For those of us who practice mindfulness or other forms of meditation, we probably find that they are helpful, and yet we can find ourselves trapped in a judgmental cycle of thinking, “Why can't I do this better? I'm not good at this...,” and then we are stuck. The problem is most likely not in practice, but in our attitude. What if we could shift from trying to do the practice in a certain way to get certain results (which is how we mostly live our lives), to emphasize being with the practice and the present moment in a curious and relaxed way? In this workshop, we begin with simple grounding mindfulness meditation instructions on breath, body, and sound, and then slowly open to all that makes up our life in any given moment. Along the way, we will be reminded to recognize and rest in the knowing/being qualities of our minds that are often overlooked in our hectic lives and in mechanical mindfulness practice. There is a natural compassion and equanimity toward others and our own difficult thoughts and emotions that can arise in this approach. Here, with a simple sense of open, connected being (rather than so much doing) we may taste moments of ease and renewal not only on retreat, but in our daily lives as well.
This retreat will include guided and silent meditation periods, as well as reflection and discussion. It is suitable for experienced and new meditators alike.
Matthew Daniell is the guiding teacher of NSIMC. He has been practicing Buddhist meditation since the 1980s, including over a decade in Asia, where he practiced Zen intensively in Japan, Tibetan Buddhism in India, and Insight meditation in Burma, India, and Thailand. Read more at Matthew’s teacher page.
The fee for this program is $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers (become a member here). To register and pay online, click below; if paying by cash or check, send an email to northshoreimc@gmail.com.