tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27915662804379607592024-03-07T22:19:03.057-08:00Online Meditation CrewAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-75744468374451269072011-01-04T12:14:00.001-08:002011-01-04T12:37:04.588-08:00WE'VE MOVED!The new home of the Online Meditation Crew is: <a href="http://onlinemeditationcrew.org/">http://onlinemeditationcrew.org/</a><br />
<br />
See you there!<br />
The ManagementAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-2875959973492052502011-01-04T04:40:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:54:08.315-08:00Togetherness Meditation Day 166'Sup Crew!<br />
<br />
We are a couple days into the new year and the crew is blowing up as usual. The day began with @J9o1e6y bright and early at 4am EST. And the Stop. Drop. Mediate. Shout-outs have continued and will continue throughout the day.<br />
<br />
The midday meet-up will be at 2pm EST / 11am PST and will be led by the "Grand Master of Tuesday's Shout-outs", @shing999. The #afterdark crew will be led once again by @violetsblue at 10pm EST / 7pm PST. <br />
<br />
Be on the lookout for the #OMCru hashtag and as always, all are welcome!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="entry-content">Enjoy the day, CREW! Breathe every moment in...deeply! And rock om! \m/ _/|\_ :-)</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-1709945671169630572011-01-03T10:51:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:53:54.867-08:00Togetherness Meditation Day 165It's a new year, and the Online Meditation Crew is starting the year off strong!!Several early morning shout-outs got the day started right, continuing into the Midday Meditative Meetup.<br />
<br />
If you missed any of the sits so far today, no fear, there is more where that came from! Watch for @violetsblue and the #afterdark crew, gathering at 10pm EST/7pm PST tonight. And, for the international crew, who might find these times challenging, @J9o1e6y will be leading some mindfulness at 4amEST/1amPST. (That should be 8pm in Sydney!) Check your local time <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?month=1&day=4&year=2011&hour=4&min=0&sec=0&p1=179">here</a>.<br />
<br />
As always, anyone can send out a stop.drop.meditate at any time. Chances are good that someone will want to sit then, too! Just remember to follow the #OMCru hashtag on Twitter, and share your practice with the crew!!<br />
<br />
Today's Community Fostering Question: <b> </b><br />
<b>How did you spend New Year's Eve?</b><br />
<br />
Have a great day/evening/night!! _/\_ \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-74827515874162800862010-12-30T22:44:00.000-08:002010-12-31T10:21:01.173-08:00Togetherness Meditation Day 162, 163 and 164Hey Ya'll CREW!<br />
<br />
This is the New Year Weekend and for many of us it is a time of Reflection, Renewal, and Resolution.<br />
No matter if you spend it alone, with friends or family it can be a happy or sometimes sad event or even a non-event.<br />
<br />
We may brood over days past thinking we have not done enough or make lists and plans for tomorrow hoping things will turn out better. If the CREW has taught us anything, it is that it is the present, the<br />
NOW, this given moment that counts.<br />
<br />
As the year winds down, turn to the Early AM Crew for a Meetup to jump-start your day. Watch for SHOUT outs from @Shuliji or @j9o1e6y and others throughout the morning.<br />
<br />
@Silvercrone will host the Midday Meetup at 11:30am PST / 2:30pm EST for anyone needing a peaceful break in your day.<br />
<br />
#Afterdark will be led by @violetsblue so watch for her signal (#OMCru #afterdark) to find your quiet spot and sit with her and others to see out 2010 and welcome 2011. On Friday night the #afterdark will meet at 7pm PST / 10pm EST.<br />
<br />
If the Meetup times are not working for you, remember you can always call for a STOP-Drop-Meditate anytime. Use the #OMCru #wannasit #hashtag to notify any Crew members of your intentions so they can join in.<br />
<br />
The Online Meditation Crew welcomes everyone, regardless of your practice to Meditate and Destroy!<br />
Sitting together...miles apart.<br />
<br />
Let's Meetup and welcome in 2011 together!<br />
Breathe Deeply.<br />
Enjoy your weekend.<br />
Peace, Harmony, and Joy to all.<br />
<br />
If you have any wishes or hopes for follow Crew members for the New Year, feel free to share in the comment section. _/|\_ \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-21385675743937470602010-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:002010-12-29T17:59:11.121-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 160 and 161Hello again, wonderful #OMCru!<br />
<br />
The end of the year is nearly upon us yet the CREW has nevertheless kept the metta river flowing strong.<br />
<br />
Today we had a pretty early shout-out (for the Americas) from @J9o1e6y at 5:16am PST / 8:16am EST, followed by our regular Mid-day Meditative Meet-up at 11:30am PST / 2:30pm EST.<br />
<br />
Remember everyone is not only welcome but also highly encouraged to send Stop (the daily routine), Drop (what you are doing), Meditate (all practices, all traditions, all faiths, all are welcome) whenever you have a space during the day and want to share your mindfulness with the CREW.<br />
<br />
Our #afterdark CREW will be meeting later in the day, so be on the lookout for @violetblue's call to meditative sharing for a great way to wind down from the day.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow @Silvercrone, our Fearless Meditative Meet-up Mum will take over the mid-day shout out, so don't miss her call or she won't give you any of her delicious peanut butter cookies.<br />
