Description
There is always turbulence somewhere in this world, and these days it seems that all of us, everywhere, are subject to difficult conditions in many forms. In the face of much disruption, fear, and loss, coming together to remember the teachings and meditative practices that the Buddha taught can serve us, the people in our lives, and the world itself, very well.
The Buddha said that an untrained mind is the one thing that brings great woe, whereas the well-trained mind brings great bliss – even amidst difficulties. Learning how to use the mind skillfully — instead of being tossed around by ruminative and worry-laden thinking — can bring our lives into balance and lead to right actions.  We can learn to rely upon The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path to calm our minds, awaken the heart, and live joyfully and compassionately while facing myriad challenges.
Our time together will include guided mediation periods, dharma talks, and time for discussion and questions. This Practice Group is appropriate for beginners as well as for experienced meditators.
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.