The Buddamom.com
August
Newsletter...
This month I am inspired to write
about virtual community, specifically in regards to the newly forming
buddhamom listserve. When my daughter Nicole was a baby one of the most
difficult things for me was a feeling of isolation and all the internal demons
that came up in this space of imagined aloneness. Determined to do something
about this aching loneliness I started a community group. We named it the
Yellow House Community Project after a beautiful old Victorian I passed each
day and dreamt of inhabiting workshops and families learning and growing
together. The community group went on to sponsor monthly workshops, create
play groups and present ourselves in the town fourth of July parade and such.
After awhile we all got volunteer burnout and the group faded away.
The Yellow House Community Project
was the first seeds of the book Buddha Mom. The book was to become another way
of reaching out to other mothers who might also be feeling alone in their
hardships and joys. Now the book is out and as a part of bringing it into the
world I’ve created this website and listserve. Aware that being a mother is
extremely time demanding, and aware that some of us may not have spiritual
community where we live I wanted to try this experiment in creating virtual
community for mindful parenting. There is nothing that compares with a hug
from a friend or someone coming to take your child for a walk so you can get
something done. The listserve does not replace that. But perhaps it can a
space where we can speak openly about our fears and our hopes, where we can
get feedback from others and share our own insights. This is my vision. A
place wherein between moments can be used to fill ourselves up with friendship
and inspiration.
At this point there are about 10
people signed up on the listserve. I am seeding the group with the newsletter
and other thoughts that occur to me and a few participants are starting to
share their thoughts and concerns as well. I invite you to join us, to let us
know who you are and what you need from spiritual community, where you live,
who’s in your family? What a joy to get to know one another! As the listserve
gets active we can branch off into a number of listserves, each with their own
concern. This is an experiment. I invite you to create with me!
August 20 through September 2 I’ll be on a northwest tour with Buddha Mom. If
you live in that area take a look at the appearance schedule on buddhamom.com
and come visit me! It is truly my bliss to share these
time tested teachings and watch your garden grow.
Jacqueline Kramer
Previous months Newsletters | May, 03 | June, 03 | July, 03 |