Sometimes, the pressures of life seem like too much. Even if they are relatively low on the scale of possible human hardships, still the everyday heartbreaks, conflicts, miscommunications, deadlines, responsibilities, less-than-fulfilled dreams, aches and pains, loneliness, and all the countless other indignities leave us weary and defeated. This is perfect. That weariness and defeat sets us up to really be human. A human has to have a well-ripened heart; how can what is unripe nurture anyone? And how can a heart become ripe if it has not been left long on the vine of life, doing its best to soak up minerals from the soil, drink cool water, absorb the sun’s bright rays, all the while avoiding being eaten or knocked to the ground by the wind or battered blossomless by hail and rain?

The life of a soulful person requires us to hang on through all this uncertainty. Meditation strengthens us when struggles beat us up and tire us out. Though we may not even know its strong presence is there, the more we let ourselves grow on the vine of the soul, the more that strong and enduring heart of love and wisdom comes to our aid, just when we need it most.

All are welcome to this morning meditation out in the natural beauty of Santa Cruz. Please bring a mat and cushion to sit on, as the ground may be damp and dirty. Weather may be warm or cold; bring layers, and bring a shawl or meditation blanket to wrap up in.

$15 - 20 sliding scale. Everyone welcome, regardless of funds.