Change Your Mind Day 2005

Tampa Bay, Florida

The second annual Tampa Bay Change Your Mind Day was held at Tampa's Lowry Park. Pre-event publicity was good, with newspaper and television coverage. Unfortunately, June 4th was at the end of a wet week, and a 60% chance of rain was predicted. Eleven groups led segments, with talks, chanting, meditations or movement.

About 100 attendees were spread out under the live oaks when it started to rain, part way into the fourth presentation. The audience crowded under the small picnic shelter being used as a covered stage area (see photo below). By the end of the fifth presentation, the rain had increased to a downpour. Most folks scrambled to a nearby larger shelter for the remaining sessions. Soaked but enthusiastic, the survivors listened, moved and chanted, ending about 5:00 with a vigorous Heart Sutra.

Next year we'll alternate back to the Pinellas County side of Tampa Bay. A more informal event is envisioned. Rain will be assumed, as with the rains retreat during the time of the Buddha. Sessions will be conducted with everyone under a large shelter, questions will be encouraged, and there will be more free time between segments for perusing literature and socializing.

Rick Ferriss
Buddhist Peace Fellowship

Moistened meditators find shelter from the storm during the 2005 Tampa Bay Change Your Mind Day.


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