Tonglen for Climate Change
Thursdays at 12 PM on YouTube with Lama Liza
Over the last several years, we are increasingly seeing the effects of climate change—from droughts and wildfires to typhoons and flooding. Many of us probably know friends who have left the Rogue Valley due to the increase of summer smoke. While shifting climates are part of earth's natural cycle, we are seeing a rapidity of changes exacerbated by human impact. As glaciers disappear, forests are cleared, and our oceans fill with plastic, it can be overwhelming to know what to do. Tonglen—taking and sending practice—gives us a way to work with our fears and frustrations, and also to open our hearts and generate wisdom in facing what is occurring on our planet.
Each week, Lama Liza will lead a tonglen practice specifically working with issues around climate change. She will also give short instructions about the details and practice of tonglen. To access the practice, click the button below to visit the Tonglen for Climate Change YouTube channel. Each Thursday at 12:00pm Pacific, the link to that week's practice will appear on this YouTube channel. Simply click the video to join. Previous videos are also available on this channel, including a welcome with background information.
Lama Liza began her education in environmental science and ecology, graduating with a degree in Plant Science from the University of British Columbia. Glimpsing a sense of peace and well being in yoga class, she decided to delve more deeply into the nature of the human heart and mind, and what informs our beliefs, decision-making, and patterning. She studied for over three years at the Pacific Center for Awareness and Bodywork on Kauai, Hawaii, learning methods of self-inquiry, presence, and listening. She then encountered teachings on the nature of mind during a Tonglen and Mind Training weekend at KCC in Portland Oregon, and knew she had found her spiritual home in these teachings. Lama Liza then entered a three-year retreat at this center’s retreat land, where she was able to dive deeply into these teachings and the nuances of human experience. This practice of Tonglen for Climate Change is a fruition of Lama Liza’s study of ecology and spiritual practice, and the sharing of a practice that helps us work with how we close down or feel overwhelmed and how to transform that into the ability to open our hearts and our eyes to our world and respond skillfully to whatever we encounter.
The Tonglen for Climate Change guided meditation is live on YouTube every Thursday at Noon Pacific, with all previous videos available on the Tonglen for Climate Change YouTube channel. All are welcome to join, whether you’ve never meditated before, you’ve been a longtime activist or you are just wanting to learn more. Please feel free to leave any questions in the comments on YouTube or email the office.