<br />
Anything you want to share with the CREW?<br />
<br />
Maybe you have some special family traditions or yummy recipes you enjoy this time of the year?<br />
<br />
Our comments section is always open for you.<br />
<br />
Sending lotsa hugs and a ton of heavy metta to you all and hoping we can continue growing together during the next year.<br />
<br />
Meditating together…miles apart.<br />
<br />
Rock on CREW! _/|\_ :-) \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-22715260137031031332010-12-27T08:42:00.000-08:002010-12-27T08:42:18.440-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 159It's been a quiet morning here at Lake Wobegon...err...the Online Meditation Crew. @chickabreck sent a shout-out at 1:00 am (Eastern) to get the day started off on the right foot. Since then it's been pretty quiet. Must be everyone on the East Coast of the U.S. trying to dig out from the blizzard that is in full swing. Please send lots of metta to those OMC folk during your practice(s) today.<br />
<br />
Speaking of practice, today's Midday Meditative Meetup will be at 2:00pm (Eastern)/11:00am (Pacific). Your host for today's togetherness will be @billjoseph. Follow him and/or watch for the #OMCru hashtag and join in. Remember: all practices welcome, all traditions welcome, all faiths welcome, all people welcome. We sit together...apart, to meditate and destroy!!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to add your post-meditation reflections to the comments!<br />
<br />
Mucho metta to all, wherever you may be (physically or on your path). _/\_ \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-38750471800476125842010-12-23T21:04:00.000-08:002010-12-23T21:10:48.714-08:00Togetherness Meditation Days 156, 157 and 158Greetings CREW!<br />
<br />
This has been a wonderful week with some new faces and many regulars keeping the flow going on our Meditation Togetherness. While some folks are away others have stepped in and the CREW keeps on getting stronger and stronger with your participation. Meditate and Destroy!<br />
<br />
The Early AM Crew has been active. There have also been frequent STOP - Drop - MEDITATE Shout Outs throughout the day and evening. Let's continue this trend.<br />
<br />
Please follow the #OMCru hashtags to keep up with any last minute time changes as we head into this holiday weekend. Midday MeetUp times may vary a little bit. Friday/Saturday/Sunday look for @silvercrone at 11:30AM PST / 2:30PM EST to be at the helm. <br />
<br />
In addition @violetsblue and @queenj may share the #afterdark Meetups so check the #OMCru hashtag for exact times. What is important is that we are all working to keep the flow going with the CREW!<br />
<br />
For a change of pace, I would like to share an Awareness poem written by Holly Mann.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Awareness - July 1, 2010</span><br />
<div style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;">Intensely aware,<br />
as though within me it stares,<br />
with eyes so piercing they cannot be seen.<br />
With depth of understanding, beyond what I can dream.</div><div style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;">The knowledge of life’s brevity,<br />
whispered into my ear as I live out each day,<br />
quietly I hear.<span id="more-144"></span></div><div style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;">Reminders of the whispering wisdom are everywhere.<br />
In the pure joy and laughter of my own child.<br />
In those moments frozen in time,<br />
where some may scold and frown,<br />
I become aware again of that whispered wisdom.</div><div style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;">At times the whispers transform into thunder,<br />
rolling through the sky,<br />
passing by with unexpected moments,<br />
causing me to hold my breath.</div><div style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;">Each moment I try to shed the seriousness learned,<br />
to see through the eyes of my child,<br />
his raw emotions just pull from me,<br />
enabling me to see,<br />
each moment and each breath as an opportunity.</div><div style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;">Each day an adventure,<br />
each problem a battle to conquer,<br />
with a heart ablaze with passion and strength.</div><div style="color: #404040; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;">Intensely aware,<br />
of each moment in time.<br />
The brevity of it all,<br />
and in those moments you can find -<br />
awareness.</div><div><br />
</div><div>May we all be aware and mindful of the moment. Practice Peace and Share Kindness. Rock \m/ Crew<br />
@hellofromhere says it all... "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Wishing all followers of all faiths (or secular celebrants) a peaceful and calm time during the holiday season" _/|\_</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-1383984650103470282010-12-21T08:24:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:56:29.884-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Days 153, 154, and 155<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good Day CREW!!!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This morning impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs have welcomed the day and the midday meet-up will be led by @shing999 at 1pm EST / 10am PST. Also don't forget to join the #afterdark crew led by @violetsblue at 10pm EST / 7pm PST.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As always, impromptu Stop. Drop. Meditate shout-outs will show up throughout the day and night, so keep an eye out for the world famous #OMCru hashtag. All are welcome and silent check-ins and check-outs are always welcome.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As our community grows and to ensure all understand the all-inclusive feel of the OMC. I want to share, once again, the idea that our very own Zen Outlaw put down on paper one day that manifested as the #OMCru:<br />
