I think / feel this exact way too. It’s very surreal when I read your words siand as I often feel like you’ve written exactly what I am currently thinking and feeling.
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And that is the power of sharing! Thank you for saying so, I sometimes feel like I am always moaning but these points of connection are so important, to remember that we are not alone! 
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Wanted to share a reflection from today’s meeting.
Something that often comes up in recovery and general wellbeing stuff is the idea of ‘giving back’. Today we went through a bit of the section on Wise Intention and there was a particular bit that jumped out at me (p.26):
I have so often found that ‘giving back’ has become quite a negative thing for me. If I look at my intentions honestly, I can see that it has come from a place of inadequacy and seeking validation, of trying to define myself by my actions. It’s ended in a lot of over-commitment, burn out and resentment.
I have mentioned this elsewhere but it feels relevant to say it again here - I’ve noticed that as I’ve let go of the things that I was doing to live up to this image of myself I’d created, to impress some imaginary audience, I’ve started to realise the things that I have to offer. Nothing particularly unique to me, just the basic human capacity for kindness. The ability to be a friend, to be happy for the people I care about, etc. So the above definition of generosity really resonated with me today.
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It’s been great reading throught this thread again, the conversation regarding the 4 Noble Truths book work especially. I too felt completely overwhelmed when I approached it. Good to hear that I am not alone. I feel a bit more confident now, but I know I shouldn’t go head first into after a long break from regular meditation and reading. It’ll be too overwhelming. So I’m going to re-read the book and ease back into daily meditation by completing the 21 days of calm again. Started this morning and already feel better for it.
Have a good day all 
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Still easing my way back into a regular meditation routine. I enjoyed this conversation this morning.
Does anyone have any experience with RD’s Wise Friends / Mentor concept? I feel like an accountability partner / mentor would be a great benefit, but I am not sure how it works in this space.
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Hey Drew sorry for my late reply. I have been slacking on my meditation practice. I know there is a Facebook group where people can link up with potential mentors… But I would like to try and start working through the inquiries and my local group is a bit low on numbers at the moment and its hard to find someone to connect with. So maybe we could try and revamp a TS Sangha.
I was thinking about starting a new thread for 2021, if people are interested (@Hailstrom @CATMANCAM @RosaCanDo @Maria @Salty @EarnIt @anon86726034 @claire-lo @anon74766472 @emc2018 @Mno @LeeHawk @RetainKingII @Sober_Ninja @JackStraw @TSan - you have all dropped a comment here so just checking in but no worries if its not for you right now!). And of course open to all other forum members too 
I facilitate a Tuesday meeting on Zoom @ 13:00 GMT - today! We are just nearly finished the book and will restart it again in the next week or two so it is good timing for me to revive the idea of a TS Sangha, if others are interested.
Potential formats (feedback or other suggestions welcome):
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join in the Tuesday meetings if its convenient, I will post a link to the meditation and section of the book covered and people can do it when it fits with them through the week and post their shares here.
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set up a new zoom meeting just for TS, with a link to the meditation and book posted for those who can’t make it and share here
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something else!
Then we could use the thread on the open forum for general shares, comments, links to interesting Buddhist resources etc. And set up a private message thread to go through the inquiries in more depth, together or with a particular person if that feels more comfortable.
Thoughts?
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I’m super interested and don’t know what my level of involvement can be at the moment but starting in September I’ll have more time (and my arm back).
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That’s great to hear
Well if I get a thread started you can dip in and out as it suits you over the summer
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Sounds great to me!
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I like the idea a lot but not sure I have the time and headspace to really get involved right now. I’d like to try though.
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Personally I would prefer to continue with the Tuesday zoom meetings and have others join as they are able, over setting up a new meeting. Just easier for me as that’s something I already do, and don’t have to try and fit a new thing in!
For what it’s worth, I haven’t been doing daily meditation for a while but have still been getting something out of going through a little bit of the book each week. Of course if you wanted to do the inquiry etc then that is more time consuming, but again I have been doing RD since last autumn and not done that side of it properly yet 
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Link for new thread here ICYMI:
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I’m keen! I hit a wall when it came to the step work before, and then it slipped off the radar. I would like to give it another shot tho. And a bit of inspiration when it comes to meditation practice is always welcome.
Unfortunately the current meeting clashes with a work commitment I can’t change. If a meeting were arranged for a different time i’d get involved.
I think starting a fresh thread is a good idea
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Thanks a lot for the pointers, @siand! I would definitely be interested in joining a new TS sangha. I agree with you that continuing with the Tuesday zooms is probably the best idea.
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I’m interested in joining @siand, although being in Australia, I’m not sure what time that would be here … the zoom meeting that is. I will have to look it up, haha. Times may not work out… if not, I’d still like to be part of the thread and readings 
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I’d be interested.
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I think it would start from 9 - 11pm depending which part of Oz you’re in
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This is me, too. I have graduates and 75th birthday parties, and am selling a house.
Look for me in September!
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