Listening deeply during the pandemic: 

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

When so much of the noise of the world has gone, what do I hear . . .

Listening deeply to the pandemic is a twice-weekly, 21-day framework for gentle inquiry into our experiences of interconnectedness and community, at a time when this is being radically redefined. During this time, whatever our circumstances, we may be getting a sense of the depth of our impact on each other, something which we may not have previously been aware of. We may hear ‘the cries of the world’ amplified, and we may see the cracks in our society more clearly than ever before. This framework invites us to gently make ourselves available to bear witness to those cries which travel to us most clearly, and to listen for how we might respond to them. 

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 perhaps for some of us the world is quiet enough, for long enough, for us to really listen. 

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

Listening deeply to the pandemic: 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 in 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. When we listen, which cries touch and trouble us the most? (Wednesday)

 5. Cherishing the source: 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, even from within our own four walls. 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 when this pandemic is over?  What can we do now? (Wednesday)

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

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