Impermanence is mandatory - Suffering is optional

Buddhist teachings say that impermanence is  one of the marks of existence.  Meaning it is a law of the universe that things are always changing- not staying the same.  It is obvious and logical to us all.  We witness the seasons turning, the body growing and aging, the universe exchanging matter  and energy continuously.  Yet when it comes to our daily lives, for some reason, we have bought the idea that things should stay the same.

 The teachings also say that the inability/unwillingness to embrace this truth of impermanence is the cause of our suffering. The tendency to want things to stay the same, to hold on to things as they are, is counter to the natural flow of life.  Yet when change occurs in our experience whether expected or unexpected, we often resist change. Sometimes we even generate opinions, judgements and resulting emotions to justify our resistance.  This is suffering.

How do we live our lives in such a way as to release our  resistance and join the flow of continual change?  How does meditation support this aspiration?

In this three- hour class we will explore this together using meditation, dharma talks, discussions, and exercises designed to explore personal experiences. Please join us.

All are welcome. 

Director: Kim Kelso began studying and practicing meditation in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition in 1980 and began teaching in 1992.    She has been a member of several Shambhala Centers since then in British Columbia, Canada and now is a member in Phoenix, AZ. She has taught extensively in Canada, Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque. She is especially inspired by the vision of Shambhala with its foundation of Basic Goodness, its path of warriorship and its notion of Enlightened Society.

Kim has a Bachelor of Social Work degree and an MA in Adult Education, Leadership and Organizational Change. In 2008, she retired from a career in social work to move to  Arizona to care for her mother who recently passed on at the age of 102. She is married and lives in Yarnell, AZ where she leads a thriving weekly meditation group.

 Program: Class begins at 1:30 with a welcome and dharma talk, guided meditation and discussion. The day will close with a brief celebration of our teacher and each other. Please join us before class for a hearty vegetarian lunch hosted by the Phoenix Shambhala sangha (12:30.) 

 Zoom Access: This course will be offered on-line. You will receive instructions for joining the course via Zoom when you register for the course.

Time Zones: Please note, times listed are in Arizona time. Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time, so please adjust accordingly if you are joining us from outside Arizona.

Pricing Information and Generosity Policy: We are committed to making our programs and classes accessible to everyone, and we will not turn anyone away due to financial concerns. If the Program Price is an obstacle for you, please decide what works for you and offer what you are able to pay. You do not need to apply for the Generosity Policy in advance, but if you have questions, please contact us.

Those who are able to offer more than the regular program price can select the Patron Price option. By selecting this option, your generosity is helping to cover the costs of those who may not be able to pay the full price of the program. Thank you for your consideration, and for helping all to receive the treasure of the Shambhala Dharma.

If you are currently a college/university student, you are welcome to take the course for a reduced price of $20.

In person: the Phoenix Shambhala Meditation Center is located at 7024 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ. If you are in the valley, we encourage you to join us at the Center. 

On-line: We welcome online participants. A zoom link and instructions will be sent to your email after registration. 

Please register by April 2 so that we may adequately prepare for your visit. 

For more information, please contact us at: [email protected].

Thank you for your interest in our programs!