<br />
<i>"Straight up, being with others - having shared experiences - is important. For Buddhists, the word 'sangha' is used to represent the collaborative spirit of individuals who study and practice together. In modern-day Christianity, the Greek term 'oikos' is employed to indicate a collection of individuals who through social interaction and commitment to mutual growth form familial bonds. A common thread for many spiritual and religious traditions is communing and practicing with others, underscoring the benefits of having a 'crew'. Shared practice is a means of accountability to self and others, as well as an awareness of others' presence on the path - whether seen or unseen. In essence, shared practice is both a comfort and a kick in the pants - avenues by which to foster one's intrinsic motivation to deepen practice. <br />
<br />
For some, shared practice is a struggle; time, money, access all pose challenges on the path. Online networking, however, opens up shared practice to all and creates the space for communities of online practitioners to develop and grow.<br />
<br />
The Online Meditation Crew (OMC) is a group of individuals who, through the wonders of technology and a common interest in shared practice, have bumped into each other along the path. The purpose of the OMC is to foster the meditation practice of the individual through the support and company of a crew. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come along on the journey. You can sit. You can walk. You can snuggle under the covers. Just be one with your meditative practice and one with the Crew in sharing your journey.<br />
<br />
How do you become a member of the OMC? </i></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<i><br />
- Everyday a Tweet will sing out into the interwebs calling for crewmembers to join together in meditation for 15 minutes (a notice on the Blog will be posted too). <br />
<br />
- When the initial call to meditate goes out, crew members will be asked to reply with a 'CHECK-IN' message that they are ready to begin. <br />
<br />
- Each individual will set a timer for 15 minutes and begin the countdown once the official 'BEGIN' alert goes out. <br />
<br />
- Meditate, per usual. <br />
<br />
- When the 15 minutes are up, another 'CHECK-IN' message will go out and all crewmembers will be asked to send back a reply (either in short on Twitter or a bit more lengthy in the comment section on the OMC blog).<br />
<br />
Ready to get meditatin' with the OMC?"</i></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy the day Crew! Breathe deep, drop some metta and meditate and destroy!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> \m/ _/|\_ Peace.....</span></span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-53040763891153373552010-12-20T11:05:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:05:06.770-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 152It was a busy weekend at the OMC, and we are now sliding back in to our workweek. Some of us are fortunate enough to have the week off, some have a short week, and for some it's just another "week at the office". <br />
<br />
Our Monday started with an early morning shout-out from @Shuliji, then on to our regularly scheduled midday meditation. In between was a stop.drop.meditate from @JamisonWiggins, who sat while riding a ferry.<br />
<br />
Later today @violetsblue will be gathering the #afterdark crew (look for that shout-out around 10:00pm eastern). Tomorrow's midday meetup will be led by @shing999, so keep an eye out for his call!<br />
<br />
And, as always, anyone is welcome to send out a stop.drop.meditate at any time during the day. At this busy time of year our schedules don't always allow us to get together at the usual time(s). Share your practice, and there's bound to be someone who will join in!!<br />
<br />
Today's community fostering question:<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Do you practice at work? If so, how do you integrate your practice with your workday? </b><br />
<br />
Let us know your tips/tricks/techniques in the comments!!<br />
<br />
Whether we're on the deck, or in the galley, keep the metta flowin'!! _/|\_ \m/<br />
<br />
Peace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-9508229905351257062010-12-16T22:38:00.000-08:002010-12-16T22:38:07.802-08:00Togetherness Meditation Days 149, 150 and 151Hey Ya'll - Seasons Greetings to the OMC!<br />
<br />
Regardless of how you celebrate or observe this time of year, for many of us it is a time of travel, visits and visitors. All this activity can be a busy and hectic time in our lives.<br />
<br />
Remember the OMCru meet ups will still be here - up and running for you to take time during your day to regroup, breathe, and relax. Some of the times and leaders my change but the CREW gives us all a place to Meditate and Destroy, as our Capt. says. Also, you can always call for a STOP. DROP. MEDITATE anytime. <br />
<br />
Remember to follow the #OMCru hashtags to keep up to date on the daily Shout-Outs. The AM Morning Crew will continue to do their thing each day so watch for their SHOUT OUTS to join in.<br />
<br />
Taking a cue from @The_KamikaZEN, the MidDay Shout Out will be a little earlier this weekend and next week as a trial. Do let us know what you think about the new time of 10AM PST / 1PM EST in the comment section. Join @silvercrone Friday, Saturday and Sunday. @billjoseph - Monday. @shing999 Tuesday and @The_KamikaZEN - Wednesday and Thursday.<br />
