Description
In the early twilight hours, come with tea, with coffee, come in PJs, come yawning, with bedhead; join with others in presence and wisdom to practice what is sacred, noble, and leads to peace. This group will center community, the rhythms of the body, the rhythms of the heart, and attunement to the rhythms of the earth and sky. Gentle meditation instruction will be offered.Â
We will practice as the sun rises to make a ritual of relating to our contemplative practice and rousing remembrance of compassion and freedom together in the solidarity of sangha. Our first gathering meets just minutes after sunrise in the last week of February, and our final class will meet just minutes after sunrise in the first week of the new Spring. Our weeks together traverse the seasons with the sun getting a little brighter each week until mid-way through when the clocks jump forward with daylight savings time. Our practice will return to twilight as we adjust our internal rhythms to prepare for changing of the seasons, and the coming of the sun.
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.