Correction: In her talk on October 20, When the Barn Burns, Susan said that Charlottesville Piano is closing. This is incorrect. Charlottesville Piano, though closed during lockdown, is now open for business at their Rio Road location. In addition to selling pianos, they restore, tune, and move the instruments across country. A representative of the organization said that now, with people staying home more, they are doing record business.
Two weeks before the presidential election and the barn is burning: Fire is everywhere, externally and internally. For many people, the internal, emotional fires triggered by current issues are raging out of control. All of us are experiencing them to some degree, and we look to Dharma (teaching) practices for equanimity and compassion. The fires of current issues can also compel us to look more deeply and find new ways of responding. IMCC is in the process of such inquiry now. In a talk following a guided meditation, Susan explores the meaning of the Buddha’s teaching, “Your work is to find your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.” It is an ongoing invitation to each of us, calling us to align with our deepest understanding, with our individual gifts, and in accord with our circumstances.