In the midst of this dark and dizzying presidential election, a sense of peace and loving-kindness may not always seem so available. It may seem like a vague memory. It may require a muscular sort of will for us to cut our fixation on the dramatic narratives and abide for a moment in the heart.

To be sure, it is available. The heart it here. The heart is here. The heart is here.

In any case, come November 9, a detoxifying exhale and loving-kindness re-charge will certainly be in order. And, two of our favorite teachers have got us covered.

Susan Piver and Lodro Rinzler have extended an invitation for us to join them for a timely session they’re calling: Loving Kindness Meditation for the United States of America.

It’s free, and it’s happening November 9th at 12pm EST.

Yes, please.

If you’d like to join, you can do so by following this link:

http://susanpiver.com/loving-kindness-event/

Bonus: they’ll also be recording the event and sharing it with anyone who signs up.

And, if you’re looking for a sane way to spend election night, look no further than Shambhala NYC’s Election Night Dharma Gathering: The Meaning of Enlightened Society with Shasri Ethan Nichtern.  The event will be broadcast live on Facebook.  To join, head to Shambhala Meditation Center of New York’s Facebook page at 7pm EST and the stream will appear.

Wishing peace and sanity to all in these crazy hours!

And, by the way…

Susan Piver and Lodro Rinzler will be leading a Week-long Spring Meditation Retreat at SMC, March 18-26 — click here to learn more.

About the Author

Travis Newbill (Good Highland Prankster) is a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, an MFA student in the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, and a student of Ikebana under Alexandra Shenpen, Sensei in both the Kalapa and Sogetsu schools. Singer-songwriter, poet/writer, and fan of the band Phish, Travis resides in Boulder, CO with his partner Heather. // TravisNewbill.com