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Triangle
Insight
Meditation
Community
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Two thoughts from Buddhist women for our times
"We do not always have a solution for suffering. We cannot always fix pain. However, we can find the commitment to stay connected and to listen deeply. Compassion does not always demand heroic acts or great words.
In the times of darkest distress, what is most deeply needed is the fearless presence of a person who can be wholeheartedly receptive."
"This is a dark time, filled with suffering and uncertainty. Like living cells in a larger body, it is natural that we feel the trauma of our world.
So don't be afraid of the anguish you feel, or the anger or fear, because these responses arise from the depth of your caring and the truth of your interconnectedness with all beings."
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Upcoming
Mindful Self-Compassion for Families, Karen Bluth and
Laura Prochnow Phillips
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Ongoing Classes and Programs
Now on Zoom
2nd, 4th Tuesdays
contact
Now on Zoom
1st and 3rd Tuesdays
All are invited
contact Robert
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A 3-vol. Curriculum for Mindful Families
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Triangle Insight
Meditation Group
s
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All levels of meditation experience are welcome and the teachings are offered free of charge, with donations accepted to cover costs of using the facility and to support the study of the teachers.
In this time of particularly sharp uncertainty, Triangle Insight is committed to offering a safe and stable refuge for the Sangha as a whole. Our
usual meeting place at the Duke Episcopal Center has moved online to a ZOOM room in virtual space.
Until we are able to meet again at the Episcopal Center, Triangle Insight will use
Zoom for meditation meetings and for study or social group activities. This is a new way to connect, evolving through practice and compassion as we look inward and outward for the clarity that vipassana practice will bring.
Zoom connections will be emailed in advance to all newsletter subscribers.
We have two email lists, one for the monthly newsletter which for now also includes notices about the weekly Wednesday evening sangha, and a second list for the Monday and Thursday morning meditation.
If you haven't been receiving email invitations for Zoom meetings that you would like to attend, please email us at
[email protected], and tell us the list(s) you are interested in: Wednesday evening sangha; Monday and Thursday morning meditation; or both email lists.
Schedule:
Information about participating in all sessions will also be posted on the
TIMC website.
Wednesday Evenings
6:30 - 8:00 PM
May 6: Karen Ziegler (Guest Teacher)
May 13: Scott Bryce
May 20: Cornelia Kip Lee (Guest Teacher)
May 27: Phyllis Hicks (Insight Dialogue)
June 3: Ron Vereen
June 10: Scott Bryce
June 17: Francesca Morfesis (Guest Teacher)
June 24: Daya Breckinridge (Insight Dialogue)
Monday and Thursday Morning Meditation
7:00 - 7:45 AM (click
here for more info)
Zoom locations to be emailed.
Episcopal Center at Duke
505 Alexander Ave.
Durham, NC 27705
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Triangle Insight Welcomes You
Welcoming Committee News
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Sangha means spiritual community, and it is treasured because without it awakening cannot be sustained."
Jack Kornfield,
After the Ecstasy, the Laundry
With many members of our Sangha now meeting together on Zoom and the prospect of connecting in the same physical space still months away, we share the disorder and excitement of stepping along a continuum of practice into this new future.
As the Buddha teaches, the sense of being aware in the present moment is magnified through the joy of connecting with each other as a community over time and in the same space.
The Welcoming Committee exists to welcome newcomers to our Sangha and to offer all members a bridge to ongoing activities. We wish to foster the experience of belonging to a diverse, tolerant community connected through mindfulness practice, where all feel welcome and safe.
How can we find this joy of community when we are physically dispersed and yet in the company of so many cherished and new faces during our Zoom gatherings?
We are doing a few things now, and look for suggestions from the whole Sangha: well honed practitioners, occasional participants and newcomers alike.
- We have developed a brochure to give an overview of our sangha and some of its activities. You can download it here: Welcome to Triangle Insight.
