Monday

COVID-19 — Community Care Message

Dear Shambhalians –

We are living an unprecedented time of uncertainty, disruption, and stress. It seems that each day brings yet more difficult news. COVID-19 (known as the coronavirus) has brought isolation—both felt and real—as we all struggle, putting our lives on hold and using social distancing or self-quarantine to protect ourselves and others.

As the Director of Community Care and Conduct, I want to express my heartfelt and sincere concern and compassion for our community members, particularly those members whose health may be more at risk and who may be experiencing even more intensely the impact of COVID-19.

At Shambhala Global Services (SGS), we are committed to supporting our community, now more than ever. Our team has put together the Community Health Resource Page, as well as emails that include recommendations for the community, and guidance from the World Health Organization. It is vital that we limit gatherings according to regional guidelines, and not hold events in areas where closure/cancellation has been recommended.

Although we are living through an extremely challenging time, many people are also experiencing a greater sense of connectedness as we care for one another, share our challenges, and come together as human beings. This global crisis requires all of us to commit to doing what we can to keep each other healthy and safe.

We are all called on to support our families, friends, neighbors and the communities we live in.  Many Shambhalians are already moving forward to support each other and their wider community, connecting virtually through daylong nyinthüns, open Zoom meditation spaces, online meditation instruction, activating Deleg systems and phone trees, etc. These offerings are addressing the needs that have arisen for many, and I feel inspired by all those working so swiftly and with care to make these offerings available, as well as by those taking the time to care for themselves and loved ones.

In the coming days, SGS will reach out to offer continued support through:

• A survey to community members to determine what resources we can offer to support you during this time. You will receive the survey via email in the coming days.
• Leadership calls, workshops and trainings designed to help Centres and Groups stabilize financially, including information about online programming, and more.
• Training and supportive practices for using Zoom, an online video conference platform many communities are already using.
• This Spring, the Office of Community Care and Conduct will offer a Right Use of Power training program through Shambhala Online, as well as continue our work on policy development and implementation.
• Connecting with the Dorje Kasung and Societal Health and Wellbeing designates to explore additional ways to support the community.

The Community Health Resource Page and Community Care pages will be updated once these resources are available.

We know the situation is evolving rapidly, so if there are other ways through which our team can support you and the community, or, if you have ways that you are already caring for one another that you would like to share, let us know. You can email either Tara Templin at [email protected] or Cynthia MacKay at [email protected].

Yours in the dharma,

Tara Templin
Director of Community Care and Conduct