Satellites Bow Out
By Andrea D’Asaro
Seattle Shambhala’s West Seattle and Mercer Island satellites are stepping back from offering meditation in local neighborhoods.
After four years of offering weekly meditation and discussion groups at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, the West Seattle satellite of the Seattle Shambhala Center recently closed its doors. The satellite branch was originally founded by members Debi Crawford, Ernestina Morris and Susan Rosenberg. Two years ago, Liz Spoerri, Ryan Harms, Peg Gerber, and Scott Davis teamed up as coordinators for the satellite, and Ross Farr was a frequent guest umdze and discussion host. “We had regular community members, with ten or more attending every week,” said Liz. “We closed because we didn’t have enough ongoing volunteer support to help set up and host the event every week.” A deep bow to all those involved in the West Seattle branch, with special appreciation to Peg Gerber, who offered lovely ikebana arrangements each week.
In addition, after nearly two years, the Mercer Island satellite also has suspended regular open sitting. “I have truly enjoyed helping members of our community come together to sit and share our meditation journey in the lovely chapel of Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Mercer Island,” said group leader Janine Bloomfield. “We thank the church for the generous donation of the space, and the help and support of Jean Greaves, Benjamin Grosof, Carrie Lovsted, and all the participants in the group. It was an honor and a pleasure to lead the group and I look forward to the possibility of bringing more meditation programs to Mercer Island in the future.”
Meditators from those groups are warmly invited to visit our main Seattle Shambhala Center in Madison Valley for open sitting every Thursday evening and Sunday morning. Check our calendar for more details.