<br />
Check in #afterdark with @violetsblue daily at 7PM PST / 10PM EST as a final close to your day.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>And for our community fostering question this weekend: </b><b>Do you have a special food or dish you prepare this time of year?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Breathe Deeply and Enjoy your weekend CREW. <br />
Peace. Love. and Harmony! _/|\_ Let the Metta flow \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-33558767866940319402010-12-16T11:20:00.000-08:002010-12-16T11:21:08.914-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Days 147 and 148Hello again OMCru,<br />
<br />
With folks busy getting ready to close the year and bid welcome to a new one, the #twangha has still found the time to Stop, Drop and Meditate at all times and places, good work CREW!<br />
<br />
Let's keep the metta river flowing, especially in this time of sharing with family and friends.<br />
<br />
With some slight schedule variations, our mid-day and after-dark meditative meet-ups have been going strong nevertheless, thanks to all crewmembers who are working hard to keep the practice wheel spinning without interruptions all thru the season.<br />
<br />
Be sure to be on the lookout for the #OMCru hashtag to pop on your timeline any time at any place, you can always join in or, if your situation makes it truly difficult to sit and meditate, you'll still know the CREW is there, sharing mindfulness with you.<br />
<br />
And since we already touched the subject, why not take the chance and turn it into today's Community Fostering Question:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you find knowing the OMCru is sharing practice changes your state of mind even when you are unable to join in?</b></div><br />
Share with your loved ones, live the here and now and be as compassionately naughty as you possibly can, or more.<br />
<br />
Rock the day, CREW! _/|\_ :-) \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-47453624968739639212010-12-13T17:41:00.000-08:002010-12-14T19:32:52.482-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Days 145 and 146Howdy OMCru!<br />
<br />
It's a busy time for everyone and opportunities to stop, drop and meditate help keep us all in a more peaceful frame of mind. Midday meditation happens at 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST - watch for shout outs from <a href="http://www.twitter.com/the_kamikazen">@The_KamikaZEN</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TheZenOutlaw">@TheZenOutlaw</a> this week. Next week keep your eye on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/billjoseph">@billjoseph</a> as he joins in to lead the crew on Mondays and <a href="http://twitter.com/shing999">@shing999</a> on Tuesdays!<br />
<br />
As always the Weekend Crew - Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays! - continues to be led by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/silvercrone">@silvercrone</a> - when she's not cooking up a storm!<br />
<br />
The 'after dark' edition of meditative mindfulness takes place at 7pm PST/10pm EST and is lead by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/violetsblue">@violetsblue</a>. End your day the peaceful way with some quality evening mindfulness.<br />
<br />
Everyone appreciates a little extra metta and impromptu Stop, Drop, Meditate shout outs are highly encouraged during this season. Share the love and the peace with all your CREW friends! Whenever you find the time to share some mindfulness use the <span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content"><a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23OMCru" rel="nofollow" title="#OMCru">#OMCru</a></span></span></span> hashtag on Twitter to call all tweeps to meditative arms.<br />
<br />
Plus, some special CREW news: <span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content">@<a class="tweet-url username" href="http://twitter.com/BuddhistGeeks" rel="nofollow">BuddhistGeeks</a> are having a conference in LA (http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/conference/) & gave us our own promo code for $50 off a conference ticket - just say 'OMCRU'! </span></span></span> <br />
<br />
And finally, our community fostering question is:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What is your favorite way to relax during a stressful time?</b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rock on my friends! _/|\_ \m/<b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-91856827212548725672010-12-10T10:14:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:14:31.929-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Days 142, 143, and 144 (Weekend Edition)Hello Online Meditation Crew! Happy Weekend!<br />
<br />
To start off the day, a Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-out from the Morning Crew gathered all together for some shared meditative practice.<br />
<br />
The midday moment of meditative mindfulness on Friday will be led by <a href="http://twitter.com/TheZenOutlaw">@TheZenOutlaw</a> at 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST. Make space and time in your day to find your flow and share with the CREW!<br />
<br />
On Saturday and Sunday, the midday meditative meetup will be led by <a href="http://twitter.com/silvercrone">@silvercrone</a>. Look for shout-outs around 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST. All are welcome to join in - anyone, anywhere, any time, any meditative practice!<br />
<br />
