I am officially beginning a 108-day Spiritual Practice Period (Summer Sabbatical) starting on Monday, May 18, and ending on my 40th birthday, September 2, 2009. During this period, I will be travelling to various retreats and meditation centers around the state and country to renew and deepen my spiritual practice in preparation for this Fall. And then on the weekend before or after my 40th birthday, I will be planning a weekend celebration where you and friends can opt for an evening celebration, a "Day of Mindfulness" retreat, and/or the whole weekend retreat celebration including everything.

I would like to ask for 7 persons who will write back to me this week, saying that they will commit to be in solidarity with me for these 108 days, one person for each day of the week in which they will keep me in mindful prayer for one day each week. These 7 persons will also already be committed to regular meditation and regular sangha participation. Would you be one of my 7 "bodhisattvas" during this 108-day Spiritual Practice Period?

Also, over the next 12+ months, I would also like to ask for 108 persons to donate a gift of $108 each to help me with two projects that I believe are very worthwhile:

1. My music CD project (which will take about $5,000+ to produce), and
2. My Buddhist Chaplaincy (and Zen Priest) Training Program (which will start next year for 2 years at $5,400 tuition per year)

In return, I would like to offer each of these 108 persons the following as a token of my gratitude:

1. A free 90-minute Spiritual Direction counselling session ($50+ value),
2. A gift certificate for any "Day of Mindfulness" retreat ($50+ value), and
3. A first copy of my music CD when it is finished ($15+ value).

I trust that Spirit is providing for me always, and I trust that you are saying "yes" to your heart.

Thank you for your life, thank you for your practice, thank you for your prayers, and thank you for your support.

I am so grateful for you.

www.AwakeningHeart.org

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