introducing 'cessions(live)

'cessions(live)

random acts of creativity

a live series of original conversations focused on provocative, whimsical and inspired themes.

we begin with the soul body mind trilogy.

the recession forced many of us to rethink what matters most.

these 'cessions are dedicated to exploring how living with less is actually living with more even as we move forward into times of prosperity.

'cession no. 1: the soul

rethinking mindfulness. soulfulness

exploring the intersection between heart and mind in dialogue with experienced and beginning practitioners.

sebeneselassie - guest m.c.

sundayjune 19th

3:00 to 5:00pm

97 brooklyn ave #5a (corner of dean)
buzzer #49

crown heights

map

Kindly rsvp to cessionsblog at gmail.com by fri. 6/17/11.

update:

more about sunday's theme

this 'cession(live) will explore the practice of mindfulness meditation, a secular practice that has proven benefits for our mind, heart and body. no experience is necessary and there will be ample room for questions and discussion.

and if you are still unconvinced, here is a quote from French monk Mattieu Ricard - known as "the happiest man in the world" based on scans of his brain:

Why meditate? Sometimes I wonder why we need to ask this question. Nobody who admires a talented artist, or pianist and would like to become one would say, “Why should I train? Why don’t I just go on stage and play Mozart?” However, when it comes to the basic human qualities that we might admire and hope to acquire—altruism, inner strength, inner freedom to deal with whatever comes our way, emotional balance, not being swayed by hatred and craving and jealousy— we think that they come up just because we want them to, without any training. Or we think that they are fixed, permanent, and that we can’t change them. It is absurd to think that we do not need training to nourish these kinds of positive qualities.

more about sebene (also check out her site - remindmetolove)

For 20 years, Sebene Selassie has worked with children, youth, and families in underserved communities as a coordinator, manager and director of social service and arts programs. She has also worked in international communication for development, for public television, and in refugee camps in West Africa. Currently, Sebene works as a consultant combining social change leadership and mindfulness practices, including creating learner-centered curricula, leading social action arts workshops, and teaching meditation. She received a BA from McGill University in Comparative Religious Studies (focusing on Hinduism and Buddhism) and an MA in Media Studies from the New School. She serves on the Board of Directors of New York Insight Meditation Center and is in the Community Dharma Leaders Program (CDL4) at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. As a kid, she could juggle and ride a unicycle... she can still juggle.

curated by 'cessions(the blog) - a guide to living well and spending less

image via ikilledjackjohnson

open heart(s)

life is impermanent. most of us understand this fact abstractly. it is only when impermanence grazes by so closely that you are truly exposed to the fleeting nature of life. maybe you accept it and keep it top of mind or maybe you forget until the next time it happens.

almost a year ago impermanence struck my life, tragic and heart-wrenching. the last time i felt compelled to write a 'cessions post was during this time. but it's funny how life keeps going and presence of mind fades.

last week i was confronted with impermanence once again.

my father had emergency open-heart surgery. no one expected that this could happen to him.

his heart and lungs were stopped for five hours while five of his arteries were repaired. machines did the vital work for his body, keeping him alive during the surgery. now his new heart has to regain it's rhythm again.

last week seems as though it lasted an eternity. the family gathered together ad-hoc and did our best to manage through it. the repercussions and realizations from last week will be rippling through us for a long time to come. i hope they do not fade fast.

it's made me think a lot about what really matters most. the mundane concerns from two weeks ago that seemed so major and pressing then are now distant thoughts.

in this moment what matters most is my family. making sure they understand how important they are to me. showing - not simply feeling - my love for them. i've taken them for granted. for most of my adult life, i've considered my friends more of my true family than my actual family. i want to change this. i want my family to know and feel the bounty from my opened heart.

and my wish for my father's own opened heart is that it remain unblocked to all the possibilities of mutual love and respect.

Love is touching souls surely you touched mine

This was intended to be one of our very first official 'cessions posts.

The menu (quesadillas, homemade guacamole, fried yucca and fish tacos) was meticulously crafted. Photos was carefully orchestrated for the big debut. Good times all around.
However, time passed and that memorable night never made it into a published post.

Today we have resurrected it from the 'cessions archives in honor of the man that graced our table that evening, made us laugh with his stories and sparked new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Chakaras Johnson, you will be deeply and eternally missed.
There will always be a seat for you at our table and in our hearts.

Sara + Valincy

lovely day

just what i wanted.
thank you, Valincy!

Introducing eeny, meeny, miny, moe

Our tomato plants in various stages of growth brought temporarily indoors to be salvaged from the tornado-like winds tonight. Which one is your favorite?

Garden Comeback

Pardon our absence...we've been busy these past few months readying our garden with the high hopes that we can truly eat locally this summer. Our goal: from garden to table. Highlights below.














And here's a sneak peak at the latest garden triumph! (more to follow)