Description
Many of us come to meditation for greater presence and peace from the stress and pace of modern life. Early Dharma teachings commonly refer to the path of meditation as a refuge, a type of “sanctuary” where, through learned insight and understanding, we strengthen our ability to resist the habitual seductions of distraction and learn to enjoy the freedom of a mind at ease.
This three-week class series emphasizes the aspirational breadth of mindfulness meditation while directly exploring the implications of learning and sustaining a meditation practice in an increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven world.
This program doesn’t negate the value of technology but rather inquires into the wise use of technology. We will engage in an intimate and personal reflection of our own habits and tendencies while living in a world of devices, gadgets, apps, and social media. Without mindful awareness, our relationship to technology can pose a threat to our agency, potentially robbing us of our time, presence, and ultimately our well-being.
Instructions in mindfulness meditation and home practice guidelines will be shared during this three-week class. This will include suggestions and examples for practices that students can choose from based on their personal interests, lifestyle, time availability, and which teachings and perspectives they are most drawn towards.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, including experienced meditators and beginners (no prior experience is necessary).
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.