Each meeting consists of 20-25 minute guided meditation, book study or speaker, and open share.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space and honor Recovery Dharma’s Diversity and Accessibility statements.

For more information on Recovery Dharma and a free pdf copy of our book, check out https://recoverydharma.org.

The post Recovery Dharma @ InsightLA appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

Join us Thursday Nights for meditation in a supportive community of ‘self-identified’ black, Indigenous, and people of color peer practitioners. Sangha is a Pali word translated as beloved community, and it’s used to describe a group of people who come together to practice meditation and mindfulness together.

On the first Thursday of the month, expect a guided meditation, dharma talk, Q & A with InsightLA senior teacher Eileen Ybarra. Every other Thursday of the month, we will gather for a peer led silent sit, followed by reading an inspirational Buddhist passage as a group, with time for sharing and ending in tea and social time.

Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years you will always learn something new. So come out and join us Thursday nights from 6:30pm-8pm!

Who is this practice group for?
InsightLA drop-in sitting groups are an opportunity for you to learn more about meditation practice in a welcoming environment. All Practice Groups at InsightLA are drop-in and donation-based. Let’s sit together!

Assigned teachers:
This group meets every Thursday, 6:30pm to 8pm PT.
– 1st Thursday of the month – Eileen Ybarra (except for November 7, peer led)
– every other Thursday of the month – Peer led

Where is this event located?
This event takes place in person at the Santa Monica Meditation Center and via Zoom online. 

For those attending in-person, find directions and accessibility information here. Please consider carpooling and click Sign Up to the left for ride-share options.  

Suggested donation: $20

The post BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Sangha appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

This weekly practice group is designed and offered to deepen and support Buddhist path practice in relevant ways, while cultivating spiritual friendship and community. Each sit will involve guided meditation and practice, a dharma talk on monthly theme, as well as time for questions, sharing, discussion and community building. 

Join us for our Sunday community sit led by our dedicated teacher team — Lisa Kring, Tere Abdala, Eric McCullum, and Thomas Davis — who will rotate to hold the container with great care. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, all levels are welcome! Bring your friends and family to share in this experience. Donations are appreciated, and you’re invited to give what you can.

Monthly Practice themes are as follows:
     November- Karuna (Compassion)
     December- Upekha (Equanimity)

Who is this practice group for?
InsightLA drop-in sitting groups are an opportunity for you to learn more about meditation practice in a welcoming environment. All Practice Groups at InsightLA are drop-in and donation-based. Let’s Sit Together!
Expect a meditation with some guidance, followed by a Dharma talk and dialogue. Optional break-out groups give you a chance to get to know others and explore your practice experiences together.

No prior meditation experience is necessary. 

Schedule (assigned teachers):
December 1 – Tere Abdala
December 8 – Eric McCullum
December 15 – Lisa Kring
December 22 & 29 – Thomas Davis
January 5 – Lisa Kring

Where is this event located? 
This event will take place in person at the Santa Monica Meditation Center. Find directions, parking and accessibility information here. 

By Donation:
Although this is a donation-based class, registration is required.

Suggested donation: $35

The post (In-Person) Sundays Together appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

Mindfulness meditation in a supportive hybrid in-person/online community of peer practitioners. Join us either by Zoom online or in-person at the Santa Monica Meditation Center, within beautiful nature-rich environs. Share the collective wisdom related to sitting meditation practice.

**All meetings beginning January 7th, 2024, will be held Sunday’s weekly from 7pm-830pm PST. Attendees will have optional time for connection from 8:30-9pm after the session finishes.**

Young-ish (in your 20s, 30s or 40s)?
What’s most alive in your practice? What are you struggling with? In a supportive group environment, we will meditate and explore practical application of the Buddhist wisdom tradition in daily life.

We’ll focus most on the challenges you might be facing as a Young-ish Adult including; how to live the teachings of mindfulness and compassion in daily life, navigating transitions, relationships, and careers.

If you have a topic that you would like to bring more mindfulness to, bring it to the group!

Who is this practice group for?
The Young-ish Practice Group is for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who would like to deepen their mindfulness practice and understanding of Buddhist psychology in community. All are welcome, regardless of previous mindfulness or meditation experience.

Our intentions:

• Explore Buddhist psychology and mindfulness science to support practical integration in daily life (no need to identify as Buddhist; all are welcome)
• Foster ongoing development of inclusive community and supportive friendship among younger practitioners
• Practice in support of the cultivation of wisdom and alleviation of suffering for all beings, without exception

Typical Group Activities/Format:

• Welcome and introductions
• 30-40 min guided mindfulness meditation
• Variation of Buddhist dharma talk, exploration of mindfulness science, small group discussion, or other experiential exercise

Scheduled Teachers:
Nov 3, 10. and 17: Eileen Ybarra
Nov 24: Lulu Toselli
Dec 1 and 8: Michael Karakashian
Dec 15: Dina Aish
Dec 22: Lulu Toselli
Dec 29: Eileen Ybarra

Where is this event located? 
This event takes place in person at the Santa Monica Meditation Center and via Zoom online. As weather permits, expect to be mostly outdoors. 

