Teachings and guided practice on mindfulness of the breath.

We begin with some guidance on developing samadhi (concentration) and stability, followed by practicing developing samadhi. After about 10 minutes developing samadhi, we move to mindfulness practice. After about another 10 minutes of practice, we then inquire into some of the emotions and thoughts that have been present recently, whether difficult or joyful, related to the current state of the society and world. We first relive a recent experience and then bring mindfulness to the somatic, emotional, and mental dimensions of experience. While staying silent, we also have a sense of being in community and sharing our experience. We then work with Kristen Neff's three-step self-compassion practice (shifting to a three-step joy or mudita practice if the experiences have been more positive).

After about 25 minutes of lightly guided practice, to settle with concentration and/or mindfulness practice, we explore in several ways some of the emotions and thoughts that have been present related to the current state of the society and world. We first relive a recent experience and then bring mindfulness to the somatic, emotional, and mental dimensions of experience. We then work with Kristen Neff's three-step self-compassion practice, leading to developing intentions for how to practice with such experiences in the future.

Teaching and guided meditation on using thoughts as our object of mindfulness.

Sutta stories about the blessings of mindfulness, including protection, remembering, embodiment, wisdom, and restfulness.

All phenomena tend to be experienced as possibilities. Mindfulness is about putting all our hope in the present moment.

This dharma talk explores how mindfulness (sati) functions as a "charioteer" guiding spiritual faculties, with special focus on sampajanna (clear knowing) and its four aspects: intention, suitability, domain, and non-delusion. Through stories and examples, devon illustrates how developing these qualities leads to wisdom that responds appropriately in each moment, supporting liberation from suffering.

Looking at the second of Thich Nhat Hanh's Five Mindfulness Trainings, which he expands to include "I am committed to practicing Right Livelihood so that I can help reduce the suffering of living beings on Earth and stop contributing to climate change"

An overview of the four satipaṭṭhānas, with emphasis on the fourth.

Continuing with the first foundation of the body, and folding in faith - placing our heart on the practices of simplicity and calming. Also includes ways of meeting the hindrances through mindfulness and kindness.

Relationship of different instructions to each other. Many spices, but we don't cook with all of them at once. Orientation: how to find out and recognize what's going in your mind. (Using the satipaṭṭhāna map) Relationship: a) getting reliably in touch with and b) learning to relate skillfully to the states. Shifting attention away from habits. Mindfulness does not mean 'no discernment' – it is quite capable on discerning what is wholesome and unwholesome.

The interplay of three functions of the mind in helping the contemplative practice. Appamada – an attitude of care Sati - a relationship: mindfulness as creating presence Sampajañña – a value context

The overstretching of the visual metaphor for mindfulness ('observe, witness, get in perspective, look at' can leave us with the (erroneaous) impression that mindfulness can only 'observe' and wait. Let's not turn mindfulness in the John Silver's parrot on our shoulder.

To bring attention to the right things in the right way is crucial for our path. Through the mindful contemplation of our experience we can gain insight and develop liberating wisdom.

When we hear the words "be mindful," it often makes us think we have to intensify and be vigilant. But quite the opposite is true. This guided meditation is meant to help us find a softer, more receptive and sustainable way of being present.

We begin with a brief account of the nature of samadhi (usually translated as "concentration"), and then give instructions for developing samadhi in formal meditation. (We'll come back to discuss samadhi in more depth in the talk.) There are several reminders during the meditation to return to the focus on cultivating samadhi. In the last part of the meditation, we connect the greater stability that's developed in the practice of cultivating samadhi with cultivating mindfulness.

About the value of samatha – the practice of stillness – and samādhi – the state of unification brought about by samatha practice. Terminology: Why concentration is a bad word for either samatha or samādhi. What the diffence of attention and mindfulness is. The intrinsic value of unification, its relationship to vipassanā. Four reasons why Buddhist traditions value the practice of stilling the mind.

The weekly practice groups are designed to be a cornerstone for one's practice by providing ongoing instruction and teachings that will help illuminate the simple but challenging practice of mindfulness. The Buddha taught that mindfulness is the way to go beyond habits of distraction and grasping. To walk this path of wisdom and compassion, we need the support of a community that shares this intention. Each session includes a guided meditation, dharma talk, and discussion. Both experienced and beginning meditators are welcome. No registration necessary. Led by Mark Nunberg and guest teachers. Mark Nunberg began his practice in 1982 and has been teaching meditation since 1990. He co-founded Common Ground Meditation Center in Minneapolis in 1993 with Wynn Fricke and continues to serve as the center’s Guiding Teacher. Mark has studied with both Asian and Western teachers and finds deep inspiration in the teachings of the Buddha. Mark practiced as a monk for five months in Burma and completed four three-month retreats at Insight Meditation Society Retreat Center, as well as many months of intensive retreat practice at The Forest Refuge. Mark continues to be a grateful student of Buddhist practice.