Description
If there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s that things in life are never certain—or at least never as certain as we’d like them to be. And while we can typically handle uncertainty when it comes along in small doses, exceptionally disruptive events can leave us feeling isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed.
This practice group will use the techniques of mindfulness meditation to help us examine and regulate fast-moving streams of information from without—such as schoolwork, news reports, work demands, and our interactions with others—as well as equally fast-moving streams of information from within, such as our own thoughts, feelings, worries, and hopes. In doing so, we will learn to establish equanimity and an attitude of ease and stability, even in the most uncertain times.
Through the lens of equanimity, we will look uncertainty in the eye and develop strategies on how to meet it and work with it skillfully in the context of the Buddha’s teachings. All participants will leave with practical, effective exercises they can begin using immediately. In addition, participants will learn how regular practice can enable them to respond to stressful situations in a balanced, calm, and clear manner.
This practice group is appropriate for first-time meditators as well as those with meditation experience. All are warmly welcome. There will be time for questions and reflections.
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.