- With Ted Jones

Introduction to Insight Meditation Drop-In Class - With Ted Jones

Tue 12/11/18 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm

This class will include instruction, walking and sitting meditation, and time for discussion.  It is appropriate for those with little or no experience.  More experienced meditators are welcome as well to enjoy the group support and gentle guidance that will be provided.   This is a free offering and no registration is required.  Donations are happily accepted. 

Read about Ted Jones

- With Matthew Daniell

Thursday Morning Retreat - With Matthew Daniell

Thu 12/13/18 - 9:30am to 12:30pm

Thursday Half Day Retreats are designed to be flexible to personal schedules while offering the opportunity to deepen practice through periods of silent sitting and walking meditation. You may come for part, or all of this retreat.  While at the center, please adhere closely to the schedule and maintain silence.  Click here for retreat schedule.

Teacher Matthew Daniell leads the retreat and there will be minimal instruction offered as needed.  He will provide time for an optional teacher interview with each participant.  A bell will be rung to signal the rotation between silent sitting and walking meditation.  Cost: $25/nonmembers and $20/members  (Can be paid at the door with cash or check only.)

These practice periods are not suitable for complete beginners: An introductory meditation class or equivalent experience is strongly recommended before attending. Attendance is on a drop-in basis; no pre-registration is required.

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You can pre-register for this retreat on-line or pay at the door.  Pre-registration is not required.

To pay by check or read our refund policy, click here

- With Chas DiCapua

Cultivating Calm and Loving Kindness in a Chaotic and Angry World - With Chas DiCapua

Sat 12/15/18 - 9:00am to 5:00pm

We live in challenging times. Humanitarian and ecological crisis continue to grow and deepen. Extreme and radical forms of religious beliefs and nationalistic views seem to increase every day. It can be very easy for our reactions to such conditions to be one of anger. We have a sense of what is wrong and can make whoever holds different views from ourselves responsible for what is wrong. We can end up seeing “them” as bad or evil, slipping into a self and other mentality, and contributing to the divisiveness and hostility that is taking hold of our societies.

These are the times where we most need to bring our practice to bear on our lives and our world. Cultivating Calm in the body and mind is essential for creating the space from which we can respond, rather than react, to the conditions we are faced with. Developing Loving Kindness for all beings, especially those with views that are contrary to ours, is essential if we are to avoid fostering a us and them mentality. 

During this retreat we will practice developing Calm using the body and then engage in the Loving Kindness practice that will be supported by that calm.

Read About Chas DiCapua

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There is an optional morning half day also offered.

NOTE:  For those staying for the entire day, lunch is included with your registration fee.  However, if you register for this retreat after Thursday, December 13th, please bring your own lunch as we have already taken a final count for the volunteer who makes the soup.

To pay by check or read our refund policy, click here

Present Moment Poetry Group

Sun 12/16/18 - 2:00pm to 3:30pm

One of the best tools in mindfulness practice today, as it has been for millennia, is poetry.  Present moment-oriented poetry found in Buddhism and other traditions is a beautiful expression of, and support for, insight.  Please join as we explore how bringing together these two forms has the power to bring us deeper into the mystery of being fully alive! We will start with a 30 minute silent meditation without instruction.  Bring a poem, whether by you or a favorite poet, to read and discuss with the group. This community-member led group is intended for meditators who have attended at least two beginner drop-in classes at the center, or by permission of the Director.

Registration is not required and there is a suggested $10 donation per session.

Facilitator:  Nancy Winkler