The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Meditation – 6 weeks    

“I felt in need of a great pilgrimage, so I sat still for three days”
– Kabir

In meditation, when we sit still we start to notice all the unfinished business of our lives that arises in that stillness.   What do we do with it all?  With mindfulness meditation we learn how to be in different relationship with our body, thoughts and emotions by bringing a non-judgmental awareness to that which is arising.   We learn to stay with the pleasant and the unpleasant without going into old ways of coping and being.   Awareness brings choice.  These practices are transportable  and essential to our everyday  lives  and teach us how to cultivate a deeper presence and kinder heart so that we can be with life as it arises.

Each session will include a teaching, group discussion (Q&A), break-out groups, and a variety of meditation practices.

Week 1: What is Mindfulness? Learning to steady and calm the heart and mind through breath.
Week 2: Mindfulness of the Body: How to notice and be with sensations.
Week 3: Mindfulness of Emotions: What to do with emotions as they arise in meditation and in everyday life.
Week 4: Mindfulness of thoughts: Watching thoughts, non-judgmentally.
Week 5: RAIN: Process of learning how to be with difficulties as they arise.
Week 6: Compassion and kindness for self and others

Tara will be offering additional on-line group sitting times on Sundays for those who would like support with practice – please see offering below

Please note:  If you are experiencing serious mental health issues this may not be helpful at this time.

What to bring

• Blanket and comfortable cushion or bench for meditation
• Water bottle

Mindfulness Meditation group practice – sangha                                                       

This is an invitation for you to come sit in circle and take some time to cultivate deeper presence by calming the mind and steadying the heart. These practices are especially important during trying times and can serve as an anchor and refuge.

There will be a short talk on various topics, a guided meditation, and if time permits, Q & A.  Some mindfulness meditation experience is helpful but not required. If you’d like to learn the foundations of mindfulness you may want to take the 8 week Mindfulness-based Stress Management course

 
Please bring a cushion/prop for sitting (chairs available), blanket, water bottle.

Dates:      for notification please email taratara@shaw.ca

Time:        TBA

Location:  TBA