At the Heart of Copper Beech Institute
Mission
Copper Beech Institute is a community dedicated to mindfulness practice, compassionate action, and social justice in our interconnected world. We are committed to dismantling oppressive and racist systems by creating transformative learning experiences where differences are cherished and all voices are heard. Collaboration with communities most impacted by trauma, poverty, and oppression is at the heart of our work.
Healing and Justice Statement
Copper Beech Institute (CBI) believes that the pursuit of justice and the practice of contemplation are intrinsically linked journeys that contribute to the liberation of all beings. To this end, we seek to dismantle systems of oppression and to further healing and justice within and beyond our walls. We recognize that as a result of historically and intentionally constructed systems, many groups, specifically Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), have been excluded from various spaces, including mindfulness and meditation communities. As a community that values awareness, connection, transformation, open-heartedness, and compassionate action above all else, we strive to cultivate an environment where healing and justice is possible for all.
Vision
At Copper Beech Institute, we envision a future where mindfulness and contemplative practices that nurture self-awareness, connected communities, and compassionate action are transforming not only individual lives, but also society and the wider world we occupy.
Values
In carrying out our mission and in pursuing our vision of a better world, we are guided by the following beliefs and core principles:
Awareness
The innate capacity to be aware is at the heart of our practice. This capacity to be with what is happening moment by moment non-judgmentally is healing and transformative. We welcome a range of practices, from formal to informal, as a way of cultivating loving awareness within ourselves and within the world. We invite a daily contemplative practice to support our growth in wisdom, equanimity and wonder.
Openheartedness
An open heart appreciates the full breadth of human experience. We warmly welcome people of all backgrounds to share and learn from one another. Serving as a contemplative crossroads, we draw upon a diversity of ancient and modern wisdom traditions as a resource for healing, compassion, and transformation.
Connection
All things are interconnected and mutually dependent. While there is distinction among things, there is no separation. Beings flourish when they are in harmonious relationship with others and their surroundings. Human flourishing depends upon reciprocal relationships based upon authenticity, presence, understanding and the compassionate honoring of differences.
Transformation
Walking the path of wisdom is a lifelong journey and requires the courageous and ongoing dedication to transformation. Studying our patterns and habits, we work to see our intentions and actions clearly. As we seek to live with authenticity and integrity, we trust that there is no end to our growth and self-inquiry.
Compassionate Action
There is tremendous suffering in the world. Supported by our practice, we are a community that cultivates compassion first toward ourselves so that we may radiate loving-kindness and compassion toward all beings. In a spirit of service and generosity, we seek to relieve the suffering of all beings and the earth itself. Practice for ourselves and others.
C.A.R.E.
Learn more about our Community Collaboration & Resilience Exchange. >