Safety – East Bay Meditation Center

Sangha Safety Pointers

Think in terms of “self-awareness” instead of “self-defense.”
In traveling to or from EBMC, have a buddy system.
You can call the Oakland Ambassadors and request an escort. Information is posted in the EBMC office.
When you leave EBMC, remember that you are shifting to a faster paced environment with more flow.
Practice being aware of everything within twenty feet in front of you, in back of you, and on either side of you.
Make sure you’re carrying your bag or purse in a way that’s comfortable and secure, and practice looking confident, alert and friendly.
Transition zones, such as getting into or out of your car, and going into or out of the meditation center are places for heightened awareness.

A more complete set of safety and self-awareness tips by martial arts instructor Michele Benzamin-Miki, who is also an EBMC community teacher, is downloadable here as a PDF.