Description
Tune in to your body. Feel the firmness of the earth with your feet, sense the wetness of a drink of water as it glides down your throat, look up and absorb the warmth of the sun, experience the tingle of a cool breeze, and open to spaciousness all around you. Join us on a journey of exploring the five elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space through a Buddhist lens. 
A growing body of research is now showing that old growth forests, fungi, microbes, and most matter – including all of us – are connected. Yet the Buddha’s teachings have offered this perspective for thousands of years. Practicing with the five elements helps us to reconnect on a deeper level to this truth. Challenging the notion of individualism and a siloed self, we begin to realize, to experience, that we are a part of a complex relational network. 
Over the course of four weeks together, we will explore the five elements rooted in the teachings of the first foundation of mindfulness, growing our awareness of the body. We will aspire to increase our connection to nature and the environment, and bring humility, curiosity, and compassion to our place in the web of things, loosening our grip on a separate self. 
This program is suitable for everyone, beginners, and experienced practitioners alike. Our time together will include Dharma reflections, meditation instructions, small group inquiry, poetry, journaling at home, and ample opportunity for Q&A. 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.