Monthly Calendar
A monthly calendar of IMCN offerings. Click on the bodhi leaf to see the details for that day. No programs are being offered on days without bodhi leaves.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Tuesday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Practice Oriented Book Group
An On-Line Six Session Series
Our book for the spring session is Boundless Heart by Christina Feldman. In this book, she focuses on compassion, kindness, equanimity, and joy as the fruits of an awakened heart and the path to awakening. She shows us how these four qualities, known as the brahma viharas (sublime abodes) in Buddhism, can be cultivated through intention and commitment to become the foundation of a spiritual practice and a life. She takes us beyond the “feel-good” aspects of these positive qualities to the strength and energy resulting from commitment and practice.
This is a six-session series meeting every other week from 3/1 – 5/10 on Zoom. There are no drop-ins; you must be registered to attend. The series will start on 3/1, and will meet on Zoom every other week for 6 sessions on 3 /1, 3/15, 3/29, 4/12, 4/26 and 5/10.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Buddha’s Teaching on ‘Having an Auspicious Day’
A 9 week class series on Zoom - 1/12-3/16 (no class on 2/9)
With Matthew Daniell
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
The Buddha’s teaching ‘on having an auspicious day’ (The Bhaddekaratta Sutta) points us to the positive potential of sustained present moment awareness in being with things exactly as they are. Since we all know that stabilizing awareness in the flow of our lives is not so easy we will explore two complementary strategies to help us. The first is the progression of grounding and steadying our attention through practicing mindfulness of breath, body, etc, and then expanding to include all experience. The second is a natural practice of recognizing awareness and being with things as they are from an open spacious attentional stance. One moves from the inside out, the other from the outside in.
Together they support direct present moment daily living that is clear, connected, and (for the quality of our lives) auspicious.
Special Note: This is a shortened nine-week series because we prioritize having classes at the Center. We hope this is a skillful decision balancing the needs of safety and the power of us practicing physically together. We hope to have our next class series in person at the Center beginning in early April.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Introduction to Insight Meditation
A Five Week On-Site Class Series (2/24-3/24)
With Ted Jones
Prerequisite: Beginner
Insight meditation is a time tested method of mind training that enables us to change our relationship to each moment’s experience, and thus our lives. In this seven week series we will systematically explore how to calm and steady the mind and see with more clarity into our lives. As we strengthen this capacity we begin to move from suffering and reactivity to responsiveness, freshness and ease. We learn to touch and live in the mindful moment.
The class will include sitting instructions and shared silent practice, as well as instruction and practice of walking and other forms of mindfulness practice designed for application in daily life. Although this series is designed for beginners, all are welcome and students may choose to repeat this series as new material will be introduced each time.
Friday, March 4, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Transforming the Five Protections: Aversion and Fear
An Online Evening Talk
With Rebecca Bradshaw
This weekend we will continue our four month exploration of the five hindrances, five challenges that arise in our practice that block us from fully settling into life as it is. We’ll call them five protections: sense desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and anxiety, and skeptical doubt. We will explore engaging with these energies with mindfulness and friendliness, allowing them to liberate themselves within spacious awareness.
On Friday night we will explore aversion, the mind heart that tries to avoid and get rid of that which is unpleasant. Aversion can be transformed into tender connection, holding suffering with spaciousness and care.
Saturday morning we will investigate aversion in its manifestation as fear, practicing how to meet this emotion with kind hearted awareness.
This retreat will take place online, and participants can attend one segment or both.
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Transforming the Five Protections: Aversion and Fear
An Online Half Day Retreat
With Rebecca Bradshaw
This weekend we will continue our four month exploration of the five hindrances, five challenges that arise in our practice that block us from fully settling into life as it is. We’ll call them five protections: sense desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and anxiety, and skeptical doubt. We will explore engaging with these energies with mindfulness and friendliness, allowing them to liberate themselves within spacious awareness.
On Friday night we will explore aversion, the mind heart that tries to avoid and get rid of that which is unpleasant. Aversion can be transformed into tender connection, holding suffering with spaciousness and care.
