Are your programs recorded?
Our Wednesday Evening Dharma Talks are recorded and audio recordings are available online. CIMC occasionally records an online program for teacher use only. Many of our programs are interactive and for privacy reasons they are not available for distribution.
I want to enroll in a weekly practice group but need to miss a couple sessions. Is that okay?
While our teachers prefer that people attend as many sessions as possible, they understand that it is not always feasible. Teachers for many of our practice groups provide homework which offers an alternative way to keep up with what is covered in each session. If you expect to miss more than two sessions, it may be best not to register for the program.
I lost my Zoom link for my program. What should I do?
The Zoom link for your program is included in the receipt you received upon registration, and in the welcome email CIMC sent you a few days before your program began. If you can’t find either, please email the CIMC office during regular business hours and we will send it to you again.
I’ve dabbled in meditation, but I don’t have much experience. Which programs should I take?
Most of our programs are appropriate for practitioners of all experience levels and throughout the year we also offer programs designed specifically for beginners. These include a five-week class called “The Way of Awareness: An Introduction to Insight Meditation” and Beginners Workshops. Many people who are new to meditation start by coming to our weekly Beginners’ Drop-In program, Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 pm ET. “Experienced Practitioners” programs are the only ones geared towards people with at least several years of practice.
I am a CIMC Member, and I’d like to bring a friend who is not a member to sit with me at the Center. Is that okay?
We hope you will bring your friend to CIMC for one of our in-person drop-in programs that is open to everyone. However, we ask that you do not otherwise invite non-members to join you at the Center. One of the benefits of CIMC membership is access to our meditation halls for individual practice. We ask members not to share this code with others.
I’d love to send a personal note to a teacher. How can I do that?
You can send your hand-written note to CIMC, 331 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139, Attn. [teacher’s name] and we will be sure it reaches the teacher. Or you can send an email to: teachers@cambridgeinsight.org. Please put “For [teacher’s name]” in the subject line.
I’d like to connect directly with other practitioners at CIMC. How can I do that?
- Many of our Affinity Groups (sanghas) have listservs or Google groups, forums for community members to communicate directly; to join one, please click here.
- Or you might want to form or join a Spiritual Friendship (Kalyana Mitta or KM) group. Click here to request access to a Google group of people who may also be looking to form or join a group.
- CIMC Members who include their contact information in our Membership Directory may request a copy of the directory by contacting the office.
Is meditation beneficial for everyone?
Meditation can be positive and transformative, and many people benefit from having a regular meditation practice. However, some people do have adverse experiences as a result of meditation practice. These might include increasing anxiety, worsening of depression, lack of focus or remembering difficult or traumatic events. These can happen during or after practice and sometimes occur after years of meditation without incident. Benefits and adverse effects are not always mutually exclusive.
Talk to your teacher right away If you start experiencing negative changes or distress during or after meditating. Then try limiting or stopping mindfulness practices for a while. A mental healthcare provider may be able to help you assess what is best for you.