I was introduced to Vipassana meditation in 1990 when I took an undergraduate class on the “Social Psychology of Consciousness.” I meditated on my own until 2003 when I began sitting with the Flagstaff Vipassana Sangha and attending retreats. As a professor of sociology at Northern Arizona University I integrate contemplative practices into my teaching and writing. I have written about Buddhist Sociology as well as about how contemplative practices may help us address environmental crises. More recently I have had the opportunity to facilitate “mindfulness circles” and offer workshops on “Mindfulness for Social Activists.” I live with 4 wild beings (my husband and 3 children) and find their presence a continual reminder to breath and experience the aliveness of the present moment.
In this “social dharma talk” Janine Schipper, sociology professor and dharma teacher, reflects on the relationship between consciousness and social change. Exploring one of the most destructive collective illusions of Western Society— that we are separate from each other and separate from the rest of the natural world— Janine asks: How may we begin to heal the divisions with each other and with the more than human world? What is the relationship between mindfulness practices and social justice work? How may mindfulness practices foster positive social change and how may a social justice orientation complement our mindfulness practices?
In this talk Janine explores how life’s challenges invite us to deepen our practice in relation to Buddhist teachings on:
- Mindfulness
- No-Self
- Life is Enough (Nothing to Fix)
- Impermanence
- Interconnection
- Compassion
Attachment to our illusions lead to suffering. However, when we bring our mindful attention to the delusions, recognizing our habitual patterns of thinking, allowing the mud to settle, and responding with metta and compassion, we can begin to free ourselves from their corrosive effects. This talk includes a guided meditation on dispelling delusions.
We explore various mind states that arose pre-election, post-election, and after the presidential race was called. We explore how holding compassionate space for our experiences allow us to recognize the divisiveness within, providing an opportunity to heal our internal divisions.
Reflections on the power of silence to serve as guide and teacher as we navigate and move our way through a changing world. Includes a series of guided mini-meditations to help us dive into the silent spaces within where deep peace and wisdom abide.
This talk explores worry and anxiety during these challenging times. Some themes include: How the Buddha’s instructions on thoughts gone wild differ from modern mindfulness approaches to worry and anxiety. Questions raised include: What do our experiences with worry and anxiety have in common? What appeals to you about the Buddha’s teachings on anxiety? What appeals to you about modern mindfulness approaches? Do you have any practices that you use that you find helpful with anxiety? Is there a new practice you might try to incorporate as you work with your own anxiety?
