Description
In this Practice Group, we will practice a moment-to-moment mindfulness that embraces our bodies, hearts, and minds with kindness and wisdom. By cultivating a gentle, warm-hearted approach to whatever arises in formal practice or daily life practice, we discover that kindness is an integral quality of mindfulness. Mindfulness is our ability to pay attention to our present-moment experience. The
Buddha’s teachings help us understand that how we relate to this moment can increase our happiness or sorrow. As we practice, we learn to let go of our preoccupations with the past and the future and to focus on the here and now. We come to know what it means to be in relation with and deeply connected to our lived experience of the present moment. Over time, we can disentangle ourselves from our habitual reactions and begin to develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with ourselves, others, and our world.
With mindfulness, we turn toward our experience. With kindness, we learn that we can meet and come close to whatever we turn towards. This practice is one of continually greeting our experience, whatever it is, with acceptance and compassion. In this process we realize that everything changes constantly, and we learn to be at ease with this truth. Mindfulness and kindness combined with wisdom can transform the way we live in these extraordinary times.
Come join us and see for yourself.
This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators of all ages and all levels of experience. Each session will include formal meditation practices, teachings, discussions, reflections, 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.
- Practice groups will often have home practices in between sessions.