Description
Liberation of Mind. The Divine Abiding. The Antidote to Fear. These are just a few of the ways the Buddha described the sensibility and contemplative practice of good will, also known as metta, or loving-kindness.
Metta is an essential ingredient along the path of mindfulness. Some practitioners find metta difficult to crack into, while others may have a natural affinity for it. However you resonate with loving-kindness at this stage of your journey, working through obstacles to deepen its cultivation with the help of a teacher is strongly recommended.
This practice group will support yogis in making loving-kindness a central part of practice through guided instruction and exploration within community. Many participants may choose to make metta their primary practice for the duration of the 2 month period. This way of living has the potential to be both joyful and liberating.
This program is appropriate for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Our time together will include talks, guided meditation instructions, and ample opportunity for discussion and questions. Everyone is welcome.
Attending an online practice group
- Sitting a practice group from home online differs greatly from coming to a meditation center. Tending to your comfort and giving yourself a quiet, private sitting and walking space (if possible, in your environment) will help keep your attention focused and support your practice and learning. Plan to bring as much simplicity and ease to your day as possible. The schedule of the practice group is structured to support your well-being and practice with regular breaks and time for mindful movement.
- We use Zoom for online practice groups. Before your practice group begins, be sure to download Zoom and familiarize yourself with using the program, including the chat feature. Specifics about how we use Zoom during your practice group will be covered initially; however, we cannot provide technical support during the group.
- We ask that you treat our virtual meditation hall as if we were together in person, in the same room. The teachers and other yogis benefit greatly from your full presence and careful attention.
- Join each session of the practice group a few minutes early. This will support the teachers and your fellow attendees.
- Please maintain noble silence as much as possible for the duration of the practice group and take any necessary steps to limit external distractions such as incoming emails, texts, or other interruptions to maintain the integrity of our practice together. Close all programs on your computer other than Zoom and turn off all notifications on your devices.
- Power off your phones and smartwatches for the entire practice group. Please don’t check your devices during breaks. We suggest you put an “away” message on your email and voicemail and leave your devices in another room during the practice group.
- Please keep your video on during our time together as much as possible. This supports a sense of connectedness and sangha.
- You will receive a welcome email from CIMC a day or two before your program, including the Zoom link, practice group schedule, and further information.