The Buddha recommended mindfulness of difficult states but also beautiful states such as peace joy as objects of meditation

Being mindful of when thoughts are present and when they are not present. Noticing their ephemeral, changing nature. Finding stillness amidst thoughts.

Drawing on the four foundations of mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths, we explore the difference between the inevitable difficulties of human experience and the suffering that arises through grasping and resistance. By noticing feeling tone, reactivity, and the embodied qualities of tightness and ease, we can begin to recognize moments of release and cultivate a wiser relationship with experience. Readings from The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi by Susan Moon; Remembering How I Got Here in the First Place by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer; The Second Music by Annie Lighthart.

Mindfulness of the body, and the role it plays in various aspects of the practice.

First, there are basic instructions in developing concentration offered, including the optional "three-part breath" technique which can help with avoiding controlling the breath and with developing more continuity. Then basic mindfulness instructions are given. The last minutes bring in reflection and inquiry questions related to our practice of wise speech, including the guideline of truthfulness, related to the talk that follows the guided practice. This is followed by discussion about different aspects of our practice.

Teachings and guided practice on settling, integrating, arriving.