Dear Heartwood Community,
We share some important news about the path ahead for our community — change that we hope you’ll receive not as an ending, but as an evolution rooted in the same intention that has always guided us: supporting each other’s cultivation and awakening.At our recent Board meeting, we discussed some significant steps forward for Heartwood. As our community evolves, we are adjusting our schedule, transitioning our physical space, and reframing how we study and practice together.Here is what you need to know about where we are headed and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Transitioning our Physical Space
We have made the decision to place Heartwood’s current property on the market due to a combination of factors. Selling the building should free up financial resources, giving our sangha a capital reserve to pilot our next phase without immediate financial pressure.
What about a new space?
We will not be signing a new lease until a sales contract on the current building is in place. We are currently exploring potential rental options in the area—as well as shared or donated space models—to ensure our future location is sustainable, accessible, and well-aligned with our practice needs.
A New Vision for our Sangha
Interactive Study & PracticeHeartwood is transitioning into a lay-led sangha model focused on foundational Buddhist cultivation.Moving forward, we are shifting away from traditional Dharma talks in favor of an interactive, community-led format focused on daily accountability and living the teachings. We will be using trusted texts to anchor our discussions.Venerable Bhusita will likely be spending extended periods in California, and possibly other monastic settings, while serving as a spiritual director, present locally at least six months of the year. During these away periods, operational and facilitation leadership will be carried by our sangha community.Schedule Changes & Work Days This WeekendAs a part of preparing for the sale of the property, multiple changes will need to be made to the interior to prepare it for showings. To support our upcoming physical move and focus our efforts:
- Wednesday noon sessions are canceled for the foreseeable future.
- Evening practices are paused until further noticeSundays are shifting to an interactive Dharma contemplation and practice/study format.
- THIS SUNDAY (Sept 27): Work Day, No Dharma Session. We will be pausing our regular Sunday gathering this weekend to prepare our building for sale.
Supporting our Transition
Heartwood remains a fully donation-based community. As we step into this nimble, lay-led chapter, your presence, participation, and practice are what keep our sangha vibrant and sustainable.We invite you to step into leadership, join our Sunday practice sessions, and help us steward this next evolution of Heartwood.If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any board member or reply directly to this email.With deep gratitude for your practice and commitment,
The Heartwood Board,
Brian, Nancy, Elsie, Joe, and Bhusita
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