- In usual times, the community gathers on Wednesday evenings at the Episcopal Center, and someone from the Welcoming Committee is available to say hello and chat before the meeting. After the meeting, a Welcome Committee member stays to be a resource for any questions that may arise.
- But these are not usual times. The Wednesday evening sangha and Morning Mediation sessions convene on Zoom, and the Welcoming Committee is adapting its outreach to this new virtual reality, should anyone have a question or want to talk about a sangha-relevant topic.
- We have adjusted our function to the new virtual environment in other ways, as well. A Welcoming Committee member now monitors the all-purpose email: [email protected] to answer questions about the sangha, newsletter subscription, teacher availability, and Triangle Insight's meeting schedules. If we don't have an answer, we will put you in touch with someone who does.
- If you would like to join the Welcoming Committee as a dana gesture of support for the Triangle Insight Community, please let us know through the still-active email: [email protected].
With shared commitment to the dharma, we hope our work will be of benefit to all who join us in this practice.
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Caring Circles
A Sangha Support Initiative
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To keep the Sangha connected and strengthen the bonds of our shared practice, several years ago Triangle Insight created a mechanism for the exchange of services called Caring Circles. Although we have not often used this initiative of the currently inactive Shramadana Project, the time has come to revive it to our mutual benefit in the face of coping with COVID-19 uncertainties.
Now, as then, its goal is to offer a simple means for members of the Triangle Insight community to request aid for everyday concerns from a roster of other members who wish to volunteer their assistance as a form of dana service.
Assistance can take as many forms as there is need, such as:
- Grocery shopping or prepared meals
- Laundry help, if no machine available
- Travel to a medical appointment
- Pick up Rx or other items
- Connect by telephone, Zoom or another safe means to talk, listen, and just share time
- Computer fixes that may be done remotely
- Lawn care that may be needed
- Supplement toys or other diversions for children.
When the sangha returns to the Episcopal Center, you will still be able to email requests. You also can put your request in a box on the bookshelf (back hallway), or hand it to either coordinator.
To volunteer as a Caring Circles helper, please contact a coordinator at
[email protected] for more details.
Responding to a Request
Upon receiving a request, a coordinator will verify the information with you if necessary, then send it to the list of Sangha member volunteers. Anyone on the list may contact you to discuss your request. Specific plans are entirely up to you.
Please note in your initial communication if the request is of a sensitive nature; the coordinator will make special arrangements with you.
Caring Circles coordinators welcome your requests.
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Retreats Cancelled or Postponed
Contact the Organizer or Check Back for Future Announcements
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Postponed until December 4-6th
Resonant Body, Spacious Awareness:
The Synergy of Continuum and Mindfulness Practice
A Non-Residential Retreat
with Sabine Mead and Ron Vereen
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For more information about the teachers, please click on the following links for
Sabine Mead
and
Ron Vereen
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For additional information, please go
here.
Friday, Dec. 4th - Sunday, Dec. 6th
Fri., 7-9 pm, Sat., 9 am -5:30 pm, Sun., 9 am - 4:30pm
Cost: $145 (partial scholarships offered on need basis)
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Retreats are announced in this space when offered and available.
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NOTES and REPORTS from the TIMC BOARD
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Notes from the TIMC Board
The board is engaged in several mini-retreats to continue the work done with our facilitator. We appreciate the sangha's patience as we continue this work, which we hope will support us in better serving the sangha and the wider community.
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Information about the Board
may be found on the TIMC Board of Directors webpage
, including Board members' names, contact information, meeting information, and relevant links.
Board meetings will be open to non-Board attendance, with scheduled time provided for specified presentations from Sangha members. If you have questions about Board procedure at this point, or have a topic for the Board to consider, please contact us using the emails below.
TO CONNECT WITH THE BOARD
Keep in mind these two email addresses:
Your input is always welcome on matters concerning the Sangha and its activities. Please send us your questions, concerns and new ideas. Let us know, and we will respond. You are welcome also to contact me at
[email protected]
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MINUTES from TIMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
are available on the
Board webpage.
