Listening deeply during the pandemic 2: 

A 21-day inquiry, with twice-weekly meetings, starting again on Sunday June 07 2020 

What am I hearing in these days, as the suffering of the world becomes ever more amplified? In the midst of this how can I 'hold my seat' and my sanity, and keep my heart open and ready to respond? 

Listening deeply to the pandemic 2 is a twice-weekly, 21-day framework for gentle, deep inquiry into our experiences of interconnectedness and community, at a time when this is being radically redefined. 

On June 08, Ireland is scheduled to enter into phase 2 of emergence from lockdown, a phase which will last 21 days, the cycle length of our inquiry. As this happens, in the U.S., which is still suffering acutely in the pandemic, other things are coming more clearly into focus for those of us not directly affected on a daily basis. Old, deep wounds of racism and structural inequality are crying out to be addressed, and we may find ourselves considering how these wounds are experienced here in Ireland.  

A YouGov poll in the UK has shown that, after lockdown, only 9% of Britons want to return to life as 'normal'. As we begin our tentative process of emerging from Covid-19, we may find that we're moving into a more imaginative, future-leaning way of being, one in which we ask ourselves what kind of society we want to emerge into: What needs to be protected and what needs to be preserved? 

This moment is a good time to listen, to bear witness and to deepen our practice. Then according to the inner promptings that come from our practice, inquiry and shared learning, and which are unique to each of us, we can help bring a more compassionate world into being.  

Sundays, 10.30am - 12.00pm online-circle

Wednesdays, 8.00 - 9.30pm online-circle

Spaces limited to 14 

Participation: €80/€50*conc or whatever you can afford at this time, and your feedback in response to a short survey post-completion. Please feel welcome to get in touch with Niamh with any questions at hello@showingup.ie 

Beginning on the morning of Sunday, June 07 and happening twice-weekly over 21 days, Listening deeply . . . offers a gentle framework of inquiry into this shared moment; encouraging a careful, open listening to all circles of our life at this time, from the smallest to the widest, and inviting us to extend this circle. There is no other 'curriculum' than our life as we are experiencing it. Now as we tentatively move out of lockdown phase, perhaps we are becoming aware of what is truly important for us and for our world.  This framework offers a gently facilitated way of exploring these experiences, supported by a small group and our own practice. 

Meditation practice and mindfulness in daily life establishes the ground of our inquiry. The Covid-19 virus has been moving through our world in strong waves which may still provoke swiftly-changing emotions in us; ranging from anxiety and gratitude to grief and wonder. We may continue to experience significant losses in its midst. With mindfulness we make space for our experience, whatever it is, without judgment and with kindness.

Listening deeply during the pandemic 2: inquiry-framework

One of six themes (listed below), which serve as practice and inquiry prompts, is offered each Sunday and Wednesday. A seventh online circle closes our inquiry together, on Sunday, June 28. Each online meeting includes guided meditation, connection-circle practice to express our experiences of the previous days' inquiry, and a short talk and exchange to introduce the next theme. Each inquiry is supported by a little additional, optional reading for inspiration, primarily from modern Buddhist teachers. 

1. Taking our seat: (Re)establishing and reviving meditation practice, both formal and informal, according to our capacity at this time. (Theme introduced at the first Sunday morning session) 

2. Discernment: acknowledging and protecting our basic sanity. Noticing the effects of different media and information sources. Choosing what media and information we take in, and when. Tuning in to what helps us to feel connected, and tuning out what contributes to a sense of isolation and diminishes our capacity to be present. (Introduced at the Wednesday session) 

3. Sensing our 'interdependence': opening to awareness of community – what does this word mean for me? What has my experience of community been through this pandemic experience, through my life and who are my important ancestors?  (Sunday)

4. Hearing ‘the cries of the world’: Some people have observed that this Covid-19 moment has unveiled the cracks in our society in a much clearer way. From this time, which cries have touched and troubled us the most? (Wednesday)

 5. Cherishing life: taking care of vulnerable, resilient humanity, i.e., myself. Practicing rest and ease and opening to joy. (Sunday)

 6. Expressing natural compassion: Feeling and expressing our impact, and which impulses we wish to follow. Without imposing any ‘shoulds’ or external demands upon ourselves, noticing what naturally arises in us in response to the question: to what wheel will we put our shoulder as we slowly emerge from lockdown?  What can we do now? (Wednesday)

7. Harvesting: Completing our engagement in this inquiry together and sharing our learning (Sunday)

Here's what some participants in the first cycle of Listening deeply... said about their experiences:

I found this inquiry really helpful to me for making some sense of what is happening - or maybe its' becoming closer to accepting uncertainty. Since March I have felt waves of disbelief, panic, optimism, despair, hope and more; a rollercoaster! The group gave me a space to acknowledge these feelings and listen to others going through similar and different experiences. This inquiry and the group has been a great support for me; it has been a very reflective process, with lots coming up that I had not considered in a long time. It has been so valuable to have the space to engage with these things, with support. - Nuala R

Niamh holds a very safe space in which to explore your own experience and feelings within this pandemic and guides you very gently in exploring both within and beyond ourselves. Sharing our experiences and listening to others within a small group was a very sacred period of time and every suggestion or inquiry was very invitational, adding no pressure at all to the times we find ourself in. The exercises in the follow up email to each meeting were very useful in keeping the flow going between sessions. Thank you for this opportunity :-) Ruth S.

This is a course about being in the world lightly . . . It's a space I highly recommend, a place of greater self-discovery with new friends. Paddy C

I would highly recommend the Showing Up 21~day enquiry to anyone who is curious and interested in practicing meditation and understanding yourself and the world. Even if you have an inkling to listen a little more deeply to what this particular moment in history has to tell us....I would go for it. Niamh Barrett is a gifted teacher and has skilfully crafted themes and a programme that takes you on a voyage of understanding & revelation. Erica B

To book, please use the paypal button below to make your payment and include your contact email address in the notes. 

Upon booking, Niamh will be in touch to confirm your registration and to schedule a brief orientation phone call. This is just to make sure that this framework is appropriate for your needs at this time. 

To use an alternative payment method please email Niamh at hello@showingup.ie