Description
As we meet the realities of aging, many of us are likely contemplating the issues of diminishment, change, loss, death/dying, and the search for what is most important and meaningful to us.
Compelling questions may arise, such as:
- How do we respond creatively and intentionally to this stage of life?
- How can we find support with others who share our concerns?
- How do we deepen the practice of mindfulness to meet the challenges of aging?
Contrary to our culture’s view of aging, these years can be filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and reflection. We are able to deepen in compassion and wisdom as we use this precious time to renew, refresh, and strengthen our practice!
This Practice Group is an invitation to:
- Cultivate gratitude
- Deepen mindfulness through meditation
- Open to change, loss, illness, and death
- Nourish equanimity and spaciousness
- Cultivate lightness and humor
- Nourish patience and compassion for ourselves and others
- Connect with our true nature
Together we will engage in meditation, teachings, small group discussions, individual reflections, and home practices. We will create a kind and caring community to support this tender contemplation. This practice group will build on the book Aging with Wisdom by Olivia Hoblitzelle, available in the CIMC library. 
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.
- Practice groups will often have home practices in between sessions.