Designed for activists, allies & agents of social change

transform from within.
Here & Now.

march 2 - 28

all are welcome.

CENTER for
Transformative Change

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transformative programs & practices
for agents of social changes

The Practice Period
Three times per year, New Dharma Community sets aside 27 days for deep internal practice collectively supported within the community, known as Practice Periods.

While not everyone is able to go live in a monastic setting on a full-time basis, we can find greater alignment in our lives by setting a clear intention to engage our practice with intensity for a set period of time, inviting the deepened commitment, spiritual rigor, and yes, sacrifice, that we associate with long retreats and monasteries. Practice Periods are designed to help accomplish that right here in the midst of our urban lives…where it matters, where it is most useful.

Below you will find, you will find answers to key questions, guidelines and a schedule overview. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Practice Leader at: practice@transformativechange.org

We are offering our spring Practice Period as an exclusively virtual experience.

FAQ

Q: What are Practice Periods?
Practice Periods are an adaptation of the traditional 100-day Ango (peaceful dwelling) of the Zen tradition. Since the days of Shakyamuni, the historic Buddha, periods of time were set aside during the rainy season for more structured, intense practice. Monks would come together to practice and study and take shelter from the rain. From there, they would disperse and travel throughout the country spreading the Dharma. Later, in China and Japan, that tradition became two periods of “peaceful dwelling” each year during which monastic training provided a strong container.

New Dharma Community's peaceful dwelling is distributed over 3 seasonal 27-day periods, Spring, Fall & Winter. (Our annual sesshin is held just before Summer.) The Practice Period provides a context and support that allows you to clarify, strengthen and deepen your inner awareness practice. Elements of Practice Period include:

Rigorous practice environment conducive to reflection
Significantly increased practice opportunities & instruction
Strong container of community support

Q: What is a virtual Practice Period?

A virtual Practice Period is conducted entirely on-line. It contains all of the essential elements of a traditional Practice Period and combines them with the convenience of accessing them virtually, from wherever you are. Virtual opportunities for Participants include: weekly check-in circles, 1:1 interview/coaching, instructional videos on our core Practices, exclusive access to our library of study materials and Dharma talks related to Transformative Change, and inspiring daily Practice emails.

Q: What can I generally expect at the Center during the Practice Period?

The Practice Hall, when no other events are scheduled, will be open to local folks during 27 Days of Change, to serve as a container for their personal self-led practice. Our meditation garden is available for use as well during business hours.

All 'activities' related to Practice Period: 27 Days of Change will occur online and virtually.

Teachings: Weekly Dharma talks by the guiding teacher via virtual means fearless

Yoga: Friendly Warrior series instructional video accessible online (self-led, instruction sheets provided)

Cleanse Week: Individuals participate in any one of a number of different cleanses with group support & check-ins.

Coaching: one 15 minute One-on-One coaching phone call or chat to help guide your deep change, in addition to 4 weekly group check-in circles

Study: Group study opportunities and discussion groups on subjects that occupy the intersection between spirit & social change

Q: What are specific expectations of my participating in the Practice Period ?
WAKE UP!

During Practice Period, you commit to intensifying reflective and contemplative practice and attention on three levels, which when brought together form a holistic relationship to our life and creates the conditions for transformation:

inner: personal development focus, sitting/body practices
interpersonal: relationships & community participation
global/social: examination of our personal impact on the world we live in

To seal your commitment, you fill out an Intention Agreement that allows you to consider areas of your life to deepen.

Daily Practice: Increase in sitting meditation
Personal Challenge: something in your life you wish to address using the Four Actions Practice (note: Four Actions Practice will be reviewed in the first week study materials)

Behavior Shift: releasing an unwanted, unproductive behavior

Community Engagement: participation in supporting Social Action Circle projects

Footprint Reduction: commitment to bring attention to & reduce ecological footprint

Training Path Petitioners: Petitioning members undertake 27-day Challenge Petitioning to enter a training path occurs up to a month before Practice Period begins. For more information about entering the Training Path gate, contact the Practice Leader.

Formal Training: Those currently on a training path receive Practice Period Projects.

Q: How can I participate in the Practice Period?
You can participate informally, choosing Personal Practice or formally, as a Participant.

With formal participation, your Practice Period Intention Agreement is witnessed and signed by the Guiding Teacher, your intentions can be reviewed with a Senior Student, you will have opportunity to participate in weekly check in meetings, participate in online study groups and cleanse support, have exclusive access to our library of relevant writings & Dharma talks related to Transformative change, and you receive individual support from a mentor-coach.

Practice Period Participants also commit to keeping a daily practice journal and participating in Practice Period weekly Group check-ins. Participants should expect to engage the full Practice Period, making only essential adjustments as absolutely necessary for one's life.

Please remember that sacrificing "business as usual" is not only likely, but an essential component of deep practice towards Transformation.

A Certificate is issued for those that meet the Practice Period expectations.

Q: How is Social Silence held during Practice Period?
By minimizing the conversation needed to be in community, we carry our sitting practice into our lives. We encourage you to cultivate this sensibility for yourself and in your life during the 27 Days of Change.

If visiting the Center during the 27 Days of Change, once we enter through the Center gate, Social Silence is held in the Main House, Practice Hall and on the grounds of the Center. Center business that requires conversation may take place in the office. ALL personal conversations can take place outside the Center's facilities (beyond the gate please) and very quietly if on Center grounds. Rather than whispering, you are welcome to pass a note, leave a message on the office bulletin board or send email. Social Silence will be lifted for public events, Thursday Community Dinners, and after 11am on Fridays. Social Silence resumes again Monday mornings.

*** Social Silence is lifted for parties & events as appropriate, of course! ***

Palms Together. May you lead the life of a warrior.