Toward the end of my time in the District Intern program I took vows in the Zen Peacemakers Order, to further the ongoing integration of my work, spiritual practice, and social involvement. This was vividly actualized in my 3rd grade class on September 11, 2001 and the days following. I had implemented a talking circle (based on the Council Practice we did at the Zen Center) as part of our daily classroom routine. The children had a chance to express their thoughts and feelings every morning in a safe environment, so we had a format for deeply sharing with each other as the highly dramatic and disorienting events of that day unfolded.
The container of our Sharing Circle was so effective and powerful that day and the following that on September 12 the third graders went home and counseled their parents on how to stay calm and centered in the midst of the chaos. I was very grateful for the engaged practices of the Zen Peacemaker Order. I experienced the transformative power they make available for the darkest times and places in our collective lives.
Describe men’s walk with Bernie from ZCLA to MacArthur Park and back.
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