For those attending in-person, find directions and accessibility information here. Please consider carpooling and click Sign Up to the left for ride-share options.  

In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlie our activities, primarily non-harming, we are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to attend this in-person event. Masks are optional as all attendees are fully vaccinated. Attendance is limited to 30 to allow for social distancing.

_____________________

Donation Based
Although this is a donation-based class, registration is required.

Suggested donation: $20.

If you cannot make it, please cancel your reservation so that others may attend in your place. Space is limited.

The post Youngish Adults (20s, 30s, 40s) Practice Group – Santa Monica/Online appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

Who is this practice group for?
InsightLA drop-in sitting groups are an opportunity for you to learn more about meditation practice in a welcoming environment. All Practice Groups at InsightLA are drop-in and donation-based. Let’s sit together!

Schedule and assigned teachers:
November 27 – before Thanksgiving, no class
December 4 – Melissa McKay
December 11 – Gullu Singh
December 18 – Christiane Wolf
December 25 – Christmas, no class
January 1 – Melissa McKay
January 8 – Gullu Singh
January 15 – TBA
January 22 – Gullu Singh
January 29 – Christiane Wolf

Where is this event located?
This event takes place in person at the Santa Monica Meditation Center and via Zoom online. 

For those attending in-person, find directions and accessibility information here. Please consider carpooling and click Sign Up to the left for ride-share options.  

Suggested donation: $35

The post Santa Monica Community Dharma Nights appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

My Petit Shala 16545 Ventura Blvd #20
Encino, CA. 91436

This class will include a guided meditation and Q&A. A great way to transition from a busy life and begin the weekend with reconnecting with yourself and others in a nourishing experience of mindfulness. 

COVID-19 Protocol
In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlie our activities, primarily non-harming, we are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to attend this in-person event. Masks are optional as all attendees are fully vaccinated. Attendance is limited to 30 to allow for social distancing.

Note: next Class Jan 5th

The post Encino Friday Night Community Sit appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

Join us Saturday, September 16th from 10:00-11:30am (PT) for mindfulness meditation (guided), labyrinth activities (print-out materials will be provided), self-reflection, and connection. 

Into the Labyrinth of Suicide: Mindfulness, Deep Suffering, and Connection

A labyrinth – both literal and metaphorical – presents a maze-like path with twists and turns but is not designed to be “solved” or defeated. It is an experience where one enters towards the center, reflects, and exits likewise, all the while practicing mindfulness for what is unfolding in the present moment. In this way, we can remain open to meaning-making, connection, and healing.

The challenging quality of the labryinth make it a useful metaphor for the experience of suicidal ideation and/or suicide loss.

Deep suffering often includes feeling as if there is no way to escape the pain or misery of today. And the strong likelihood that tomorrow will be no different.

Walking (or tracing) through a labyrinth can be a lengthy and challenging process, requiring patience, persistence, and consistency. Similarly, resolving suicidal thoughts and seeking help can be a long and difficult journey, often requiring ongoing support and resilience.

Just as the person in the labyrinth seeks an exit, those of us who experience suicidal ideation and/or suicide loss may be searching for a way out of our emotional pain and distress. This search for relief or release is a common theme in both experiences.

The emergence into and reemergence from the labyrinth offers opportunities for insight, gratitude, healing, and connection.  

“A journey is a dismal thing when there can be no homecoming.” – Stanisław Lem

Please RSVP and you will be provided (via email) printable labyrinths to use during the guided activities. Please make every effort to have the materials and pen/pencil available. 

More information on labyrinths:
https://www.veriditas.org/
https://labyrinthsociety.org/
Looking to walk a labyrinth? Find one here!
Looking to trace a labyrinth? Find a pdf here!

Suggested donation: $55

Natasha Morisawa (LMFT) has 10+ years experience as a trauma-informed psychotherapist helping individuals and families resolve their trauma and move forward in their lives with more joy, balance, and equanimity. She is a Trained Labyrinth Facilitator and Executive Director of The Place Within, a community mental wellness non-profit that has been serving the community for more than 30 years to financially support all people with the courage to participate in psychotherapy. For more information about Natasha, see here.

The post Into the Labyrinth of Suicide: Mindfulness, Deep Suffering, and Connection Copy appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

Join us Saturday, September 16th from 10:00-11:30am (PT) for mindfulness meditation (guided), labyrinth activities (print-out materials will be provided), self-reflection, and connection. 

Into the Labyrinth of Suicide: Mindfulness, Deep Suffering, and Connection

A labyrinth – both literal and metaphorical – presents a maze-like path with twists and turns but is not designed to be “solved” or defeated. It is an experience where one enters towards the center, reflects, and exits likewise, all the while practicing mindfulness for what is unfolding in the present moment. In this way, we can remain open to meaning-making, connection, and healing.

The challenging quality of the labryinth make it a useful metaphor for the experience of suicidal ideation and/or suicide loss.

Deep suffering often includes feeling as if there is no way to escape the pain or misery of today. And the strong likelihood that tomorrow will be no different.

