Loving Kindness Sitting with Community Prayer List

Mon 12/16/19 - 7:00pm to 7:45pm

Twice a month on the 1st and third Mondays from 7:00-7:45 there will be a community metta (loving kindness) support sitting.  This will consist of four parts: A community member will read a list of names at the beginning of the sitting* to be held with loving kindness intentions/prayers.  Then the group will then do a simple chant of repeating the terms: ‘metta (loving kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy), upekha (equanimity)’ for five minutes.  A 35 minute period of non-guided silent sitting (one can do metta, breath awareness, or open awareness.. as one sees fit). Finally the metta sutta (handouts provided) will be recited together to finish the session.  Click here for the metta sutta.

Nancy Winkler will be the primary group leader for these events.  Brad Balkus will continue to be the community leader for the silent sitting held on the off weeks.

*Anyone in the community may send Director Debra an email during the period up until the day of the sitting.  A new list will be generated after two weeks, and the old list nor longer used. You may resubmit names as many times as you would like. Please include the name of the person or persons you want to be read out loud, and a short message (so and so has such and such illness, or passed away, or…) if you would like to.  The center may edit anything submitted (for purposes of length) or leave requests out if deemed inappropriate (not in the spirit of goodwill, politically motivated, etc…). This list may sometimes also be read at other gatherings at the IMCN in the spirit of supporting our community.

This is a free offering, donations always welcome!

- With Ted Jones

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

Tue 12/17/19 - 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 12/19/19 - 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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Note:  You can pre-register for this retreat online or pay at the door.  Pre-registration is not required. 

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

- With Matthew Daniell

No Toys Retreat - With Matthew Daniell

Sat 12/21/19 - 9:30am to 1:00pm

We fill our lives with toys, playthings, and objects. If we remember our relationship to toys as children or the versions of toys, we may fill our lives today with fond memories, or realities of lots of unused stuff.  Did they, and do they actually fill our hearts and minds with lasting happiness in the way we thought they would when we got them? 

In our meditation practice do all of the techniques, inner pep-talks and psychological strategies that we employ work to stabilize and open the heart and mind effectively?  Do they at times become inner toys that we play with but don’t see that they are actually adding complexity to our inner journey, blocking the freshness and joy of clear direct seeing?  Do reading and podcasts and the teacher’s words sometimes become things that block this simplicity as well? 

In this retreat we will emphasize ‘putting away our toys’ and practice together in simple silence without verbal guidance, and with an emphasis on inner simplicity in using the tools for practice we already have.  Exploring this bare bones approach to practice in the shared support of each other’s presence we may find a mature simplicity in moments of being present that is resilient in the face of difficult emotions, nourishing, joyful and wise; no toys needed! 

There will be an extended period for discussion towards the end of the retreat.  This retreat is designed for experienced practitioners.

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