The most current Minutes will be posted when approved by the Board at the next meeting. Upcoming Meetings will be announced at least two weeks in advance on the TI website and by email to the Newsletter subscription list.
Leah Rutchick,
TIMC Board Chair
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UPCOMING CLASSES and EVENTS
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Drop-In Interpersonal Mindfulness Group
Monthly Saturday practice sessions
Now using the ZOOM platform |
This Drop-in Interpersonal Mindfulness Group allows us to practice bringing mindfulness off the cushion and into connection with others.
Please join us on these Saturdays at
1.30-3:15 pm
May 9th and
June 6th
CONNECT with ZOOM
If you would like to participate in any of the scheduled Drop-In times,
please contact for ZOOM invitations, either
Tamara: [email protected] or
Mary: [email protected]
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Previous and recently started "Upcoming Classes and Events" may be found in earlier issues of the TIMC Newsletter
HERE on our website.
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TIM SPIRITUAL FRIENDS GROUPS
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Having admirable people as friends, companions, and colleagues is actually th
e whole of the holy life.
During this time of great uncertainty and suffering, we can feel as if storm clouds have arisen. The sky darkens, our view narrows, our bodies tighten, and we're blown off course by the winds of reactivity. One of the gifts of our Spiritual Friends Groups is to offer a safe harbor, a space of trust and intimacy in which to practice with these challenges.
As Gil Fronsdal notes in his article,
The Storms of Spiritual Life
, during periods of crisis and personal struggle our practice can provide a "strengthening of the inner qualities which sustain a spiritual life. ... This includes cultivating our capacity for awareness and investigation in all circumstances, whether the weather is clear or stormy. ... Such strength is often accompanied by feelings of calm and joy; but, more important, it allows us to remain awake and free under conditions of both joy and sorrow."
Please read the following sections to learn more about current activities of the Kalyana Mitta and Racial Affinity groups.
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The KM-RA Coordinating Team of Sarah Tillis, Beth Lauderdale, and Tamara Share expresses deep gratitude for the dedication of our sangha. May our Kalyana Mitta and Racial Affinity groups be of great benefit to all.
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A list of our groups is below. If you would like to join a group, be on a waiting list, or start a new group, please send us a KM Questionnaire, talk with Sarah Tillis, KM Coordinator, or write Sarah at [email protected].
We currently have openings in one KM group:
The following KM groups have a waiting list:
- Chapel Hill-Carrboro
- Durham Young Adults
- Raleigh
- Secular Dharma
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About
Racial Affinity groups
Affectionately known as RAGs, Racial Affinity groups allow people to deepen self-awareness around issues of race in small, racially homogeneous groups. RAGs provide a safe, consistent meeting space where members can integrate the dharma into their exploration of racial belonging and racial habits of harm.
Waking up to the realities of racial legacy, conditioning, and systems is a challenging process, but an essential one. The acceptance we bring to each other, as well as our shared understanding of the dharma, help us to heal and act more skillfully in the world.
Racial Affinity group members share a commitment to racial equality and are guided by Ruth King's work, yet each group develops and evolves in its own way.
Connect
You are invited to contact Beth Lauderdale,
our RAG Coordinator, i
f you are interested in joining a Racial Affinity group or would like more information. Her email address is
[email protected].
Helpful articles and other resources are available also on the
Racial Affinity Groups
page.
The KM-RA Coordinating Team of Sarah Tillis, Beth Lauderdale, and Tamara Share expresses deep gratitude for the dedication of our sangha. May our Kalyana Mitta and Racial Affinity groups be of great benefit to all.
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Please
send your suggestions, ideas for what you would like to find on the website, and other website concerns
to our Board email: [email protected], or to me,
-Leah Rutchick
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Triangle Insight Meditation FB Group
on Facebook
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TIM now has a Facebook Group where members can post information updates, ideas and articles pertaining to our practice, and events of interest to the Sangha. This is a private FB group, viewed by members only.
