Proposal for September 2026 Study Group
From Peter Carlson:
Hi Fellow Travelers—I’ve decided that the next study group will continue to focus on Pema Chodron’s work, using “The Places That Scare You—A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times”. As I have said previously, we live in trying times, and I anticipate the cultivation of kindness and compassion will be very useful for keeping our balance going forward, with the cultural and environmental stressors that are occurring.
The book provides a structure for developing the theme of the study of compassion for oneself and others. Even if you participated in the previous group that used Chodron’s “Start Where You Are—A Guide to Compassionate Living”, the cultivation of mindfulness and compassion is a central theme of Buddhist study and practice, which I found to be worth revisiting. I look forward to conversations organized roughly through this format: The first two meetings will focus on chapters with an emphasis on cultivating an unhindered and tranquil mind. The next two meetings will focus on chapters that emphasize the cultivation of lovingkindness and compassion, and the remaining four meetings will focus on other chapters of the book that emphasize integrating these capabilities into your life, particularly bringing compassion to the way we cope with the challenges of contemporary life. The Lojong training points listed at the end of the book support this integration.
The format of the series is as it has been previously. I want folks to commit to daily meditation practice of 45 minutes, as one of the most valuable aspects of Buddhism is the emphasis on the direct experience of meditation. If you ever learned how to play a musical instrument, you understand the value of practice, even if the results are not up to the standard you set. If you struggle with the 45 minute goal, developing this capability might be the most beneficial and compassionate outcome for you aside from the contents of the book. I want to have a dialogue with every person participating in the group during each meeting focused on integrating the contents of the book with your meditation experience—sort of like a music coach. I have practiced and taught meditation for over half my life and I can help you develop these important skills. I might spend more time in one discussion during a meeting because I think the topic will benefit everyone participating but generally, I have been able to talk with everyone during each meeting.
I plan for the first Zoom meeting to be the weekend of September 26-27, and the last of the 8 meetings is scheduled for November 14-15. As previously, one can choose either a Saturday or Sunday group, and the Zoom meetings will be from 3-4:30 PM. I will not expect any payment but request a donation to the Orlando Insight Meditation Group of $160. OIMG is a nonprofit organization, and the money will be used to further develop access to Secular Buddhist concepts and practices going forward.
Here’s how to commit to the meetings: Email your commitment to peter@orlandoinsightmeditation.org along with your phone number, indicating your preference for either Saturday or Sunday; if you are open to either day, let me know, as this flexibility will help me organize the attendance. I will limit the number of participants in each group to 7, so space is limited, therefore hesitation about committing could prevent your participation. I will email a more detailed prospectus for the series of meetings to the participants about a week before the first weekend of the meetings.
I wish you well. Peter
As in previous groups, the fee for the series is recommended to be $160, payable to OIMG, either through the website or via check sent to Peter Carlson, 1818 Carrigan Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789. If you don’t have $160, pay what you can afford, knowing that this contribution is a core funding project for our Sangha’s activities. Peter is offering facilitation services freely, as has been the case for a few years now. Participants can make their payment after receiving confirmation from Peter about their application.
Thank you for your interest. We wish you well.