Present in the moment: Dan Wolverton, Mark Stein, Jon Barnes

1.   Treasurer’s report.  Bob Wooldridge shared that we have just over $180.00 in our coffers.  Thanks to all of those who have been so generous.

2.   Engaged Buddhism resource dinner.  It was suggested that our next resource dinner be in October, with the proposed topic being Buddhism and Mindful Social Activism.  Mark agreed to contact his sources at the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) to ask for speakers.  Mark noted that the FOR is something of an umbrella organization for many causes, opening up the possibility of identifying a number of future resource dinner topics.  We will also ask Brother Bronson, his health permitting, to speak on the topic. 

3.   Planning meetings.  Our next planning meeting will be October 12. 

4.   Day of Mindfulness.  Our next Day of Mindfulness (DOM) is Sunday, August 24.  Mark suggested we consider Hemlock Cliffs in Indiana as the venue.  This small state park is about 40 miles west of Louisville, near English, Indiana.  It was formed by a stream eroding a channel between limestone formations, leaving 2 small, beautiful waterfalls about a mile apart.  One of these was formed in such a way as to leave a substantial open, dry space behind the falls with room for sitting up to 20 people.  The area is very green and lovely.  It was suggested that we have a less structured DOM than usual, with a tentative agenda something like this:

·      Meet at Orbis about 9:30 to carpool.  Orbis will be our backup location in the event of poor weather.

·      Gather at the park for an initial sit and short dharma talk, possibly on mindfulness.

·      Have a brief shared walking meditation, followed by individual exploration and mindful wandering for an hour or so.

·      Meet back at our initial gathering place for a bag lunch (bring your own) and shared readings. 

Looking ahead, November is the remaining 5-Sunday month for this year. The DOM will be November 23 (moved up a week because of the Thanksgiving weekend).