Stories of Giving & Receiving -

Message from David Schouela

Reflecting on my 20-year journey with True North Insight since co-founding the organization, I've realized that two simple, yet powerful concepts have sustained my involvement: refuge and Sangha.

We navigate an era of unprecedented complexity, facing multifaceted challenges that span our personal spheres, geopolitical landscapes, environmental crises, and a myriad of social justice issues. In a world awash with reactivity and fear, creating a refuge for mindful respite becomes crucial—a space where we can pause, reconnect with our physical selves, and embrace the present moment.

The poet, Danna Faulds says, "Just for now, without asking how, let yourself sink into stillness. Just for now, lay down the weight you so patiently bear upon your shoulders. Feel the earth receive you, and the infinite expanse of the sky grow even wider as your awareness reaches up to meet it.”

I love the line in the poem by Martha Postelwaite that says, “create a clearing in the dense forest of your life.” That is what we are doing each time we pause, or go on retreat, or meet in one of the weekly on-line or in person gatherings that TNI offers; we are creating a clearing in the dense forest of our lives.

But make no mistake. Taking refuge in the Buddhist path is not about escaping life’s challenges, but about finding a reliable path to navigate within them. We take refuge to calm ourselves and find our center so that we can then return to our families, our communities, and our workspaces. We can respond to the on-going challenges of our lives with greater equanimity, wisdom, and understanding, and with greater compassion for ourselves and for others.

The second concept that resonates deeply is Sangha. In our fast-paced world, a community of like-minded individuals helps us stay committed to our path. At TNI, we walk this journey together, breathing as one and supporting each other. Sangha provides strength and solace during challenging times.

Every time we support TNI – whether through our presence, our practice, or our donations – we're not just sustaining an organization. We're nurturing a refuge for countless seekers, strengthening a community of practitioners, and contributing to a more mindful, compassionate world. Your support ripples out, touching lives in ways we may never fully know.

In supporting TNI, we're not just finding refuge – we're creating it. We're not just joining a sangha – we're building a beacon of mindfulness and compassion in our troubled world.

I thank you all for being part of this vital mission.

May you all be well, happy, and peaceful.

With deep appreciation,

David Schouela

Co-founder of True North Insight