Offerings
(December 17th, 2011 - April 28th, 2012)
Retreats Workshops Evening Classes Other Offerings Other Activities
Retreats. Half and full day silent retreats will combine periods of sitting and walking meditation. Instruction and opportunities for group discussion and individual interviews with the teacher will be included as we explore the transformative power of meditation for our lives. An optional period of mindful movement or yoga will be offered on some retreats. All of the retreats are Insight Meditation retreats with a particular theme. For retreat dates and times, please see the Weekend Schedule page. Beginners as well as experienced meditators are welcome.
12/17/11 A Day of Loving Kindness for the Holidays (Lila Kate Wheeler). Meeting life with loving kindness is an intention we may wish we could fulfill. It is also a skill we can develop through specific, simple, time tested meditation exercises. Today we will practice offering kindness and opening our hearts to ourselves equally with all others, including loved ones, people we may find difficult or distant, and ultimately toward all that live. As we practice, we learn how to apply our kind intention as an appropriate response to each moment.
2/4/12 Beginning Again (Matthew Daniell). When small children fall down they often get right back up, why don’t we? In this retreat we will explore the immense power of learning to begin again. The simple methods of present moment awareness as taught by the Buddha in a variety of forms will be our guide. All levels are welcome, including beginners.
2/18/12 Acknowledging the Truth of this Moment (Lila Kate Wheeler). Awareness in the here and now is a critical skill in meditation. Rather than getting lost in fantasies about the future or regrets about the past, or even the constant evaluation of whether we like what's going on for us right now or not, we train ourselves to gather our attention into this moment. We see how things actually are for us. This simple acknowledgement brings ease and balance to the mind, developing its natural affinity for the truth.
2/26/12 Exploring Samadhi (Chas DiCapua). The word Samadhi is usually translated as concentration. Yet, when we try to concentrate the mind, we often try too hard and end up tying ourselves up in knots. In this day long retreat we will explore and develop Samadhi in ways that don’t tend to induce striving, such as cultivating calm, ease, seclusion of mind, unification of mind, and resting in presence.
The intention for the day will be to see that even just a bit of Samadhi can be present right here and now without a lot of striving. It is through becoming aware of and connecting with this bit of initial Samadhi that supports its deepening.3/17/12 Loving Kindness (Chas DiCapua). We’ll explore various ways to practice Loving Kindness meditation including the traditional form of repeating phrases to one self. The other three (Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, Equanimity) Brahma Viharas (Divine Abodes) will also be touched upon including their relationship to Loving Kindness.
The main thrust of the day will be for each person to experiment with different approaches and find the way to practice Loving Kindness that works best for them. No previous experience with Loving Kindness meditation is required.3/31/12 Opening to Insight (Matthew Daniell). Suffering and grasping often go hand in hand. In this retreat we will explore strategies and attitudes that can help us to loosen 'tight fisted' grasping, and open with insight into the renewing power of being fully present.
Beginners as well as experienced students are welcome for this retreat.4/15/12 Equanimity (Lila Kate Wheeler). Equanimity is the practice of entering every situation with an impartial, wise and loving mind. In the formal practice known as Divine Abiding, we focus on relationships with other beings--often a cause of turmoil, aren't they? Equanimity comes when we develop lovingkindness to the fullest, and then insert the wise understanding that no matter how much we may care for others, we cannot make their decisions for them. This practice brings great balance and ease to the mind.
4/28/12 Dharma as Nature (Chas DiCapua). One of the various translations of the Sanskrit word Dharma is nature. This use of the word Dharma simply means the way things are. There aren’t judgments or evaluations about how things are in nature. Things just are. They follow certain patterns or laws. Deepening our Dharma practice is supported by our ability to connect with and understand how things are. How do we do this? By being present and watching.
In this day long retreat we’ll explore the simplicity of stopping and looking. Not changing, or getting better. Simply stopping and looking. We’ll also explore the unique ways that being out in nature can help us come to understand the nature of things, or how things are.
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 its relevance
to daily life in an interactive as well as contemplative format.
1/21/12 Mindfulness Yoga and Insight Meditation (Matthew Daniell). Yoga practitioners often have developed a wonderful sensitivity to energy and sensation in the body; meditators a heightened sensitivity to the mind. Breath is touched by and touches the life of the mind and body deeply. In this workshop we will use the Buddha's meditation instructions on breath awareness ('breathing with life', or 'anapanasati'). We will systematically develop present moment attention that looks into the mind-body process in sitting meditation and yoga postures. As the practice of clear seeing unfolds we learn to let go of suffering and enter into our lives more fully, with an open heart, freshness, and ease.
1/22/12 Loving Kindness (Matthew Daniell). Loving Kindness (Metta) Meditation is a practice that cultivates a good heart. Based on 2600 year old instructions given by the Buddha, this practice of repeating phrases intending good will has helped countless people over the centuries to counter inner fear, anger, confusion and isolation. In this workshop, periods of guided sitting and walking meditation will be combined with theory and optional discussion, as we explore new ways of nourishing ourselves and others through the power of wishing well for ourselves and others.
3/3/12 Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation (Chris Crotty & Matthew Daniell) Yoga practitioners often have developed a wonderful sensitivity to energy and sensation in the body; meditators a heightened sensitivity to the mind. Breath is touched by and touches the life of the mind and body deeply. In this workshop we will use the Buddha's meditation instructions on breath awareness ('breathing with life', or 'anapanasati'). We will systematically develop present moment attention that looks into the mind-body process in sitting meditation and yoga postures. As the practice of clear seeing unfolds we learn to let go of suffering and enter into our lives more fully, with an open heart, freshness, and ease.