Later in the day, the 'after dark' CREW will join in meditative togetherness around 7pm PST/10pm EST and 8pm PST/11pm EST. Check out the Twitter streams of <a href="http://twitter.com/violetsblue">@violetsblue</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/queenj">@queenj</a> for details.<br />
<br />
Also, be on the lookout throughout the day for impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! requests from CREWmembers far and wide. And jot down some daily <b>post-meditation reflections</b> in the comment section of this blog post and/or on Twitter. Also, take a look at our Holiday Gala post from Day 141!<br />
<br />
Sharing practice, deepening practice...the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23OMCRu">#OMCru</a>! Rock 'om'! \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-36402248338177968012010-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:002010-12-09T14:35:49.759-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 141Howdy OMCru.<br />
<br />
The holidays are upon us, a time most of us will spend with family and friends regardless of our personal beliefs.<br />
<br />
It is also a time in which your friendly neighborhood OMCru facilitators would like to take a little break.<br />
<br />
In order to do this, we'd like to know if any of you would like to volunteer for shout-out duty during December - January, so we can spread the work and have a bit more time to spend with our loved ones.<br />
<br />
If you want to help just get in touch with <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/TheZenOutlaw">@TheZenOutlaw</a> to get more details.<br />
<br />
Let's keep the heavy metta river flowing during the holidays CREW! Impromptu Stop, Drop, Meditate shout outs are highly encouraged during this season.<br />
<br />
Whenever you find the time to share some mindfulness use the #OMCru hashtag on Twitter to call all tweeps to meditative arms.<br />
<br />
Even if your chances to formally sit are few and far apart every aspect of your everyday routine, running, cooking, writing, chatting, eating, can become meditation when done with full presence of body and mind.<br />
<br />
And just to start getting into the festive mood…<br />
<br />
Cut to a huge red-curtained theatre, it's a full gala night with everyone in the audience wearing tuxedos (yes, even the ladies, but they wear fishnets and red stilettos, unlike the gents). Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Cruise enter stage thru the left as we hear the sound of a 20 piece orchesta playing a symphonic version of Iron Maiden's Journeyman. Clapping from the audience can be heard in the background as they reach the podium.<br />
<br />
Whoopi: – Community is one of the three pillars at the very heart of any spiritual practice. All contemplative traditions across the ages have recognized this and worked hard to foster it.<br />
<br />
Tom: –There are many ways for a community to grow strong, from sharing common activities like pilgrimages and rituals to organizing great parties. But in the end all have the same basic goal, letting the members know each other better.<br />
<br />
Whoopi: – The more the members of a community know and trust each other the closer they become and the more willing to provide help and support to their peers they will be.<br />
<br />
Tom: – This is the true spirit and soul of a community.<br />
<br />
Whoopi: – And so, it is our great honor to be here and present you with… envelope please.<br />
<br />
A tall blonde california roller derby chick rolls across the stage towards Tom and Whoopi. While she passes in front of them without stoping, Whoopi swiftly takes the envelope from the small silver tray she is carrying, breaks the seal and hands the paper slip to Tom.<br />
<br />
Tom: And the Community Fostering question for today is…<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What is your favorite holiday season tradition and why?</b></div><br />
They both leave the stage and the crowd loudly cheers. The Community Fostering Question enters stage thru the right, all teary with emotion and looking lovely in a Valentino design with matching Chanel shoes and purse.<br />
<br />
As the orchestra plays the first chords of Pantera's Cowboys From Hell, the camera zooms into her waving figure until the shot becomes a close up of her smiling face.<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays CREW! Enjoy, share and be safe with your loved ones.<br />
<br />
Tons of Heavy Metta to all and Rock on. _/|\_ :-) \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-65827319458737516372010-12-08T13:38:00.001-08:002010-12-08T13:38:36.479-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 140 A great Bodhi Day to you all, OMCru!<br><br>First of all, a quick heads up to let you know Andy Lambert, a dear friend and crewmember better known to us as <a href='http://twitter.com/#!/BayouCityBuddha' target='_blank'>@BayouCityBuddha</a> on Twitter, went into emergency surgery last night.<br><br>He's out of surgery and recovering in the ICU right now.<br><br>Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and send tons of heavy metta and good wishes their way.<br><br>Shout-outs to Stop, Drop, Meditate have been flowing as usual. And we akso held our regular mid-day meditative meetup at 11:30am PST / 2:30pm EST, with a very nice turnout. Great way to celebrate a very special day. :-)<br><br>Our after-dark crew will be calling us to share in mindfulness a bit later today, so be sure to be on the lookout for their signal if you want a great way to end the day.<br><br>We'd also like to share with you a bit of happy news. <a href='http://www.blogisattva.org/2010/12/2010-blogisattva-award-finalists.html' target='_blank'>The Blogisattva Awards Finalists list</a> is out and the #OMCru got two honorable mentions. Way to go CREW!<br><br>Our little surf spot on the web has gotten bigger, and a lot of new faces are sharing their practice.<br><br>Today instead of our daily Community Fostering Question we'd like to invite all our new friends to share a small hello and maybe introduce themselves in the comments section of our blog.<br><br>Let's get to know each other, share and grow together, as a CREW.<br><br>Breathe deeply, enjoy life to the fullest today and every day and rock on! _/|\_ :-) \m/<br><br><br><br><br>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-50321743278932962822010-12-07T10:49:00.000-08:002010-12-07T10:49:43.537-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 139Greetings, Online Meditation Crew!<br />
