Inclusive and Caring Practice
Since 2021, a caring community of practitioners has been assembling materials in support of diversity and physical limitations in our Sanghas and in our practice. They are collected in a living document called the Ableism and Disability Primer for Plum Village Practitioners (you can click on the link to open the PDF file in a new tab). Below are some useful excerpts for the Primer.
Inclusive language and tools for those with physical challenges are available throughout the Transformation Hall, both within the content and in navigation and facilitation tools. Pages that have been highlighted for inclusive practice are listed to the right.
Content that has been updated to include original and inclusive language will display the original wordings in blue, and offer an “inclusivity” icon to the right of the title. Clicking on that icon, you can quickly switch the reading or teaching into language the more easily reaches practitioners without regard to gender identity or physical attributes. You may also click on the highlighted words while reading, to switch the reading on the fly.
A Lay Practitionerâs Personal Sharing
Nicole Dunn, an OI member, was one of numerous people who responded to the query sent to the OI listserv. She has given permission to share her message to me, which conveys her story. The general insights and suggestions for everyday practice, which were provided by Nicole and others, are compiled in two tables. The two tables follow her message.
Hello dear fellow practitioner Rhonda,
I am an OI member in Montana and felt inspired by your inquiry to share a little bit about my experience.
I am 42-years-old and have been an OI member since I was 28. A couple of years before I ordained, in 2007, I incurred an injury to my left foot, which led to the development of a permanent and chronic pain nerve condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). For the first few years after my injury, I walked with a cane on a daily basis and underwent many different treatments for pain management. I had a very difficult time walking and had high levels of pain for a long time. I remember attending retreats with Thầy back around that time and crying with great sadness when I would hear him talk about the joy of walking meditation, because for me walking meditation was not at all pleasant, let alone joy-producing.
I am deeply grateful to now be in a state of far better pain management and functioning than I was back then, but because of my own physical pain and limitations with physical functioning, I put great value and importance on presenting the practice in such a way that is as inclusive as possible for those of differing functional abilities.
I’ve landed on a number of small ways to help support others who may be in a similar position to myself, which I remind myself to always offer because not all pain conditions are visible to the average eye and pain conditions are also not limited to those of older ages.
…
I hope this sharing is helpful. Thank you again for reaching out. I think this is an important thread and I appreciate you highlighting it in our community.
With a smile,
Nicole Dunn
True Wonderful Flower
Be Here Now Sangha, Missoula Montana
Considerations for creating an inclusive and caring practice
| Donât Assume | Don't assume the state of someone's physical, mental, and/or emotional abilities based on how they outwardly present. |
| Words Matter | Speak in such a way that acknowledges that folx of varying abilities are always in the room at every stage of the practice, including Sitting, Walking, Deep Relaxation, Dharma-Sharing, etc. Consider using alternative language, such as âwalking and movement meditationâ instead of âwalking meditation.â Consider substituting ârise upâ for âstand upâ, etc. |
| Offer Alternatives | Always offer alternative ways to practice: sitting; walking; bowing; participating in ceremonies, etc. |
| No One Right Way | Keep firmly in mind that there is no one right and only way to practice. There is no one-size-fits-all way to do anything. |
| Zooming | We are appreciating and navigating the virtual world. This comes with some opportunities! You can enable Zoom's live auto-captioning for meetings so folx who need can follow along with the transcript. |
Suggestions for everyday practice
| Welcoming Newcomers | When new people come to Sangha, let them know (regardless of appearance or age) that there are many sitting options available: cushions, chairs, back jacks, wooden benches, the couch. |
| Sitting Meditation | During Sangha meetings, have facilitators always encourage comfort. Specifically, invite folx to feel free to get up at any time if they need a new or different cushion or chair. Welcome folx to even lie down if they need to. |
| Walking Meditation | Let folx know that walking meditation done as part of our Plum Village practice is _optional_, and that they are welcome to continue sitting if that feels better or more comfortable for them. _(Note: it took Nicole a LONG time to realize that walking meditation was optional during retreats and such, as no one ever spoke to that; so back when she had a hard time walking, she would do it anyway because she didn't want to be disrespectful)._ |
| Standing | Remember that some folx will have difficulty standing. So whenever folx are asked to stand for long periods of time (during readings or other offerings, for example), be sure to verbally state that they are also welcome to sit, kneel, or be lying down. |
| Touching the Earth | This practice allows us to release our grasping and to open to guidance, by entrusting ourselves to our Mother the Earth. Traditionally, monastics will remain standing while the meditation is read, then perform a partial or whole body prostration. The form is less important than receiving the nourishment of the practice. Participants may wish to begin from a kneeling position or, if seated, them may simply open their palms on their laps or on a tabletop. |
| Retreats | When part of the leadership team, be sure to consider all forms of mobility and possible restrictions in each of the planned activities. This begins with transportation, arrival, and registration, and includes small and large group events as well as dining and free time. |
Walking Meditation for those with limited mobility
Wheelchairs
As you move along, bring your awareness to the earth beneath the wheels, is it smooth, or rough, level, or slanted?
Notice the differences in feeling when moving over smooth concrete, or over bricks embedded in the ground, or moving over grass, or the lines cut into the concrete. Notice the transitions from rolling over a rug onto a bare, hard surface or the crunch of rocks against the tires.
- How does the sound of the wheels change as the surface changes?
- What are the effects of gravity as you encounter an incline or decline?
- What other aspects of the earth and of the experience of moving along can you notice?
Matthew Huston, Performance Improvement Specialist
Aging and limited mobility
If there is concern with balance, some may choose to walk at their usual pace or to use the aid of a wall, handrail, or other aid available to provide support.
Walking not preferable
If walking is not preferable you can instead practice to lift up, move forward, and place the hands alternately on the thighs.
Mindfulness Meditation for People with Disabilities
The following one-hour workshop is led by Mushim Patricia Ikeda, a Buddhist meditation teacher and secular mindfulness meditation teacher based in Oakland, California. She is a core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center who self-identifies as a person with disabilities. She strives to create a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for all in her classes and workshops. Ikeda is the recipient of a Global Diversity Leadership Award and an honorary doctorate in of sacred theology from the Starr King School of the Ministry.