Events

In this first Monday of the month, we’ll set the stage with a classic bit of Hindu Vedanta-inspired self-inquiry. Instead of asking “Who am I?”, we make it less personal, and ask “What IS this?” – as in, what is this whole existential boondoggle that we find ourselves running around inside?

Focusing is a step-by-step meditative practice that help us access intuition and clarity around the confounding situations that sometimes arise in our lives. By tuning into our bodies and getting in touch with the felt sense of a situation, we can tap into the wisdom and innate sense of knowing that live deep within our experience. Instead of being swept up in the circus, focusing can help us become the circus master.

The world is crazy. Meditation is sanity. The intention of this workshop is to empower everyone – including people not remotely interested in becoming a “teacher” – to think about and care for their own mental health, and the mental health of others.

The world is crazy.  Meditation is sanity. The intention of this workshop  is to empower everyone – including people not remotely interested in becoming a “teacher” –  to think about and care for their own mental health, and the mental health of others.

What actually wants to emerge in each moment, before thinking jumps in? Inquiring minds want to know! As the saying goes, thinking is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. Many traditions argue that our actual default conditions – the factory settings, as it were – are wise and caring, but that we cover them up with our maddening stresses and schemes and agendas. In this meditation, we see what emerges when we practice not knowing.

A philosopher is somebody who seeks philos (deep friendship) with sophia (wisdom). The original English meaning of “meditation” was to think deeply about a topic, as in the title of Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy. For tonight’s sit we’ll experiment with meditation as a focused inner reflection on a topic of deep importance.

The Zen tradition of practicing with koans can make allies of our confusion, doubt and uncertainty and tap into something creative, unexpected, beautiful and wise. For tonight’s sit, we’ll each work with a classic koan, trying to “not know” our way into spontaneous discoveries and maybe even jolt ourselves more awake in the process.

Want to take better care of yourself? Join us for a half-day mindfulness and meditation retreat themed around self care. Learn to tune into your unique needs and gain meditative strategies to support mental health and well being. Treat yourself to four hours of quiet in the heart of the city, alternating between gentle guidance, silent sitting and moving meditations.

Teacher: Erin Oke Theme: Art More details coming soon…stay tuned!

Teacher: Kevin Lacroix Theme: Art More details coming soon…stay tuned!