Saturday morning we will investigate aversion in its manifestation as fear, practicing how to meet this emotion with kind hearted awareness.
This retreat will take place online, and participants can attend one segment or both.
Monday, March 7, 2022
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Mindfulness Zoom Drop-in Session
With Matthew Daniell
These drop-in sessions will be held once a month. A 25-35 minute mindfulness meditation will be followed by individual sharing. Everyone will have a chance to talk about how they are working with being present to the realities of this unique and difficult time. Together, we have the opportunity here to create a much needed community of support, based on mindfulness and compassion. New and experienced meditators alike are welcome to attend. Registration is not required, and donations are always welcome.
Matthew will lead a Loving Kindness drop-in session once a month as well. Together, these mindfulness and loving kindness sessions take place bi-weekly and may support a skillful balance of kind intention and clear seeing for our practice.
If you have Zoom, click on the link below just before class to join.
Join Zoom Meeting - Video Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82847776617?pwd=ZldoUE9EOUYxSjhxOXJxUE9sSW9rQT09
Meeting ID: 828 4777 6617
Passcode: 365026
OR join by phone:
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
With this Meeting ID: 828 4777 6617
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Tuesday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Buddha’s Teaching on ‘Having an Auspicious Day’
A 9 week class series on Zoom - 1/12-3/16 (no class on 2/9)
With Matthew Daniell
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
The Buddha’s teaching ‘on having an auspicious day’ (The Bhaddekaratta Sutta) points us to the positive potential of sustained present moment awareness in being with things exactly as they are. Since we all know that stabilizing awareness in the flow of our lives is not so easy we will explore two complementary strategies to help us. The first is the progression of grounding and steadying our attention through practicing mindfulness of breath, body, etc, and then expanding to include all experience. The second is a natural practice of recognizing awareness and being with things as they are from an open spacious attentional stance. One moves from the inside out, the other from the outside in.
Together they support direct present moment daily living that is clear, connected, and (for the quality of our lives) auspicious.
Special Note: This is a shortened nine-week series because we prioritize having classes at the Center. We hope this is a skillful decision balancing the needs of safety and the power of us practicing physically together. We hope to have our next class series in person at the Center beginning in early April.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Thursday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Introduction to Insight Meditation
A Five Week On-Site Class Series (2/24-3/24)
With Ted Jones
Prerequisite: Beginner
Insight meditation is a time tested method of mind training that enables us to change our relationship to each moment’s experience, and thus our lives. In this seven week series we will systematically explore how to calm and steady the mind and see with more clarity into our lives. As we strengthen this capacity we begin to move from suffering and reactivity to responsiveness, freshness and ease. We learn to touch and live in the mindful moment.
The class will include sitting instructions and shared silent practice, as well as instruction and practice of walking and other forms of mindfulness practice designed for application in daily life. Although this series is designed for beginners, all are welcome and students may choose to repeat this series as new material will be introduced each time.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
9:30 am to 12:00 pm
The Path of Mindful Parenting
An On-Site Workshop with Sylwia Willcox
In this retreat for parents and caregivers, we will reflect on and reconnect to our parenting journeys. We will explore the power of bringing awareness into our relationships with children.
What happens to our experience of parenting if we bring into it an intention of being non-judgmentally present and patient? What shifts on the parenting path if you build it on the foundation of mindfulness practice? Can the experience of conscious parenting alter your reactive patterns?
In the serene setting of the Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport we will explore ways of finding harmony between giving and receiving in relationship to our children. We will discuss the possibility of morphing the energy drain you may experience as a caregiver into a fuel for your joy and peace.