Walking (or tracing) through a labyrinth can be a lengthy and challenging process, requiring patience, persistence, and consistency. Similarly, resolving suicidal thoughts and seeking help can be a long and difficult journey, often requiring ongoing support and resilience.

Just as the person in the labyrinth seeks an exit, those of us who experience suicidal ideation and/or suicide loss may be searching for a way out of our emotional pain and distress. This search for relief or release is a common theme in both experiences.

The emergence into and reemergence from the labyrinth offers opportunities for insight, gratitude, healing, and connection.  

“A journey is a dismal thing when there can be no homecoming.” – Stanisław Lem

Please RSVP and you will be provided (via email) printable labyrinths to use during the guided activities. Please make every effort to have the materials and pen/pencil available. 

More information on labyrinths:
https://www.veriditas.org/
https://labyrinthsociety.org/
Looking to walk a labyrinth? Find one here!
Looking to trace a labyrinth? Find a pdf here!

Suggested donation: $55

Natasha Morisawa (LMFT) has 10+ years experience as a trauma-informed psychotherapist helping individuals and families resolve their trauma and move forward in their lives with more joy, balance, and equanimity. She is a Trained Labyrinth Facilitator and Executive Director of The Place Within, a community mental wellness non-profit that has been serving the community for more than 30 years to financially support all people with the courage to participate in psychotherapy. For more information about Natasha, see here.

The post Into the Labyrinth of Suicide: Mindfulness, Deep Suffering, and Connection appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

Únete a este viaje transformador de autodescubrimiento y crecimiento en nuestro próximo Taller de MSC (Mindfulness y la Autocompasión ). 

Día: 3 de Octubre de 2023
Hora: 6-8:30 pm PST
Donde: Virtual via Zoom

Ahora más que nunca, la práctica de Mindfulness y la Autocompasión es de vital importancia tanto para las personas en general como para la comunidad Hispana en particular. Para la comunidad Hispana (especialmente las personas que son inmigrantes), que puede enfrentar diferencias culturales, dificultades, prejuicios y presiones sociales, la autocompasión consciente se vuelve vital para navegar estos desafíos y mantener el equilibrio emocional y mental.

Además, cultivar el mindfulness y la autocompasión nos permite procesar emociones difíciles (como la ira o la vergüenza) de manera compasiva, amable y sin juzgarnos. Y ver que tenemos la capacidad interna de aprender y aplicar estas herramientas. 

En este taller exploraremos el poder de la atención plena y la autocompasión como herramientas esenciales para navegar los desafíos de la vida. Abraza tu herencia e identidad mientras cultivas resiliencia y autoconciencia a través de meditaciones guiadas, discusiones grupales y ejercicios compasivos.

Descubre cómo honrar tus experiencias, encontrar fortaleza en tu viaje único y construir una red de apoyo con nuevas conexiones. Celebraremos la diversidad, sanaremos a partir de compartir nuestras luchas compartidas y aprovecharemos el potencial transformador de la autocompasión para llevar vidas plenas y empoderadas.

Al hacer esta práctica en comunidad, podemos fortalecer nuestro sentido de pertenencia y reconectar con nuestros valores culturales, como los fuertes lazos familiares, respeto hacia nuestros mayores y ancestros, cooperación, amabilidad hacia los demás, espiritualidad interior, resiliencia y perseverancia. 

¡En comunidad, podemos enfrentar la incertidumbre y los desafíos!

Adéntrate en el viaje de autocompasión y empoderamiento, porque tu bienestar importa y juntxs prosperamos. 

Por favor, reserva tu espacio ahora y crezcamos juntxs más fuertes.

NOTA: Todxs son bienvenidxs independientemente de tu nivel de experiencia. 

The post Introducción a Mindfulness y la Autocompasión (MSC) para la Comunidad Hispana appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.

The OC BIPOC & AAPI Mindfulness Group is a community where all ‘self-identified’ black, Indigenous, Asian American Pacific Islanders and people of color are invited to practice in a safe, welcoming space.

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, we will gather to meditate and share teachings on love, wisdom, and liberation. 

Our practice is strengthened when we meditate in community. Let’s sit together, breathe together, and share what brings each of us into presence.

There will be a meditation with some guidance, followed by a short talk and dialogue. 

No prior meditation experience is necessary. 

Attendees will have optional time for connection from 8:30-9pm after the formal session finishes.

Allies are also welcome.

Where is this practice located?
Irvine United Congregational Church
4915 Alton Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92604

-Please plan to arrive early for parking
-Comfortable clothes are recommended
-You are welcome to bring water and your own meditation props

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Please Note: In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlie our activities, primarily non-harming, we require that all attendees be fully vaccinated to attend in person. Masks are optional as all attendees are fully vaccinated. 
Max Capacity: 25
Masks: Optional (all attendees are fully vaccinated). 

—————————

By Donation

Although this is a donation-based class, registration is required.

Suggested donation: $20

The post Orange County BIPOC & AAPI Practice Group appeared first on InsightLA Meditation.