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Dear Beloveds,
Welcome to the 2020 Wonderful World of Inland Northwest Sufi Camp Gathering by Zoom.
Why
It has been difficult to grok that we are not gathering in real time over Memorial Day weekend for Inland Northwest Family Sufi Camp. To have no meeting seemed wrong and to meet in person, out of the question. So, we are going to have the opportunity to meet by Zoom: to dance, sing, share stories, celebrate, reunite, pray, learn, rejoice. And so much more.
Who
All who planned to come to camp this year; all who have come in prior years; all who have wanted to come but limitations prevented your coming. It is not an “open” meeting; it is not a “closed” meeting. If you have people in your communities whom you consider “friends” they are welcome. Please do not post on social media.
The presenters and Dance leaders are the people who are on this year’s staff.
All times listed are Pacific Time. (Mountain Time is, of course, one hour later, etc.)
Please note the Zoom info will be emailed to you at the address you gave when you registered for camp.
When
Memorial Day weekend May 22–25
Friday at 7 pm
Saturday morning at 11 am
Saturday evening 7 pm
Sunday morning at 11
Sunday evening at 7
Monday morning 11 am closing and special event!
See the pattern? It's 7/11 — easy to remember — 11 in morning, 7 at night.
Most sessions will be under an hour, but the Saturday night Zikr might be a bit longer, as we sink into that absorbed state of Remembrance.
What
We will gather and do somewhat different things on different days:
Friday evening
WELCOME with Dances, come as you are, bring your welcome and a candle to light during the session if you wish, and join the circle! Reminder of our Theme for Camp (which will continue through the year into next year’s camp):
The Buddha of the Future is the Sangha.
(Note: You will have an opportunity to place a word or phrase in the “Chat” function on Zoom on Friday night; these words and phrases, collected over the weekend, will then be magically transformed into a MESSAGE for the future. This will be further explained Friday night).
Saturday morning
Dance/ Songs with a 5-minute focus talk followed by breakout session.
Saturday evening
ZIKR evening, the beautiful sacred practice of Remembrance. Several leaders. In the Zoom circle you are welcome to turn, move, sit. All are welcome. Semazens are invited to turn in full dress during the Zikr, as they wish.
Sunday morning
Dance/Songs with a 5-minute focus talk followed by breakout session.
Sunday evening
“Sunday Night Live” Visibility Show presented by internationally acclaimed Nur Ali and Ananda. Be thinking about whether you and your family might want to create a live skit or a live song. Contact Nur Ali to leave information about what you plan to do (his email address will be in the email you receive with the Zoom information.) The time will be very limited, like two to three minutes, so plan accordingly so the virtual hook doesn’t come get you!
Monday morning
Not too long closing session with lighting of the candles to symbolize the Eternal Wisdom that has been provided to humanity. Then a special treat, answering the question: “HOW DOES THE UNIVERSE WORSHIP?” and closing songs/ Dances.
This way of experiencing camp is a work in progress, a creative adventure, a co-creation.
What it is not is a performance or a fully rehearsed anything. Joy abounding!
If you are unfamiliar with ZOOM, download the Zoom app onto your phone/tablet/computer and register so you can sign in. You do not need to have an account; you do not need to pay any money to Zoom or to camp to join.
We will not be doing a fundraiser as folks have already generously donated to Camp N-Sid-Sen, which is losing its season; we are all encouraged to keep donating to the most vulnerable locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Come, come whoever you are…
Wander, worshiper, lover of leavings.
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Come, even though you’ve broken your vows a thousand times,
Come, come again, yet again….
—Rumi
Quan Yin
Spiritual Director
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