July 5 - August 30

“To study Buddhism is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things. To be enlightened by all things is to be free from attachment to the body and mind of one's self and of others.” (Zen Master Dogen)

In the first part of the year-long Deconstructing the Myth of Self Intensive we introduced teachings and practices aimed at understanding the nature of Self and loosening our identification with it. This included the objective observation of what constitutes our particular sense of Self and the various ways our particular Self manifests in the world, both inwardly and outwardly. We also utilized western psychological perspectives to see the underlying core beliefs and schemas that drive much of the self-inflicted drama in our lives as well as the conditioning that gave rise to these ways of being in the world.

The 8-Week Summer self-development Intensive is for FCM members that participated in the Spring Intensive, Deconstructing the Myth of Self, Part 1. It will provide an opportunity for participants to build on their Spring Intensive practice by choosing areas of focus to delve into more deeply and develop their own plan of study and practice.

Areas of Focus: Many participants may already know what areas they want to focus on, but some examples of possible areas of focus could be:

Developing a stronger understanding of the role and functioning of I, Me, Mine in lingering emotional afflictions and cultivating the ability to recognize Self as it arises in the mind.

Working to better recognize and understand specific schemas and the underlying conditioning that fuels much of our suffering.

Deepening reflection on the particular strategies that Self uses to protect, maintain and forward its interests.

Cultivating the ability to see the difference between reality and the drama that Self creates.

Texts: Participants will have the opportunity to choose from the following texts to support the study and practice within their chosen areas of focus. (The first two books were introduced in Part 1. The second two books we are introducing now.)

1. A New Earth by Eckhardt Tolle
2. Emotional Alchemy by Tara Bennett-Goleman
3. No Self, No Problem by Chris Niebauer. This book explores neuropsychology and the study of the architecture of the brain as it relates to the appearance of the fictional self. It helps us take a closer look at the notions of self, ego, and “me” that lie at the center of Western thought.
4. It’s Up to You: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path by Dzigar Kongtrul. This book is a deep exploration into the practice of self-reflection. "Self-reflection is the spirit and practice of honestly looking at whatever arises in our experience, without judgment.” Dzigar Kongtrul guides us in self-reflection aimed at freeing us from the prison of “self importance” that underlies the clinging we have to I, me and mine.

Mentor Calls: We will remain in the same groups, days and times as we had in the Spring. Please email Ken only if you need to make a change. We may add a Tuesday evening group. If you are available to change from Thursday evenings to Tuesday evenings please let us know.

• Wednesdays 7:30 – 8:30 am
• Thursdays 7:30 – 8:30 am
• Thursdays 6:00- 7:00 pm
• Tuesdays, 6:00- 7:00 pm* may be added

Retreat: We are also holding a 3-Day Retreat especially designed for participants in the Deconstructing the Myth of Self Intensive, July 22-25 at the Practice Center in Tampa, utilizing the newly opened Great Cloud Refuge. 

Commitments for each Intensive participant:

Study & Practice:

• Spend a minimum of 60 minutes daily in formal meditative practice, study, reflection, and/or other practices related to the Intensive.
• Read the Dharma text portions assigned for the Intensive.
• Regularly attend weekly meditation, daylongs and retreats during the Intensive, if possible.

Participate in Assigned Practice Groups:

• Be present for the Dharma Talks (via Zoom) on July 5, August 2 and August 30, all at 6:30-7:30 pm.
• Participate in your assigned bi-weekly Mentor Group (via Zoom).

Fee: The fee for Part 2 of this Intensive is $50. This is a suggested amount and participants are free to offer more or less depending on their individual financial situation. You may pay on-line or send your check made out to the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) to Florida Community of Mindfulness, 6501 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33604.

If you have any questions about this Summer Intensive please contact Betsy Arizu at barizu@yahoo.com  or Ken Lenington at kenlen108@gmail.com.

Registration will be open from June 7- 22.