VISIT the website and request membership, here.
Yes
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- you also need to be a FB member, and if you click on the website link, you will see another link to create a FB account.
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TIM PROGRAMS and COMMITTEES
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The Shramadana Project
A Volunteer Initiative
of Triangle Insight
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NEW
The
Caring Circles Initiative is being revived, and is ready to receive requests for assistance from Sangha members. See above for information.
HISTORY
The Shramadana Project (SP) has been a volunteer initiative of the Triangle Insight Meditation Community to address some of the interests for connecting within the sangha and for outreach to the community-at-large.
This project has outgrown its current form and now needs to evolve into a more meaningful structure. Some activities including Media Night, workshops and retreats would fit well with a "Programs Committee," yet to be formed. Other volunteer opportunities might better fit with a group or committee for "Engaged Buddhism" or "Community-at-Large Activities," or others yet to be created.
Ideas on how to organize these activities are welcome and should be sent to
[email protected].
ARCHIVE
Past activities, meeting minutes and the list of community organizations for the SP are available on the
SP webpage.
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If beings knew, as I know, the results of giving
and sharing, they would not eat without having given...
-the Buddha
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Workshops Bein
g O
ffered
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In response to our efforts to engage the Buddhist teachings around the issues of Racial Justice and Diversity, we would like to recommend the training opportunities available through
OARNC (Organizing Against Racism NC) as a first step in this investigation.
- Scholarships are available to supplement the registration fee of three or more members who attend as a group any OARNC, or similar, workshop.
- The goal of this scholarship initiative is to help individuals and the community deepen their understanding of how unexamined views of race can limit the mind and human systems.
- TI has contributed $500 toward scholarships, and some eighteen Sangha members already have taken part in training. We invite the community to join this initiative by contributing specifically to the scholarship fund.
- To contribute to the OARNC scholarship fund through PayPal, please donate here.
For questions about this initiative, if you would like to be considered for a scholarship, or wish to contribute to the fund, please contact us at
[email protected]
OARNC
Meeting times vary by location in Durham & Chapel Hil
l.
Each workshop is two days, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Cost: $275 ($225 with 3+ discount; student $175)
and includes breakfast and lunch
contact for information:
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by Karen Bluth, Ph.D.
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For more information on the book and on how to order, please visit
Karen's website.
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Sitting Together:
A Family-Centered Curriculum on Mindfulness, Meditation, and Buddhist Teachings
cc
A three-volume book set for Mindful Families,
by Sumi Lundon Kim
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Sumi Loundon Kim, the former minister for the Buddhist Families of Durham and Buddhist chaplain at Duke, and longtime friend of Triangle Insight has published a series of books titled Sitting Together. It provides children's lesson plans, an activity book, and an adult study guide for parents and teachers.
More information about this new 3-volume book, and other mindful parenting resources can be found at this website:
www.mindfulfamilies.net
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The Practice of Insight Dialogue
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Insight Dialogue is an interpersonal meditation practice and is offered at Triangle Insight once monthly, usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month. It brings the mindfulness and tranquility of silent meditation directly into our experience with other people. The new website for Insight Dialogue is an excellent resource for learning more about the practice:
www.metta.org.
The evening begins with silent meditation practice, followed by gentle mindful movement, and then shifting into dyad practice where interpersonal mindfulness is explored with a partner in response to a contemplation that is offered. The dyad practice is optional so that anyone who chooses to remain in silent practice may do so, rather than shifting into dyad practice. One can investigate the guidance of the contemplation internally, noticing the moment by moment unfolding of internal experience. Also note that the ID practice goes from 6:30 to 8:30 PM to allow for more spaciousness and time for questions. We hope you will be able to join us.