Sylwia Willcox has been practicing in the Zen, Dzogchen, and Theravada traditions since 1994. Since moving to the United States in 2017 she has been practicing and volunteering at the Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport. She has a certificate of Mindful Educator and Mindfulness Fundamentals from the Mindful Schools. For the past few years, she has been incorporating the mindfulness program into her kindergarten class curriculum. She has taught Aikido - a martial art emphasizing nonviolent conflict resolution - to children and adults in both Poland and the United States. She has a Master's Degree in philosophy with an emphasis on Buddhist studies.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Tuesday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Practice Oriented Book Group
An On-Line Six Session Series
Our book for the spring session is Boundless Heart by Christina Feldman. In this book, she focuses on compassion, kindness, equanimity, and joy as the fruits of an awakened heart and the path to awakening. She shows us how these four qualities, known as the brahma viharas (sublime abodes) in Buddhism, can be cultivated through intention and commitment to become the foundation of a spiritual practice and a life. She takes us beyond the “feel-good” aspects of these positive qualities to the strength and energy resulting from commitment and practice.
This is a six-session series meeting every other week from 3/1 – 5/10 on Zoom. There are no drop-ins; you must be registered to attend. The series will start on 3/1, and will meet on Zoom every other week for 6 sessions on 3 /1, 3/15, 3/29, 4/12, 4/26 and 5/10.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Buddha’s Teaching on ‘Having an Auspicious Day’
A 9 week class series on Zoom - 1/12-3/16 (no class on 2/9)
With Matthew Daniell
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
The Buddha’s teaching ‘on having an auspicious day’ (The Bhaddekaratta Sutta) points us to the positive potential of sustained present moment awareness in being with things exactly as they are. Since we all know that stabilizing awareness in the flow of our lives is not so easy we will explore two complementary strategies to help us. The first is the progression of grounding and steadying our attention through practicing mindfulness of breath, body, etc, and then expanding to include all experience. The second is a natural practice of recognizing awareness and being with things as they are from an open spacious attentional stance. One moves from the inside out, the other from the outside in.
Together they support direct present moment daily living that is clear, connected, and (for the quality of our lives) auspicious.
Special Note: This is a shortened nine-week series because we prioritize having classes at the Center. We hope this is a skillful decision balancing the needs of safety and the power of us practicing physically together. We hope to have our next class series in person at the Center beginning in early April.
Thursday, March 17, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Thursday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Introduction to Insight Meditation
A Five Week On-Site Class Series (2/24-3/24)
With Ted Jones
Prerequisite: Beginner
Insight meditation is a time tested method of mind training that enables us to change our relationship to each moment’s experience, and thus our lives. In this seven week series we will systematically explore how to calm and steady the mind and see with more clarity into our lives. As we strengthen this capacity we begin to move from suffering and reactivity to responsiveness, freshness and ease. We learn to touch and live in the mindful moment.
The class will include sitting instructions and shared silent practice, as well as instruction and practice of walking and other forms of mindfulness practice designed for application in daily life. Although this series is designed for beginners, all are welcome and students may choose to repeat this series as new material will be introduced each time.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Developing Tranquility and Calm
An On-Site Full Day Retreat with Half Day Option
With Chas DiCapua
Developing some degree of tranquility and calm in the mind is essential for both the development of the Noble Eightfold Path, and also for being able to meet the challenges of this life without becoming overwhelmed.
We will explore how to develop tranquility and calm without making it a chore and falling into striving. The practice will be body based with an emphasis on soothing and regulating the nervous system.
This practice will be appropriate for both newer and more experienced meditators.
Monday, March 21, 2022
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Loving Kindness Zoom Drop-in Session
With Community Program Leader, Effie Stavrulaki
These drop-in sessions will be held once a month. A 25-35 minute loving kindness meditation will be followed by individual sharing. Everyone will have a chance to talk about how they are working with intentions of goodwill (metta or loving kindness), as well as bringing mindfulness to the realities of this unique and difficult time. Together, we have the opportunity here to create a much needed community of support, based on mindfulness and compassion. New and experienced meditators alike are welcome to attend. Registration is not required, and donations are always welcome.
Matthew Daniell will lead a Mindfulness drop-in session once a month as well. Together, these mindfulness and loving kindness sessions take place bi-weekly and may support a skillful balance of kind intention and clear seeing for our practice.
