Join Alan Arkin for an intimate afternoon to discuss his 50+ years of meditation practice and dedication to a spiritual way of life. Mr. Arkin affirms that his spiritual life is the center of his life. He has arranged his life to be near spiritual communities and he has lived in spiritual communities. He is super clear” “It is all about the inner life anyway” He has visited Insight Community of the Desert (ICD) in the past and would like to extend his support to our Sangha by appearing for this ICD Fundraiser.

Many of you will recognize Mr. Arkin’s name from his appearance in over 100 film and television roles. He is also an acclaimed director, producer, author, singer-composer. He has been nominated for 3 Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and was awarded the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (2006) for his performance in the film “Little Miss Sunshine”.

Read more about his interior life in this interview published in the Desert Sun on November 23, 2019. Alan Arkin to appear at benefit for ICD meditation center in Palm Springs

Cost: This is a fund-raising event and is being offered to the entire Coachella Valley. We are offering donation levels of $125 – 1000. As this is a unique opportunity to practice generosity in support of our community, we ask and encourage everyone to donate at the highest level that they are able.

There will be a limited number of seats available for this event. Please register as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

So grateful for our community and these amazing opportunities!

We hope this finds you well and happy as we move into the autumn months. We’d like to renew our welcome to Insight Community of the Desert, and all the wonderful ways that we share and express spiritual community, or sangha.

In the months ahead, we have so much to be grateful for, and so many opportunities for practice and being together. Please read ahead for all the wonderful events that generate gratitude!

Here are some of the beautiful and unique practice opportunities that we have experienced together.

November 3: Pride Parade. We marched for the first time on November 3, supporting our LGBTQ+ community.

November 3: John Martin, Guest Teacher.  John traveled from San Francisco for the Dharma Talk and Meditation.  We have gratitude for the diversity of teachers that we are able to host.

Nov 16: Arinna Weisman Daylong – Dedicated to the Practice of Finding Love
Arinna brought her open heart to share insights on finding the love within that is not based on conditions.

November 17: Carol Cano and Noliwe Alexander, Guest Teachers.
We were fortunate to sit with Carol and Noliwe as they shared their insights from their Dhamma Dena retreat on Healing the Heart through Understanding Power & Love.

Here are some of the practice opportunities that are coming up.

Nov 28: Thanksgiving – Feast of Gratitude.
Another first! Join your friends at 3:00pm on Thanksgiving to share food and fun with like-minded folks.

December 7: An afternoon with Alan Arkin.
Bows of gratitude for the generosity of Alan Arkin in providing his presence at a fundraiser in support of our spiritual community.

Pledge month begins in early December
The practical expression of the awakening heart! Our opportunity to offer support and health to what we value, what we know  to be of value and benefit to our communities.

December 29 – January 5: Welcoming the New Year – A Week of Practice.
Welcome the New Year with ICD teachers and sangha with a practice event each day! Start the year with mindfulness and a grateful heart! 

Please join your community in this “Season of Gratitude & Generosity”! What we are creating together at Insight Community of the Desert touches many hearts and the goodness of our practice benefits beings without limit!

Reuel Young, President
For the Board

Ian Challis, Guiding Teacher
For the Teachers Circle