<br />
The day started with <span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content">a few impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs from fellow CREWmembers around the globe and a discussion of Team OMCru climbing Everest! Today's scheduled midday meditative meetup will be at </span></span></span><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">11:30am PST/12:30am MST/1:30pm CST/2:30pm EST. Later on today, the Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs will continue to flow and the 'after dark' Crew will meetup around 7pm PST/10pm EST and again at 8pm PST/11pm EST. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">All are welcome to join in - anyone, anywhere, any time, any and all meditative practices! Just be on the lookout for the #OMCru on Twitter!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Our community-fostering question for today is....:</span></span><br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><b>What is one memory you have you hope never fades and why?</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Enjoy the day, CREW! Breathe every moment in...deeply! And rock om! \m/ _/|\_ :-)</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-59226829310275933022010-12-06T11:39:00.000-08:002010-12-06T11:42:32.364-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 138Happy Monday, Online Meditation Crew!<br />
<br />
To start off the day, Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs from the Morning Crew echoed through the halls of Twitter.<br />
<br />
The midday meditative meetup was led by <a href="http://twitter.com/TheZenOutlaw">@TheZenOutlaw</a> at 11am PST/2pm EST. CREWmembers shared their flow or joined in for some guided metta on TinyChat.<br />
<br />
Later in the day, the 'after dark' CREW will join in meditative togetherness around 7pm PST/10pm EST and 8pm PST/11pm EST. Check out the Twitter streams of <a href="http://twitter.com/violetsblue">@violetsblue</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/queenj">@queenj</a> for details. Also, be on the lookout throughout the day for impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! requests from CREWmembers far and wide via the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23OMCru">#OMCru</a> hashtag. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And since community is what we like to foster here at the OMC, today's community-fostering question is: <i>*drumroll please*</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Who is your favorite superhero and why?</b></div><br />
Sharing practice, deepening practice...the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23OMCRu">#OMCru</a>! Rock om! \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-63110583872933218452010-12-03T10:27:00.000-08:002010-12-03T10:27:09.247-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Days 135, 136, and 137 (WEEKEND EDITION)Hello Online Meditation Crew! Happy Weekend!<br />
<br />
To start off the day, Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs from the Morning Crew gather all together for some shared meditative practice.<br />
<br />
The midday meditative meetup on Friday will be led by <a href="http://twitter.com/TheZenOutlaw">@TheZenOutlaw</a> at 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST. Share your flow or join in for some guided metta on Gchat at theonlinemeditationcrew at gmail dot com.<br />
<br />
On Saturday and Sunday, the midday meditative meetup will be led by <a href="http://twitter.com/silvercrone">@silvercrone</a>. Look for shout-outs around 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST. All are welcome to join in - anyone, anywhere, any time, any meditative practice!<br />
<br />
Later in the day, the 'after dark' CREW will join in meditative togetherness around 7pm PST/10pm EST and 8pm PST/11pm EST. Check out the Twitter streams of <a href="http://twitter.com/violetsblue">@violetsblue</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/queenj">@queenj</a> for details.<br />
<br />
Also, be on the lookout throughout the day for impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! requests from CREWmembers far and wide. And jot down some daily <b>post-meditation reflections</b> in the comment section of this blog post and/or on Twitter.<br />
<br />
Sharing practice, deepening practice...the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23OMCRu">#OMCru</a>!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-60092828776760414262010-12-01T11:49:00.000-08:002010-12-03T10:21:06.509-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Days 133 & 134Hello OMCru!<br />
<br />
Shout-outs galore today as our CREW started the day quite early.<br />
<br />
Our Midday Meditative Meetup shout-out was sent out at 11:30am PST - 1:30pm CST - 2:30pm EST.<br />
<br />
The 'after dark' Crew will be sending out their own invitations to sit and share practice later today - around 7pm PST/10pm EST and 8pm PST/11pm EST.<br />
