Days of Mindfulness
Sample Schedule for Regular Saturday Days of Mindfulness
(Subject to change)
9:55 AM – Arrive
In order to begin on time and maximize the benefit for all, it’s best to arrive a bit early.
10:00 AM - Short Sitting Meditation
Even though our bodies may have arrived for the Day of Mindfulness, our minds may still be elsewhere.
This short sit will allow us to fully arrive with our minds and bodies united.
10:20 AM – Topic Discussion in the Meditation Hall
During this time we discuss teachings about meditation and well-being based on our experience with the practice of mindfulness.
10:45 AM - Outdoor Walking Meditation
Walking meditation is a practice of walking together and being present with each step. We walk with freedom and solidity, no longer in a hurry, allowing our body and mind to be calm.
11:15 AM – Longer Sitting Meditation
To cultivate concentration and insight, it is important to have a longer period of time to allow the waves of the mind to subside into a clear pond.
12:00 AM - Dharma Sharing or Ceremony
Dharma sharing allows us to benefit from the collective wisdom and support of the Sangha (community that practices meditation together). On other Saturdays, we recite Mindfulness Trainings.
12:30 PM – Mindful Lunch
We kindly ask you to bring your own vegetarian lunch and we can all eat in a potluck style. Eating a silent meal together can be a meditative practice. We establish ourselves in the present moment and practice eating with a sense of peace, ease, and gratitude for about 15 minutes. Then we can get up to serve ourselves more food, use the bathroom or have a nice conversation with a friend. At this point there is no hurry to leave and it is a nice time to spend quality time as a Sangha.
What to Know
Registration
Please click the registration button to confirm your presence with us and sign the liability waiver. Please be sure to check our calendar to make sure we will be hosting a day of practice on the day you wish to come. You can check that out here:
https://www.greatwoodszen.org/calendar
Donations
There is no fee for taking part in a Day of Mindfulness, but you are welcome to make a donation.
Donations are our main source of support, so every offering is greatly appreciated.
Your contribution helps us to keep the center open throughout the year.
You can make your offering in the donation box that is on the small table after you enter in the Meditation Hall or you can click the button below.
Individual Needs
Greatwoods Zen is deeply committed to inclusiveness. If you have a particular need for assistance, please contact us so we can offer any support needed. Our meditation hall is wheelchair accessible.
What to Wear
Please wear casual and modest clothing that is comfortable for sitting. We ask that all clothing cover the shoulders, midsection, and knees even when sitting in a meditative posture. No shorts, skirts or or tank tops. Please wear or bring weather-appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for walking on nature trails so you can fully enjoy the outdoor walking meditation with the community. Also, avoid wearing perfumes or other products that may affect those who are sensitive or allergic to fragrances.
What to Bring
We often spend much of the morning outside for walking and sitting meditation and Dharma sharing in the forest. You are welcome to bring a water bottle, thermos, bug spray, or anything else to help you feel comfortable during our time together
Dana
Dana is the Sanskrit word for generosity. If you would like give Greatwoods Zen Dana in the form of a financial contribution, you can use the button below. All donations are used to build our community and make events available to as many people as possible. Your gift can make all the difference.
*Don’t forget to check our calendar for the next upcoming Day of Mindfulness: https://www.greatwoodszen.org/calendar
Memorial for Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
One of the greatest spiritual teachers of our age, of any age, Thich Nhat Hanh, experienced transformation two years ago on January 22, 2022 at the age of 95.
This Saturday, January 27th, Greatwoods Zen will honor the anniversary of his passing by having a ceremony as part of our Day of Mindfulness.
For decades, Thich Nhat Hanh selflessly shared the Buddha’s way of peace, understanding and love with us in accessible and effective ways. His teachings inspired so many students in the practice of Sangha building, including our meditation here at Greatwoods Zen.
After he first passed, we felt a bit disorientated, a bit lost. But what better way to transform these feelings into the calm and centering energy of mindfulness, and to evoke Thay within us, and within each other, than to spend the next 90 minutes sharing mindfulness practices based on mindful, attentive breathing?
We invite you to join us for this special gathering in community to honor one of the great meditation teachers of our age. We will conclude the Day of Mindfulness with a special lunch provided by Greatwoods Zen to mark this commemorative day.
Our schedule will unfold as such:
10am Walking Meditation Outside
11am Sitting Meditation
11:30am Ceremony to Honor Thich Nhat Hanh
1pm Vegan Lunch
We will conclude the Day of Mindfulness with a special lunch provided by Greatwoods Zen to mark this commemorative day.
We invite participants to offer dana (generosity) to contribute to the lunch and shared experience together at Greatwoods Zen
Please arrive 5 minutes early as we will gather outside together for walking meditation in the forest.
We look forward to practicing together with you!
Day of Mindfulness
Days of Mindfulness embody joy and rejuvenation, beginning with walking meditation through the forest, followed by guided meditations overlooking the trees and pond. We listen to a teaching about mindfulness practice, and then share experiences and insights through Dharma sharing. Everyone is invited to enjoy a mindful lunch in community.
Everyone is welcome at no cost. We ask for a $15 donation to help us cover our basic expenses. Those who are able may offer more, and those who are less able may offer less. No one is ever questioned or turned away regarding contributions. Your presence is always the most precious offering.
Day of Mindfulness
Days of Mindfulness embody joy and rejuvenation, beginning with walking meditation through the forest, followed by guided meditations overlooking the trees and pond. We listen to a teaching about mindfulness practice, and then share experiences and insights through Dharma sharing. Everyone is invited to enjoy a mindful lunch in community.
Everyone is welcome at no cost. We ask for a $15 donation to help us cover our basic expenses. Those who are able may offer more, and those who are less able may offer less. No one is ever questioned or turned away regarding contributions. Your presence is always the most precious offering.
Day of Mindfulness
Days of Mindfulness embody joy and rejuvenation, beginning with walking meditation through the forest, followed by guided meditations overlooking the trees and pond. We listen to a teaching about mindfulness practice, and then share experiences and insights through Dharma sharing. Everyone is invited to enjoy a mindful lunch in community.
Everyone is welcome at no cost. We ask for a $15 donation to help us cover our basic expenses. Those who are able may offer more, and those who are less able may offer less. No one is ever questioned or turned away regarding contributions. Your presence is always the most precious offering.
Day of Mindfulness
Days of Mindfulness embody joy and rejuvenation, beginning with walking meditation through the forest, followed by guided meditations overlooking the trees and pond. We listen to a teaching about mindfulness practice, and then share experiences and insights through Dharma sharing. Everyone is invited to enjoy a mindful lunch in community.
Everyone is welcome at no cost. We ask for a $15 donation to help us cover our basic expenses. Those who are able may offer more, and those who are less able may offer less. No one is ever questioned or turned away regarding contributions. Your presence is always the most precious offering.
Day of Mindfulness
Days of Mindfulness embody joy and rejuvenation, beginning with walking meditation through the forest, followed by guided meditations overlooking the trees and pond. We listen to a teaching about mindfulness practice, and then share experiences and insights through Dharma sharing. Everyone is invited to enjoy a mindful lunch in community.
Everyone is welcome at no cost. We ask for a $15 donation to help us cover our basic expenses. Those who are able may offer more, and those who are less able may offer less. No one is ever questioned or turned away regarding contributions. Your presence is always the most precious offering.