Join Greatwoods Zen and the Charlotte Center for Mindfulness for a contemplative book club exploring how mindfulness appears—sometimes intentionally, sometimes unexpectedly—through literature.

Together, we read and reflect on books that reveal moments of presence, awareness, and insight across many genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, mythology, and memoir. Discovering mindfulness woven into story can be surprising, grounding, and deeply nourishing.

Each gathering begins with a short meditation, followed by a gentle, inclusive discussion of our current reading. All are welcome, whether you’ve read every page, skimmed a few passages, or are simply curious.

Current Reading

For our upcoming gathering, we’ll be reading The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin.

Both a powerful evocation of Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and an honest examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative work that has become a classic of American literature. When published in 1963, it galvanized the nation, gave voice to the emerging civil rights movement, and continues to illuminate the complexities of race in America today.

The book is available through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and is also included in several collected works by Baldwin. If you have a library card, you can listen to the audiobook on Hoopla. It can also be found online at affordable prices through sellers such as ThriftBooks or eBay.

What to Expect

• A short opening meditation

• Shared reflection and group discussion

• Exploration of mindfulness as it appears in story and symbol

• A welcoming, low-pressure space for listening and speaking

• Connection with others who enjoy contemplative reading

Practicing Together

This book club is open to everyone—newcomers to mindfulness, longtime practitioners, avid readers, and those who simply enjoy thoughtful conversation. You do not need prior meditation experience or to have completed the book to participate.

Our discussions emphasize presence, curiosity, kindness, and learning from one another, rather than analysis or debate.

Offered in the Spirit of Dana

This gathering is offered freely, in the spirit of generosity. There is no expectation to donate. If you feel moved to contribute, donations support the ongoing work of our partner organizations and the continuation of these offerings.

Location TBD. Please mark your calendars — final details will be shared closer to the date.

For updates and future offerings, you can email Michael Davis at davismj001@gmail.com to join The Book of Mindfulness newsletter.

We look forward to reading, practicing, and reflecting together!