3/10/12 Introduction to Insight Meditation (Matthew Daniell). Matthew Daniell will lead a workshop on learning to live more fully in the present moment. This approach to life offers help as one faces challenges with greater strength and ease. Insight meditation is based on a 2,600 year-old tradition of the Buddha that is relevant for us today. We will explore, through sitting and walking meditation, how to calm and steady the mind and look into ourselves deeply. This simple process of learning to live more fully in the present can help us tap a natural place of joy inside ourselves.
Registration for this workshop is done through Newburyport Adult Education program. You can register online at: www.newburyportadulted.org. (The workshop is listed under the category “Mind and Spirit” in the "Programs and Classes" section.)
3/25/12 Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation (Jim Austin). How can a yoga asana practice be used to support our mindfulness meditation practice? Can we bring the qualities of mindfulness and openness developed in sitting meditation practice onto the yoga mat thereby creating continuity between our practice on the mat and our practice on the cushion? We’ll explore these questions and others during this half-day workshop. The workshop will include short periods of sitting meditation, yoga, and discussion. This workshop is suitable for beginners, and all levels are welcome.
4/21/12 Exploring Aging, Sickness & Death (Matthew Daniell). The Buddha taught that old age, illness, and the inevitability of death can be powerful positive teachers in our lives. In this workshop we will combine discussion, reflection, and silent meditation periods to help us explore how these universal themes can actually help wake us up to a richer, more fulfilling life, now. All are welcome.
Evening Classes.. Formal silent sitting and walking practices are complemented by the systematic investigation of a meditative theme through material presented and discussion. Practice in daily life will be emphasized throughout. Tuesday and Thursday classes are designed for beginners (may be repeated); Wednesdays are for ongoing students. For class dates and times, please see the Weekday Schedule page. All classes are multi-session, except for Refuges and Precepts.
(Tuesday evenings, every other week, 1/24 - 4/17 except 3/6) Introduction to Insight Meditation (Matthew Daniell or Ted Jones). Each session will include instruction, walking and sitting meditation, and time for discussion. It is designed for beginners who may not have any experience and all levels of meditators are welcome.
There is no registration as each class is a drop-in with payment at the door.
This class will be offered on the following dates: 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/20, 4/3, 4/17.(Wednesday evenings, 1/18 - 4/11) Mindful Communication (Matthew Daniell). Although often well intentioned, our everyday communications are filled with half-hearted attention and unwise reactivity. Insight meditation teaches that through being present and learning to listen more fully we can begin to let go of harmful communication patterns and move into greater authentic responsiveness, wisdom, and ease. In this 12 week series we will use the early Buddhist practice of mindfulness of body, speech, heart and mind, to aid us in our exploration.
Prerequisite: This class is designed for ongoing students who have completed an entire Beginners series, or have at least two years of a regular Insight Meditation sitting meditation practice or permission from the instructor.(Thursday evenings, two 6-week sessions: 1/19 - 2/23, 3/15 - 4/19) The Mindful Moment: An Introduction to Insight Meditation (Matthew Daniell). 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 five 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. 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.
Pre-registration for the entire series is recommended.
Prerequisite: None. Beginners are welcome.(Wednesday evening, 4/25) Refuges and Precepts: An Evening of Inquiry and Renewal (Matthew Daniell). This single-session class is open to all who have a regular practice. Working with behavior that supports our practice and the communities in which we live is reflected in the classical Buddhist 'refuges and precepts' known in modern language as 'guidelines for living'. Having refuges and precepts as signposts for action can help us in times of indecision, and clarify how we actually live. In this evening we will explore the five Buddhist precepts, as well as the three refuges, which support them. At the end of the class participants have the option of joining in their recitation as a way of deepening their practice.
3/24 Children's Program (for ages 3-9) (Valerie Haase, coordinator). Our Children’s Program is geared toward three to nine year-olds, and siblings are welcome to join in. The program will be framed around a basic Buddhist theme (i.e. generosity, kindness, mindfulness) and will include a few songs, a story, sitting like the Buddha, and some movement-based activity. A snack will be offered.
1/17 - 4/24 Practice-Oriented Book Group (Facilitated by Ted Jones and Carolyn Davis). We will use Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach as the basis for our discussions. This eight session group will explore the application of mindfulness practice to the challenges and emotional complexities of daily life. We will meet twice monthly on Tuesday Evening from 5:30pm-6:45pm. This offering is appropriate for those with at least one year of regular Insight Meditation practice. Dates this group will meet: 1/17, 1/31, 2/14, 2/28, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10 and 4/24. Prerequisite: Must have a regular meditation practice for at least a year.
Pre-registration is required for this group.
Drop in Sittings (Monday evenings and Tuesday/Thursday mornings) are offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader.
Open Practice Period (Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons) is offered from 8:30am-12 noon on Tuesdays and from 2pm - 5pm on Wednesdays. Experienced meditators are invited to use the space for as much or little of this period as they choose. People who come to the center will be able to practice as they see fit, sitting and walking in time periods of their own choosing. Walking meditation can be done in areas outside the meditation hall to protect the integrity of the atmosphere for sitting meditators. The library will also be available for use during these open periods for reading. People may also do yoga in the dining room area or outside if they choose to practice in this form.
Thursday Half Day Retreats (with Matthew Daniell) are 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. These practice periods are not suitable for complete beginners. The Introduction to Meditation class or equivalent experience is strongly recommended before attending.
Retreats led by Matthew Daniell will include time for a teacher interview. Matthew Daniell will lead retreats every other week: 1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5 and 4/19. On alternating weeks this retreat will not be teacher led. A bell will be rung to signal the rotation between silent sitting and walking meditation. This includes: 1/19, 2/2, 2/16, 3/1, 3/15, 3/29, 4/12 and 4/26.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 IMCN members by request.