<br />
As usual, we can expect many more STOP, DROP, MEDITATE calls from the Twangha at any moment during the day, so be on the lookout for the #OMCru hashtag on Twitter and join in whenever you have the time.<br />
<br />
As many of you have noticed, the OMCru has grown into a very open community which welcomes practitioners from many different traditions, lineages and faiths wishing to share their moments of mindfulness. This has inspired our community-fostering question of the day:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>How has sharing your practice with a diverse community made it better/different for you?</b></div><br />
Be present and rock the day CREW! _/|\_ :-) \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-69979358768224839352010-11-30T10:26:00.000-08:002010-11-30T10:53:47.541-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 132Hi there, Online Meditation Crew!<br />
<br />
The day started with a meditative meetup with our International Crew <span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content"> at 1:45am PST/ 9:45am London/8:45pm Sydney. Followed by several impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs from fellow CREWmembers around the globe and a scheduled midday meditative meetup at </span></span></span><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">10:30am PST/11:30am MST/12:30pm CST/1:30pm EST. Later on today, the Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs will continue to flow and the 'after dark' Crew will meetup around 7pm PST/10pm EST. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">All are welcome to join in - anyone, anywhere, any time, any and all meditative practices! Just be on the lookout for the #OMCru on Twitter!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Our community-fostering question for today is....:</span></span><br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><b>How do you define the word "community"? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Enjoy the day, CREW! Breathe every moment in...deeply! And rock om! \m/ _/|\_ :-)<b> </b></span></span></div><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><br />
</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-8815072248296807412010-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:002010-11-29T10:10:29.453-08:00Togetherness Mediation - Day 131Hello Online Meditation Crew!<br />
<br />
Today, impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs have greeted the day and there will be two scheduled midday meditative meetups at 10:15am PST/1:15pm EST and 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST - both led by @<a href="http://twitter.com/TheZenOutlaw">TheZenOutlaw</a>. Later in the day, the 'after dark' Crew will share in togetherness with <a href="http://twitter.com/violetsblue">@violetsblue</a> leading the shout-outs at 7pm PST/10pm EST.<br />
<br />
Many new folks have joined the CREW recently or have showed interest in the OMC. Here is the idea that a Zen Outlaw jotted down one day that manifested as the #OMCru:<br />
<br />
<i>"Straight up, being with others - having shared experiences - is important. For Buddhists, the word 'sangha' is used to represent the collaborative spirit of individuals who study and practice together. In modern-day Christianity, the Greek term 'oikos' is employed to indicate a collection of individuals who through social interaction and commitment to mutual growth form familial bonds. A common thread for many spiritual and religious traditions is communing and practicing with others, underscoring the benefits of having a 'crew'. Shared practice is a means of accountability to self and others, as well as an awareness of others' presence on the path - whether seen or unseen. In essence, shared practice is both a comfort and a kick in the pants - avenues by which to foster one's intrinsic motivation to deepen practice. <br />
<br />
For some, shared practice is a struggle; time, money, access all pose challenges on the path. Online networking, however, opens up shared practice to all and creates the space for communities of online practitioners to develop and grow.<br />
<br />
The Online Meditation Crew (OMC) is a group of individuals who, through the wonders of technology and a common interest in shared practice, have bumped into each other along the path. The purpose of the OMC is to foster the meditation practice of the individual through the support and company of a crew. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come along on the journey. You can sit. You can walk. You can snuggle under the covers. Just be one with your meditative practice and one with the Crew in sharing your journey.<br />
<br />
How do you become a member of the OMC? </i><br />
<i><br />
- Everyday a Tweet will sing out into the interwebs calling for crewmembers to join together in meditation for 15 minutes (a notice on the Blog will be posted too). <br />
<br />
- When the initial call to meditate goes out, crew members will be asked to reply with a 'CHECK-IN' message that they are ready to begin. <br />
<br />
- Each individual will set a timer for 15 minutes and begin the countdown once the official 'BEGIN' alert goes out. <br />
<br />
- Meditate, per usual. <br />
<br />
- When the 15 minutes are up, another 'CHECK-IN' message will go out and all crewmembers will be asked to send back a reply (either in short on Twitter or a bit more lengthy in the comment section on the OMC blog).<br />
<br />
Ready to get meditatin' with the OMC?"</i><br />
<br />
