Mindfulness in a Group

Yesterday, from 11 AM to 4 PM, I took the time to be mindful with the group of people - called the Sangha - following Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings.
We met at a beautiful place called Anandgram, which is a retreat for artists and writers - a place to contemplate and create. I have been there several times over the last 15 years, for lunches, meetings and retreats. Under a beautiful tree, straw mats were spread on the ground, on which were placed cushions to soothe the sitting. Shantanum, who led the day's mindfulness, spoke about people's pre-occupations and anguish over the Mumbai attacks and how we can heal. We read from Thay's (as Thich Nhat Hanh is fondly called) teachings and meditated - the basis of which is breathing in and out..
This was followed by a walking meditation through the very well envisioned and l planted space, stopping to admire the trees, and ended up at the patch where we would be planting seeds - herbs, flowers and vegetables. We all planted them; I chose the Indian mustard seeds, which would bloom in the spring. Children also participated in the planting. This, many said later, gave them the feeling that they were doing something to rejuvenate themselves and planting hope for the future.
It was time for lunch. There was a long table laid out with food that we all - about 50 of us - had brought. I took mixed vegetables - broad green beans, carrots and potatoes - and parathas (bread Indian style), oranges and apples. There was plenty for everyone, and O.P. Jain, who created Anandgram, contributed rice and guava juice. We ate in silence, sitting on the ground in a circle. For those who have a hard time being on the ground, chairs are always provided.
After lunch we did some sharing and almost everyone talked about how they dealt with the Mumbai attacks and what peace being part of the Sangha brought to them. Before we left, we walked over to the trees that had been planted by a Sanga group three years ago and to a tree planted by Thay, six weeks ago. We offered marigolds.
As people began to leave, some of us chatted by the organic stall that one of the Sangha members helped organise - he is a naturalist and part of an organic movement. He had organised the organic seeds. I bought some apricot face scrub, apricot kernel oil, ramadana (amaranthus) and red chilies. Some of the things I wanted to get were already gone. Next time.
It was such a beautiful way to spend a Saturday -which is usually spent in shopping, driving around crazily etc. For me, its my Clinic day. As we were getting ready to disperse Shantanum asked if this was a good time to meet. Several people suggested later in the day may be better. Others said it would be getting dark as winter was setting in. The truth is, as I said later (and I thought this), there is no good time for everyone. One has to make the time. Sometimes it is not possible, but if we want to, we can do it. It's up to us.
The next gathering as a large group is next month. I look forward to it. I hope you enjoy the pictures.