Fourth Wednesdays
(unless otherwise indicated)
Triangle Insight, Episcopal Center at Duke
6:30 - 8:30 PM
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OTHER SITTING OPPORTUNITIES
During this period of COVID-19 limits, please contact the individual or organization for alternative meeting arrangements
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Triangle Insight
Morning Meditation Group -- Now using Zoom platform
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This early morning sitting group led by Ron Vereen meets Mondays and Thursdays from 7:00 - 7:45 AM. The group begins with silent, unguided practice, with Ron giving a guided heart practice during the last 10-15 minutes. There is no charge for participation, and donations are accepted. For more info contact Ron at
[email protected]
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Zoom invitations will be emailed to those who have subscribed to the Morning Mediation list. Please contact Ron at the email above to be added to the list, or subscribe through the appropriate
web form on our website.
When we resume meeting in the Episcopal Center:
*Important note:
Only four parking spaces in the parking lot at the Episcopal Center are designated for our use at this hour and are clearly marked. Overflow parking can be found on the west side of Alexander Ave.
Monday and Thursday Mornings
Episcopal Center at Duke
505 Alexander Ave.
Durham, NC 27705
7:00 - 7:45 AM
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During this period of no or limited social assembly, if you are interested in any of the following sitting opportunities, please contact the individual or organization to determine its status or alternative arrangements
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Teacher: Callie Justice
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Dharma Friends Community offers a range of groups and events designed to support everyone from newcomers to seasoned practitioners. Drawing on Early Buddhist sources, these groups focus on teaching core practices in a way that relates to the needs of each individual participant in an open welcoming environment.
Durham Friends Community Meditation Hall
Located near the NC Science and Math in Durham.
Dates: n/a Cost: donation
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Mindful Families of Durham
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Currently consisting of ~ 16 families, this group is dedicated to creating a warm, loving community for parents and children to learn and practice together. Adults meet for one hour for meditation and discussion, while the children learn about meditation and Buddhism in Sati School with our marvelous (non-parent-member) teachers.
For more information, visit:
Mindful Families of Durham
Sunday Mornings
10:30AM-12:00 noon
For info please contact [email protected]
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Recovery Group
A Buddhist Perspective on the Twelve Step Program
The meetings begin and end with silent meditation. For more information contact 919-265-7600 or
[email protected]
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Tuesday Nights
7:30 - 8:30 PM
Chapel Hill Zen Center
5322 NC Hwy 86
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
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Buddhist Meditation Community at Duke Universit
y
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The
Buddhist Meditation Community at Duke provides the opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students to learn about Buddhist teachings and practice meditation. Our Monday evening meetings include quiet meditation, group study and discussion, and we regularly host local Buddhist teachers from across traditions to share their teachings with the group. Morning meditation on weekdays is also available. We are a culturally diverse student group that welcomes the curious, beginners, experienced Buddhists, and those of other religions equally. We deeply value the role of friendship and community in supporting a thoughtful spiritual path of wisdom and compassion.
Open to Duke University Faculty, Staff, and Students
Mondays from 7:00-8:00 pm in the
Wellness Center, Rm 148/149 on West Campus.
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In addition to Triangle Insight, there are a variety of other meditation opportunities of which we would like for you to be aware. Rather than list them all here, we wanted to point you to the "l
inks" section of our website at
Triangle Insight
. There are other sitting groups in the community whose practice is similar to ours, as well as resources for retreat centers and other websites, both locally and nationally. We do not offer an endorsement of these sites, but rather a suggestion for your exploration to see if any may have useful information to support your practice of insight meditation.
For any questions please contact us at
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ONGOING CLASSES and PROGRAMS
Unless indicated, please contact the individual or organization for alternative meeting arrangements
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Men's Sharing Group
Now using Zoom platform
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New Start Time: 6:30-8:00PM
This
group is open to ALL
MEN regardless of their tradition or path, or affiliation with the Triangle Insight Meditation Community. Our intention is to hear each other's interests, c
oncerns, and ideas about forming and sustaining a
group
, all while getting to know each other. There will be a short period of meditating. A couple of us will help moderate the discussion initially but going forward, the leadership could be something collaborative,
shared
by all participants. It's a work in progress.
