Support the Sit-a-thon

About Clouds in Water 

Clouds in Water Zen Center is a vibrant urban community in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition dedicated to awakening the heart of great wisdom and compassion. Located in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, we welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. As a non-profit organization, we operate primarily on donations and no one is turned away for lack of funds for any of our programming.

About the Sit-a-thon

This year Clouds in Water will be celebrating our 30th anniversary. As one of many celebrations of that milestone, the Sit-a-thon is a fundraiser which supports the organization and our ability to continue to offer programming to everyone who is interested. Our goal is to raise $30,000 - $1000 per year - + $10,000 to support Clouds into the future - for a total fundraising goal of $40,000. I'll be there for the majority of the Sit-a-thon, sitting for as many hours as I can and providing support to others who are sitting. Our new Executive Director, Renkyo, will be there for the full 30 hours in support of everyone sitting, and our Guiding Teacher, Sosan, is meditating for the full thirty hours! 

About me and why I will be sitting

Greetings!  My name is Andrea Farley Spangler and I am the Administrative Assistant and Youth Practice Coordinator at Clouds in Water. 

I started meditating a little over ten years ago.  I would say that I have been practicing my whole life though.  Always seeking an answer, or a community that fit.  How lucky I was ten years ago that I came across Clouds - I could stop seeking, and start sitting!

Now that I have a two year old I don't get to sit often (to meditate or otherwise).  But that doesn't mean my practice is on hold.  How grateful I am to be a part of a sangha that has space for even our youngest members.  I started bringing my daughter to our youth programming when she was only 6 months!  Without a doubt, this community has supported me in various ways and stages throughout my life.  Now I get to show my support for this community by sitting.  I hope you will consider donating and/or joining us to sit!

"With time, your roots grow deep and your branches long.  You lean a little less backward in fear and a little less forward in doubt, resting solidly right where you are.  When the wind blows, you bend. When it stops, you straighten.  Your boughs provide shelter and shade.  Your strength supports the sky.  Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes and the grass grows by itself." 

-Karen Maezen Miller