Introduction to Cross-Cultural Mindfulness - January 2024

INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-CULTURAL MINDFULNESS

"Nature governs Nature. Nature fosters interdependence. Interdependence actively fosters interdependence and connection. Nothing survives in nature if it is fiercely independent or excessively dependent." - Angeles Arrien

We are facing a time in humanity of great division and despair as we witness the unfolding of a dying ecosystem. We are experiencing the challenges of a world in crisis, pandemic, racial inequality, economic disparity, displacement, and climate devastation. We need a framework for building up ourselves and each other - together.

“Indigenous and Eastern cultures have long recognized that the only constant is change, and the principle of interdependence is essential for survival.”

Cross-Cultural Mindfulness is a framework that brings together universal principles common across many cultures to help us integrate with our most primordial selves.

"Primordial comes from the Latin words primus, meaning 'first' and ordiri, 'to begin.' So it is easy to see that this adjective means 'first of all, original.' When something is primordial, it has existed since the earliest time, like the primordial mud some scientists believe was the source of all life on Earth." 

This framework centers on the foundations of mindfulness that are grounded on the breath, body, heart, and mind.  Cultures from all four corners of the world understand this framework to be fundamentally necessary to connect with our direct experience of the ever changing flow of life itself, which is essential to how we hold ourselves and each other in this very difficult time for humanity. In this course, participants will:

• Cultivate stillness, deep listening, and the ability to pay attention to present moment experience with a quality of mind that is alert, open, aware, and fully alive.
• Explore Earth-Based Practices to experience the truth that can be revealed through being in direct relationship with Nature.
• Practice ways of tracking what is present for us, the visible and invisible.
• Learn how to witness the mirroring of our internal and external realities through a self-assessment tool that explores how we are surviving and thriving.
• Learn the distinction between Cross-Cultural Mindfulness and secular mindfulness.     

Every time we practice mindfulness meditation, we are actively engaging with life itself internally and externally. Our internal landscape is a full living ecosystem no different from our beloved Earth, deeply connected to one another with no separation of other living beings, seen and unseen. Hence, this is why we honor the form and the formless as we acknowledge those who have come before us and after us. Our ancestors are living through us and the acknowledgement of our cultural roots is vital for a deeper understanding of our freedom beyond this body, this culture, this identity and this world. We open ourselves to this precious life shared with so many and embody the knowing that we are not separate from any of it. This practice is a vital antidote to the divisive patterns being amplified in our declining ecosystem worldwide.

Finally, as most know, the timeless practice of mindfulness was historically taught by the Buddha. The teachings of the Buddha belong to all living beings. At the same time, Asian descendants whose cultural and ancestral lineages have preserved Buddhism throught history, have a particular birthright to Buddhism. Known as Heritage Buddhists, these Asian diaspora communities must navigate the complexities and intersectionalities of modern day Buddhism. Many must practice holding the tension of oppressive aspects of patriarchy and traditionalism in Buddhism while also the harms of racism invisibility, erasure, and cultural appropriation perpetuated by white colonization. Cross-Cultural Mindfulness honors the contributions of Heritage Buddhists to the ongoing preservation and expansion of mindfulness and contemplative practices worldwide while making space for the evolving complexitites and unfolding needs facing these specific practitioners.

Core Program Components:

• Weekly Wisdom Teachings
• Cross-Cultural Mindfulness Practices
• Earth-Based Practices
• Spiritual Friendship & Community
• Somatic Movement Practices
• Personal Reading, Practice, & Reflection

Guided Self-Regulation Movements: 

Rhythm & Dance of the Four Elements

Our bodies are a dance of the four elements:  water, air, earth, and fire. These elements express themselves as energy and emotions that reside in different parts of our bodies. When you understand where these elements are located in your body, you can use movement to activate them and harness the poer of these elements in your daily life. Through certain rhythmic movements, we will move the energy of the elements so as to harmonize and calm our body, mind and regulate our emotions. The energetic zones of the elements are based on Polarity Therapy which is inspired by the chakra system in yoga. The movement to regulate emotions is drawn from Integral Somatic Psychology taught by Raja Selvam. Short movement videos will be offered for self-regulation.

As we prepare to open our sangha, we would like to get to know each one of you a bit more and what brings you here. We request for you to please fill out this ICCM Participant Information Form by January 7th, 2024. Thank you!

At Braided Wisdom we strive to build an online environment that creates a safer container for all. Part of creating a safer environment is asking for participants to have their cameras on during class time. If you have an access need around this request, please reach out to info@braidedwisdom.org so we can discuss how best to support you. 

References for Quotes:

Angeles Arrien

https://www.vocabulary.com/

Teachers:

Carol Cano (Braided Wisdom Founder/Lead Teacher)  

https://www.carolcano.com/

Imee Contreras (Mindfulness Teacher/Co-Teacher)  

https://www.mindfulnessasia.com/

Pawan Bareja (Guided Self-Regulation Movement Teacher)  

https://www.pawanbareja.com/

Schedule:

Mondays

6:00 - 8:30 pm PT

January 8, 15, 22 and 29

Reciprocity Contribution Levels:

Benefactor Tier:  $240.00

• The Benefactor Tier supports the largest partial contribution for a fellow community member.

Spiritual Friend Tier:  $180.00

• The Spiritual Friend Tier supports partial contribution for a fellow community member.

Supporter Tier:  $120.00

• The Supporter Tier supports most of the program cost.

Community Builder Tier:  $60.00

• The Community Builder Tier supports some of the program cost.

Braided Wisdom Leadership Training Program graduate: Complementary gift

Please reach out to the Braided Wisdom Team, info@braidedwisdom.org, if you need to discuss another option. 

We request participants attend the whole program to respect the container of the class and the teachers. We understand that life happens, and if you know you will miss more than one class, we recommend that you join at a time when you are available for all the sessions. Your presence and engagement in the class is essential for the course. 

Refund Policy:

If you wish to withdraw from the course prior to the January 8th start date, you will be given a full refund minus a $25.00 cancellation fee. Once the course begins, there will be no refunds.

This event registration is for the Introduction to Cross-Cultural Mindfulness Program starting on January 8, 2024.

** All classes are online via Zoom**  

A Zoom Link will be sent every Saturday prior to the Monday event dates.

If you have any questions, please email info@braidedwisdom.org.