What’s New At Insight Meditation Center

Gil’s New Book: Unhindered

Gil’s New Book: Unhindered

Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through the Five Hindrances   Gil Fronsdal’s new book is now available. It can be ordered through Amazon and maybe available through special order at a local bookstore.  It provides a detailed discussion of each of the five hindrances.  These are the mental states that present the most common obstacles to meditation.  As such, all meditators should become familiar with the hindrances and how to work with them. The book provides instruction on how to turn the…

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Mindfulness of the Hindrances

Mindfulness of the Hindrances

Anyone practicing mindfulness knows there are forces in the mind that can make it difficult to stay attentive to one’s present moment experience. Ranging from weak to very powerful, these forces hamper our ability to remain mindful, develop concentration and have clear insight. They pull our attention away from our efforts to meditate. Even with the best of intentions to stay focused, these forces can propel us into the world of pre-occupation and distracted thought. Rather than reacting to these…

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Yoga and Meditation Half-Day Retreat

Yoga and Meditation Half-Day Retreat

Saturday, January 4, 2014, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm After the busyness and external focus that often accompanies the holidays, this mini-retreat offers a quiet and grounding place where we can slow down, deepen our meditation, connect with our bodies, and perhaps help clarify what is important for the coming year. Appropriate for beginners and experienced yogis and meditators – you don’t need to be flexible to do yoga; you only need to be as you are. Bring a large…

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The Three Characteristics: Suffering, Impermanence & Not-Self with Maria Straatmann

The Three Characteristics: Suffering, Impermanence & Not-Self with Maria Straatmann

Four Tuesday mornings: February 4, 11, 18, 25 9:30 – 11:00am These three conditions characterize all of our existence. To “see things as they really are” means seeing experience in the context of: the impermanence of all things, the presence/unsatisfactoriness of suffering; and the realization that we are not our experiences. This series will delve into the encounter, insight and freedom inherent in the unfolding of these factors in our lives. Week 1: Impermanence Week 2: Suffering Week 3: Not-Self…

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The Four Truths and the Eightfold Path with Tony Bernhard

The Four Truths and the Eightfold Path with Tony Bernhard

Four Thursday evenings: January 2,9,16,23 7:30pm – 9:00pm In this four-week series, we will explore the Buddha’s key teachings on suffering and dissatisfaction. The series will particularly investigate the path of practice that leads to the ending of suffering. January 2: The Four Truths January 9: The Path of Practice: Wisdom (Panna) January 16: The Path of Practice: Ethics (Sila) January 23: The Path of Practice: Mental Cultivation (Samadhi) Tony Bernhard’s biography

Thanksgiving Morning Yoga and Meditation

Thanksgiving Morning Yoga and Meditation

Thursday, November 28, 8:30 to 10:30 am Thanksgiving Day invites us to reflect upon the good in our lives, and to appreciate our good fortune. Even if we are feeling sad, low, grumpy or just not particularly fortunate, coming together in the stillness of meditation and the movement of yoga can revitalize our acceptance, gratitude and joy. Appropriate for beginners to yoga or meditation, as well as those with more experience. Bring a large towel and sticky mat, if you…

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Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Daylong with Ines Freedman

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Daylong with Ines Freedman

Saturday, March 1, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm A daylong retreat introducing the basic practice of mindfulness.There will be direction of mindfulness of the breath, body, emotions, thoughts, walking and eating. There will be time for sitting meditation, walking meditation and discussion. Suitable for both beginners and those wanting to review the basics of practice. Ines Freedman’s biography

Beginners’ Practice Group

Beginners’ Practice Group

4 Wednesday evenings, February 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 7:30 – 9pm For beginners who have taken an introductory mindfulness meditation class and would like to take the next step in building and supporting their practice.  This is a 4-week series on developing mindfulness practice with a 20-minute meditation, review of basic instruction and introduction to further teachings that support mindfulness practice.