Description
This Practice Group offers a gradual and systematic introduction to the practice of Insight Meditation (vipassana) and to the teachings of the Buddha that inform this practice. Emphasis is placed on the formal practices of sitting and walking meditation as well as developing mindfulness in daily life.
Over the course of five weeks, participants will explore mindfulness of the body and of breathing, followed by mindfulness of emotions and thinking. Specific techniques and troubleshooting guidance will be offered for how to bring your mindfulness practice off the cushion into all the activities of each day: eating, traveling, communicating with others, and so much more. We will practice cultivating kindness and ease.
The course is structured to help participants learn how to establish, sustain, or refresh a daily meditation practice. Each meeting will include guided meditation instructions, teachings, and Q&A.
The Way of Awareness is designed for beginners and is also appropriate for those with meditation experience who would like to revisit or refresh the basics of Insight Meditation and/or deepen their practice. All are warmly welcome.
Attending an in-person practice group
- CIMC is a refuge. Out of compassion for those with chemical sensitivities, please avoid using scented products such as lotions, deodorant, after-shave, hair products, perfume, and clothes laundered with scented detergent or dryer sheets—before you come to the Center.
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in and to find a comfortable place in the meditation hall.
- Please power off your phone, smartwatch, and other electronic devices for the duration of the program.
- Please leave your shoes on the shoe shelves on the first floor and keep your valuables with you.
- Parking at CIMC is limited; we suggest you use public transportation to the Center whenever possible.
- Food and beverages, including water, are not allowed in the meditation halls.
- We strongly recommend you dress in layers since the temperature in the meditation hall varies throughout the day. The hall thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature. Still, please give yourself a range of clothing options, as individual preferences for warmth or coolness differ widely and cannot be accommodated.
- Masks are optional. Some masks are available at the entrance of the Center.
- CIMC provides zafus (round cushions), zabutons (large mats), meditation benches, blankets, and chairs. At the end of each program, we request that you brush off and plump up zabutons and zafus and neatly return them where they belong.