At its core, the group should be a space where men can share from their hearts about their experiences being men, following a meditative path -- and offering support to one another along the way.
Some dana to defray expenses is welcome, but, of course, optional. Let us know if you think you'll attend.
2nd and 4th TUESDAYS, every month
6:30-8:00PM, now on ZOOM platform
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Engaged Buddhism Group
Now using Zoom platform
The Engaged Buddhism group is open to anyone interested in how we connect our interior spiritual journeys to the world we live in. We welcome a diversity of opinions and experiences.
Our meetings will focus on sharing, affirming, and supporting one another. Each meeting begins with a short meditation period, followed by lightly facilitated discussion. You are also invited to bring something of significance to you to place on the altar for the evening.
We are now meeting on the second and fourth Thursday of each month
from 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Conference Room of the Episcopal Center at Duke.
Organizers: Karen Ziegler, Marilyn Hartman, Rich Bell and Robert Seyler
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2nd and 4th THURSDAYS, every month
6:30-8:00PM, now on ZOOM platform
RSVP
for ZOOM Information
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Mindfulness Awareness Training
with Tamara Share, PhD
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T
amara Share will be offering an ongoing group for developing skills in mindfulness awareness practices. The group will meet twice monthly, and is open to those 18 years of age and older. A pre-group consultation is required, and you may contact Tamara at 919-442-1118. T
he cost is $45/session if pre-paid in 6 session blocks ($270), or $60 if paid per session (sliding scale available).
Tamara L. Share, PhD is a Counseling Psychologist with more than 20 years of training and experience in human development, group facilitation, and personal growth. Tamara's diverse background includes education/training in physics, psychology, wellness, philosophy, and complementary approaches to healthcare.
2nd and 4th Thursdays
HRC, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
100 Europa Dr., Suite 260, Chapel Hill 27517
4:45 - 6:00 PM
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Establishing Mindfulness:
A Deep Dive
with Callie Justice
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ONGOING SESSIONS
Right mindfulness is a layered and richly textured aspect of the Buddha's path. This four month group will meet weekly to investigate the full breadth and power of this essential teaching. The emphasis will be on helping each individual to develop their personal practice in the light of what the Buddha taught.
Two GROUPS:
Sundays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Sundays from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
For more information please visit the 'Groups and Events' page at dharmafriendscommunity.org or call Callie Justice at 919-286-5041 (no texts please).
Place: Dharma Friends Community Dharma Hall
(near NC School of Science and Math in Durham)
Times: 10:00-11:30AM or 5:00-6:30PM
Cost: donation
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MINDFUL Self-Compassion for Families,
with
Karen Bluth, PhD and
Laura Prochnow Phillips, MA
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What would it be like to receive the care, love, and peace of mind you need throughout this shelter-in-place time - and after?
Two courses are offered for adults, the first one starts in late May and is designed for Online learning. A course for teen-agers is offered in August
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Adult course: Mindful Self-Compassion
A research-backed 8-week course for adults created by Drs. Kristin Neff & Chris Germer.
May 28 - July 16 (ONLINE)
with value for managing Covid19 stress
Thursday nights, 5 - 8 pm
October 13 - December 8
Tuesday nights, 6 - 8:30 pm, excluding November 24 (Thanksgiving week)
For more information:
Teen course: Making Friends with Yourself: A Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Teens
August 17 - 20
For teens age 12-15
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Mindfulness-Based Stress
Reduction Classes & Events
at Duke Integrative Medicine
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Please click on the following link for a variety of programs related to the practice of mindfulness:
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at UNC Integrative Medicine
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Please click on the following link for a variety of programs related to the practice of mindfulness:
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