until January 6th. See what happens as you settle into the experiences that come. Just Sit. Be. And let Be.

2020 Advent Series