Introduction to Insight Mediation

Basic instruction in sitting and walking meditation will be given along with a period of question and answer. Sitting and walking periods will typically be shorter than in other practice opportunities at the center. No experience is necessary and all levels are welcome. Pre-registration for the entire series is recommended, although students may attend individual sessions on a drop in basis (see fee structure.)

Loving Kindness (Metta) Meditation In the practice of Metta or loving kindness, the mind is gently re-trained to wish for the well-being of oneself and others. Though Metta practice has its ups and downs its general flavor is uplifting.

Compassion (Karuna) Meditation is the caring capacity of the heart to hold ones own or another’s suffering, and is a powerful force for working to alleviate it. In this series of classes the formal repetition of a compassion phrase, as well as traditional Insight Meditation techniques, will be taught. Combining these practices with presented material and discussion will support us as we explore of the potential of compassion to positively shape our lives.

The Ten Wise Qualities (Perfections or Paramis) Meditation

The ten perfections or pamamis are attitudes and actions that when cultivated can help us live in kinder and wiser ways.  In each class themes such as generosity, energy, patience, etc., will be discussed

and combined with periods of silent meditation practice.  Some experience in Insight Meditation is preferred.

The Six Sense Doors The six sense doors include the five senses: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, touching and the mind (through which we perceive and filter experience). Learning to pay close attention in the present moment as to how we actually experience life through the senses can help us to live from a place of greater awareness, responsiveness, and ease. Traditional Buddhist Teachings, as well as Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book ‘Coming to our Senses”, will be supports for our inquiry. Some meditation experienced preferred.

Drop in Morning Sittings are offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction, ending bell will be rung. 

Tuesday Half Day Retreats Intensive Practice Periods designed to be flexible to personal schedules while offering the opportunity to deepen practice through periods of silent sitting and walking meditation. Minimal instruction offered as needed. You may come for part, or all of each of these groups. While at the center, please adhere closely to the schedule and maintain silence. For students with at least some experience.

The Mindfulness Yoga that we offer emphasizes awareness of breath, body, and mind in both movement and stillness. This practice generates and balances energy, strengthens the spine, makes breath sensations more vivid, and creates a more stable, relaxed foundation for sitting meditation. All levels are welcome.

Optional Question and Answers (Q and A). These are opportunities to strengthen our practice through discussion with the teacher, and listening to one another’s experience.

Individual Interviews. Are designed to help us with formal practice and explore more intimately how mindfulness can help us in our daily lives. Interviews are available during retreats and for ongoing meditators by request.

Retreats. Half and full day silent retreats will combine periods of sitting and walking meditation. Instruction, discussion, and optional mindfulness yoga sessions will be included as we explore afresh the transformative power of mindfulness.

Workshops  Inspired by ancient tradition, reflection and silent practice will be combined. Each workshop will offer periods of presented material and guided meditation. Discussion will help deepen our practice and explore it’s relevance to daily life in an interactive as well as self-reflective format.

Exploring Generosity The act of giving to oneself and others is a support for and expression of a mature spiritual life. Acts of giving can be material or of kind attention, and are central to the Buddhist path. In this workshop we will explore how. No previous meditation experience is necessary.

Simplicity of the Present Moment When we can connect deeply with the present moment, we find that life has a natural simplicity to it. We discover it is the concepts and stories that we overlay experience with that makes life seem stressful, complex, difficult...not simple. In this day long retreat we will practice connecting with our experience just as it is. We'll use sitting and walking meditation, as well as exercises designed to connect us with things just as they are, as supports for our practice. Beginning and more experienced students alike should find this day long retreat beneficial.