Breathe the day in deeply Crew! And rock on! _/|\_ :-) \m/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-53678239306775264152010-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:002010-11-26T01:00:04.710-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Days 128, 129 and 130 (WEEKEND EDITION)Hello Online Meditation Crew!<br />
<br />
To start off everyday, Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs from the Morning Crew gather all together for some shared meditative practice. <br />
<br />
The midday meditative meetup on Friday will be led by <a href="http://twitter.com/shing999">@shing999</a> and on Saturday and Sunday by <a href="http://twitter.com/silvercrone">@silvercrone</a>. Look for shout-outs around 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST. All are welcome to join in - anyone, anywhere, any time, any meditative practice!<br />
<br />
Later in the day, the 'after dark' CREW will join in meditative togetherness around 7pm PST/10pm EST. Check out the Twitter streams of <a href="http://twitter.com/violetsblue">@violetsblue</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/queenj">@queenj</a> for details.<br />
<br />
Also, be on the lookout throughout the day for impromptu Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! requests from CREWmembers far and wide. And jot down some post-meditation reflections in the comment section of the daily blog post and/or on Twitter.<br />
<br />
Sharing practice, deepening practice...the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23OMCRu">#OMCru</a>!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-59777424792932763152010-11-25T09:36:00.000-08:002010-11-29T09:54:28.298-08:00Togetherness Meditation, Special Double Issue - Days 126 and 127Hiya OMCru!<br />
<br />
Head colds and other samsaric delicacies kept our blog from being properly updated yesterday, but that didn't stop the metta and shout-outs from flowing all thru the day and well into this morning.<br />
<br />
Since today is a busy family day for our friends in the US, our mid-day meditative meetup will be a bit earlier than usual, 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST, so as to give folks a chance to be mindful without burning their Thanksgiving dinners.<br />
<br />
And as for our evening and after-dark crews they are still right on schedule, so be on the lookout for their shout-outs!<br />
<br />
Even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, the CREW still wants to ask you a special community-fostering question today:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>If you could thank someone who is no longer in your life, who would it be and why?</b></div><br />
Happy turkey or veggie sharing with your loved ones day! _/|\_ :-) \m/ <3Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-70643856140453456512010-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:002010-11-29T10:27:38.759-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 125Greetings OMC!<br />
<br />
The Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs have been flowin' already today! Be sure to give everyone a bit of time to check-in and get ready before giving the cue to begin meditative practice together! Also, be sure to check the #OMCru hashtag on Twitter for new CREWmembers who might be joining in but aren't yet in your timeline or an OMC Twitter list. The CREW is always growing - may we be welcoming and open to all, for all! <br />
<br />
The scheduled Midday meditative meetup will be at 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST and the infamous 'after dark' Crew will be doing a scheduled shout-out at 7pm PST/10pm EST. Keep on the lookout! And don't forget to post check-out messages on Twitter and/or the Blog.<br />
<br />
The community fostering question for today is:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What does your username and/or real name mean?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Breathe the day in...deeply! And rock on! \m/ <3 :-)</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791566280437960759.post-76529494153312126882010-11-22T10:07:00.000-08:002010-11-22T10:09:06.844-08:00Togetherness Meditation - Day 124Oh Happy Day, Online Meditation Crew!<br />
<br />
Today there were a few Stop. Drop. MEDITATE! shout-outs in the very early morn (around 3am PST/6am EST!) and some regular ol' morn (at least in terms of PST) shout-outs too. <span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content">The 'Hey! It's Midday in the Americas' meditative togetherness shout-out will be at 11am PST/2pm EST today</span></span></span> and the 'after dark' Crew will meet up at 7pm PST/10pm EST. Watch for the #OMCru hashtag on Twitter and join in! Everyone is always welcome - anyone, anywhere, any time, any meditative practice.<br />
<br />
Remember, anyone can send an impromptu shout-out for togetherness practice. Simply follow these<b><i> </i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>3 Steps to Sending an #OMCru Shout-out on Twitter</i></b>:</div><br />
1. Do a pre-meditation check-in ~5-15minutes before you would like to begin your meditative practice (giving the folks joining you a chance to tell you they are present and to get ready!).<br />
<br />
2. Let everyone know when to 'begin' - synchronizing the start for body, heart, and mind. <br />
<br />
3. Do a post-meditation check-in/out: say farewells and jot down any reflections on Twitter and/or the OMC blog. <br />
<br />
To wrap up this post, a community-fostering question of the day!:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What is on your gratitude list this holiday season?</b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Breathe the day in...deeply, CREW! Enjoy! _/|\_ <3 \m/<b> </b></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com6