I took a trip to Blue Cliff Monastery the other day for some inspiration and because it helps me to remain sane. I find living in this world very stressful at times. Not because I am in danger of being murdered by artillery, starving, or dying from lack of medical care, but because there are so many problems and I don’t seem to be able to do enough to help fix them. Being aware of the suffering going on around us is overwhelming at times. It is easy to get lost in it. Frustration, anxiety, guilt, despair, and even shame are sometimes unwelcome visitors and at times they don’t want to leave. So many people I encounter manifest their distress by being angry, irritable, impatient, and not at their best. The “COVID-19 Undertow”, over two years of chronic uncertainty on so many levels, it is a constant drag on many. Our minds and bodies are often running from one thing to another with little relief from our daily activities. One of the conversations I had with a Sister/Monk at BC was helpful. To keep it brief, she talked about trying to stay in the present and she offered what I call refuge; a community of people that support each other the foundation being compassion, non-judgement and listening with the express intent of understanding each other. The offer actually moved me to tears, of relief. We all need refuge. Her presence made a world of difference. Whatever political or ideological differences we have are secondary our mental, physical and collective well-being. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to listen in such a manner. You just have to be committed to reducing suffering. Attached are some guidelines I use in some of my classes to encourage learning communities. They can be used to create listening communities. Feel free to use them. Find a friend or two to practice them and create your own refuge. We have far more commonalities than differences.