Sitting at my desk enjoying a wonderful side-on view of the valley and bush clad hills beyond, is a treat. Yesterday’s welcome rain has brought greenery and a cool washed look to the previously parched and dry veld. The tinkling sound of the running water through the solar flow forms helps to restore the water [...]
I went a round in the ring with impermanence the other day and I gotta tell ya, impermanence whipped my butt. Am I allowed to say butt in a Buddhist newsletter? It’s politer than the alternative I had in mind. Anyway, the lead up was typical of your average boxing match. Both parties go in [...]
It has been a while since we have posted an update in the TRC newsletter. This is not due to inactivity but maybe rather over-activity. The Tikologo site is in full on spring explosion with our nursery already bursting at the seams and the herb garden looking like a little oasis in the hot and [...]
How do we build momentum in any community? We recognize moments worth celebrating. Many of you who hold leadership positions know, it is the sad or the bad news that comes into your inbox first. As Chair of TRC, it is usually the financial challenges and staffing problems that are brought to my attention. Yet, [...]
“To live in the fullness of time” ¹ Spanning almost two days, Ani Tsondru’s Wilderness Within retreat (Aug 31-Sept 2, 2018), was a container of spaciousness, nature walks, silent contemplation, poetry, and heart-centered discussions. The core modules are drawn from eco-philosopher and activist Joanna Macy’s pioneering Work that Reconnects. Having had the privilege to participate [...]
Brenda taming the overgrown garden A lot is going on here at TRC at the moment. As the days grow warmer and the sun begins to set later, we are busy preparing for all the exciting retreats coming up. Lots of menu planning to be done and making sure all the houses are [...]
After an unusually warm winter with temperatures not going below minus 9 degrees, we seem to be having an early spring, with blossoms appearing in the orchards, birds beginning to nest and the garden beginning to call for attention. Community It has been a busy month with helping folk move fencing materials, poles for building, [...]
I recently had a really bad day. I snapped at two undeserving people... in a row... before 8am... and, this is the worst bit, while DOING yoga... and right before stomping in to do my meditation practice. By the time I sat down in front of my shrine, I was so ashamed of my behaviour [...]
Reconnecting with Our Vast Vision On a frosty July weekend, a group of committed practitioners kept warm by focusing heart and mind on the future of TRC. When Akong Rinpoche founded this healing centre, he committed us to a 1000-year vision. This feels daunting at times, but also reminds us to put self-centred desires aside, [...]
Mid-winter. The sun makes its way over the horizon here on the main site at 7.10 am, lighting up a sparkling frosty scene. From my top stoep I look down on the frozen bird bath and see frustrated birds arriving to skate and peck away at hard water until I make it down there to [...]
