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Accessible Island Meditation
December 19, 2021 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Classes will be approximately an hour in length and are free of charge, but donations to help cover expenses are appreciated although they’re not essential.
If you haven’t already, please register by subscribing through the following link Register/Subscribe where you can also let us know the days and times that you could attend.
* Please turn up a bit early so we’re ready to start at 3pm, especially for the Community Hall venue where we’ll need to unpack chairs & a table.
Covid considerations: In the event of covid lockdown, sessions may be held via Zoom video-conferencing, details will be provided to those registered if that occurs.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation reduces stress, improves attention span and mental discipline, improves mental clarity and may reduce memory loss, promotes emotional health, improves mood and self image, can improve physical health, helps to control pain and improves mood.
Meditation can increase positive feelings, may help fight addictions, can assist with anxiety and depression, enhances self-awareness, and improves sleep.
What about the sessions and what meditation will we mostly be doing?
Breath Meditation is the practice of sitting comfortably in a relaxed environment, breathing normally and placing attention on the flow of the breath. The mind wanders of course, and when we notice attention has wandered, we gently bring attention back to the flow of the breath. This form of Meditation is also called Mindfulness Meditation, Calm Abiding Meditation, and Anapanasati amongst other names. It is a foundational practice that increases wellness and happiness, and supports personal growth at any age.
No previous experience is needed. Sessions will be open to new learners, beginners, intermediate and advanced practitioners, anyone and everyone. Practicing meditation in a group benefits everyone present, regardless of experience.
Sessions will likely include semi-traditional Buddhist opening and closing practices as they enhance the benefits of the meditation. Chairs will be available, but people are welcome to bring mats and cushions and sit on the floor in the more traditional style if they like.
There will be no fee charged for the sessions, in accordance with Buddhist tradition, however donations to cover costs are welcome.
A bit about John
John has some years experience with meditation practice, starting with Western Mindfulness Meditation in the 2000’s, and then starting Tibetan Buddhist practice in 2014. Since 2014 he has been on approximately 25 Meditation/Buddhist Retreats, many of them solo. In the 13 months from Easter 2018 he completed 7 Buddhist Retreats, most of those solo. These Retreats were in remote places, meditating and performing other Buddhist practices for up to 10 hours each day.
John is a friendly person, and has a compassionate and playful relationship with Dharma practice (Buddhism) thanks to his Dharma teachers and friends. He prefers the ‘Crazy Wisdom’ approach where possible, and experiential practice rather than academic teaching. He does not claim to be an expert in anything, but has some experience and knows a few tips and tricks.
Both venues are [wheelchair] accessible venues with reasonable parking onsite. 2022 classes will be decided in December 2021, aiming for a single day rather than Tuesdays And Sundays.
What to bring: wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. Bring clothing and/or a blanket to keep warm if needed. Bring a cushion/s to make yourself more comfortable if you like. Chairs will be provided, but bring a mat if you want to sit or lay on the floor. Remember to bring a curious & playful attitude if you can.