We sometimes resort to strategies of planning and controlling as a refuge in times of uncertainty, but changing conditions often render this strategy ineffective at best, or frustrating and disappointing or perhaps even depressing. Our practice teaches us the value of continuous mindfulness, so why not adopt a more reliable strategy: TBA – To Be Aware!! Allowing awareness to connect with the changing nature of present moment experience keeps us from speculating about future outcomes that may never happen and saves us from punishing judgements about what has already happened. We will explore how TBA can help us reduce our dissatisfaction and discontentment and be more present to our life.

Vesak is the most important holiday of the year for Buddhists. It celebrates the Buddha’s birth, awakening, and passing into nibbana (parinibbana) at death. In many countries, it is recognized on the Full Moon Day of May as a national holiday. We will look at how the day is celebrated throughout the world, and then look at how we might take inspiration from these celebrations and from the life of the Buddha for our own practice.