Description
This unique Practice Group is an opportunity for CIMC practitioners to turn toward the social and ecological realities of our time with patient and gentle wisdom. We will use the One Earth Sangha’s EcoSattva Training as the basis of our exploration, forming a caring community in support of each participant’s learning, practice, and well-being.
In the words of One Earth Sangha, “The challenges of ecological crises are all around us—as well as within us. Our practice can support us not only in meeting this difficulty but healing and transforming it. Join us in this journey to cultivate wisdom, connection, and compassionate action.”
Every week participants will have access to a video from the EcoSattva Training featuring Dharma teachers from many different traditions and backgrounds. Then, every Sunday evening, we come together online with Chas DiCapua and other participants to discuss these teachings, and to share what has been learned. Contemplations, inquiries, and other practices will be offered to help metabolize teachings with body, mind, and heart, including practices for tending to and regulating one’s nervous system.
All participants in this CIMC program will receive access to One Earth Sangha’s rich materials including videos, supplemental resources and readings at no additional cost.
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.