Explores mindfulness of breathing in the context of mindfulness of the body, which is in the context of right mindfulness. Describes connecting and sustaining.

Beginning with the instruction to calm the bodily formations, then refining attention on the specific characteristics of each breath

Maintaining relaxed awareness while bringing more precision to mindfulness of breathing, using the tool of mental noting when helpful

Standing meditation exploring all four foundations of mindfulness and the mental factor of intention/volition Interval bells at five minutes with the invitation to sit at any time when the bell rings

Four foundations of mindfulness overview, the mental factor of intention or volition, and standing meditation

Shaila Catherine gave the fifth talk in a speaker series titled "Living Wisely in the World: Caring for Mind, Family, Society, and Planet." She pointed out that feelings and emotions can be rather seductive, especially when we are not mindful of them, because they can unconsciously propel us into action. When feelings are pleasant, the response very often moves the mind towards craving and grasping. When feelings are unpleasant, the response is often aversion. Therefore, feelings should be investigated and understood, instead of being the basis upon which impulsive decisions are made.

Various ways to practice Right Concentration focusing on the lived experience of knowing, experiencing, feeling, sensing, discovering, becoming intimate with the breath.

Most people are lost in thought, mesmerized by thought, experiencing the content of thought as real events. With the practice of mindfulness we can first learn to turn away from the dominance of thought, and then bring awareness to the direct experience of thinking as a present time experience.

Mindful awareness, faith-wisdom, energy-concentration.

How mindfulness helps us to protect ourselves and by protecting ourselves - we protect others.

During this 5-day silent retreat we will explore the Brahma Viharas, or Divine Abodes–four practices that open and nurture the heart. In the Buddhist teachings, these four practices–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity–are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional wellbeing. On our retreat, we’ll not only begin to sense into these qualities of heart, but practice abiding and dwelling in them as well. Over time, these practices can become our true home, as well as the atmosphere in which we deepen our mindfulness practice and intimacy with life.

What we learn from being mindful.

This seven-week course examines the Buddha’s teachings on the five hindrances that undermine the clarity and stability of mind. These afflictive states are often regular visitors for meditators. With practice, sense desire, aversion, dullness, restlessness, and doubt can be more quickly recognized with a non-judging awareness in a way that neutralizes their disturbing and obscuring effect on the mind. Developing these skills goes to the heart of calming the mind and living in a skillful and compassionate way Here are some study resources that you can use: -Gil Fronsdal’s new book, Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through the Five Hindrances, is now available. Of course, you can order a copy through Amazon. But you could support one of our local independent book stores. I have asked Moon Palace Books at 3260 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis (612) 454-0455 to order some copies for us. It might take them several days to have them in stock. I'll send an email when they are in. Gil's book provides a detailed discussion of each of the five hindrances. The book also provides instruction on how to turn the light of mindfulness directly on the hindrances so to transform them from obstructions to steps along the path of freedom. Overcoming the hindrances reveals the beauty of our hearts and the wisdom of a clear mind.