If you have Zoom, click on the link below just before class to join.
Join Zoom Meeting - Video Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82847776617?pwd=ZldoUE9EOUYxSjhxOXJxUE9sSW9rQT09
Meeting ID: 828 4777 6617
Passcode: 365026
OR join by phone:
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
With this Meeting ID: 828 4777 6617
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Tuesday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Thursday, March 24, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Thursday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Introduction to Insight Meditation
A Five Week On-Site Class Series (2/24-3/24)
With Ted Jones
Prerequisite: Beginner
Insight meditation is a time tested method of mind training that enables us to change our relationship to each moment’s experience, and thus our lives. In this seven week series we will systematically explore how to calm and steady the mind and see with more clarity into our lives. As we strengthen this capacity we begin to move from suffering and reactivity to responsiveness, freshness and ease. We learn to touch and live in the mindful moment.
The class will include sitting instructions and shared silent practice, as well as instruction and practice of walking and other forms of mindfulness practice designed for application in daily life. Although this series is designed for beginners, all are welcome and students may choose to repeat this series as new material will be introduced each time.
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Registration for this series is now closed.
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Insight Meditation for Beginners: A Retreat for Beginning and Newer Students
An On-Site Offering
With Ted Jones
Prerequisite: Beginner
Insight meditation is a time-tested method of mind training that enables us to change our relationship to each moment’s experience, and thus our lives. In this retreat, specially designed for beginners and those with limited meditation experience, we will systematically explore (through sitting and walking meditation periods, teachings, and discussion) how to calm and steady the mind and see more clearly. As we strengthen this capacity we begin to move from suffering and reactivity to responsiveness, freshness and ease. We learn how to touch and live in the mindful moment.
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Tuesday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Practice Oriented Book Group
An On-Line Six Session Series
Our book for the spring session is Boundless Heart by Christina Feldman. In this book, she focuses on compassion, kindness, equanimity, and joy as the fruits of an awakened heart and the path to awakening. She shows us how these four qualities, known as the brahma viharas (sublime abodes) in Buddhism, can be cultivated through intention and commitment to become the foundation of a spiritual practice and a life. She takes us beyond the “feel-good” aspects of these positive qualities to the strength and energy resulting from commitment and practice.
This is a six-session series meeting every other week from 3/1 – 5/10 on Zoom. There are no drop-ins; you must be registered to attend. The series will start on 3/1, and will meet on Zoom every other week for 6 sessions on 3 /1, 3/15, 3/29, 4/12, 4/26 and 5/10.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Thursday Morning Open Sit
An On-Site Offering
Prerequisite: Ongoing Students
This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. There is no registration, nor fee. Donations are always welcome. Not suggested for new meditators.
Ongoing Covid precautions: In order to attend this workshop, you must be fully vaccinated. You will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, or you may also email the Director with a copy of your proof of vaccination before the class. Once you have shown your proof of vaccination, you do not have to show it again. Masks are optional. As an added precaution, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not attend any offering until you have had a negative quick covid test.
Registration for this series is now closed.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
The Buddha's Teaching on Breath Awareness for Everyone
An Eight Week Online Class Series
With Jim Austin
The Buddha's classic teaching on breath awareness, in the Ānāpānasati Sutta, one of the most important suttas in the Pali canon of early Buddhism, The Buddha lays out a series of 16 sequential steps for using full awareness of breathing as a complete path to liberation. The sutta has been interpreted in many ways by different teachers. In this course we will draw primarily on interpretations from Larry Rosenberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ṭhānissaro Bikkhu, Buddhadāsa Bhikku and Bhikkhu Anālayo to explore how the 16 steps in this sutta can form the core of a rich and fruitful daily practice. The sessions will include instructions and practice in each of the steps, time for exploration, and questions. This is open to all levels of students, from complete beginners to experienced meditators.
The eight sessions will be in Zoom on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30pm from March 31 - May 26, (skipping the Thursday of school vacation week, April 21).