A great meditation teacher describes meditation as a ‘serene encounter with reality.’* That’s exactly what it is – a state of mind that allows you to experience the world with presence and peace. The practice of meditation involves calming the thoughts to a point of clarity and serenity. This can be achieved in numerous ways – some sit, some stand, some sing, some paint, some cook… whatever you do with focus and presence, that is a practice of meditation. It is an experience of timelessness when you are completely engaged in the present and are filled with a sense of rejuvenated peace. The primary practice we’ll teach at meditate {} newpaltz will be rooted in the [Yogic] tradition of silent sitting, and we will layer that with teachings from Vedanta (Yoga philosophy), Chinese Medical philosophy, Buddhism, Taoism, Non-Violent Communication, and more. The sitted practice is used to remind the mind of the peace that exists inside. From a place of peace, we add the philosophy and language training to add vocabulary to our experience, cultivate the mind, and recognize the connections and teachable moments in life. Monday Night Open Meditation Practice: 20 minutes of silent sitting, an inspiring short reading, and group discussion. Friday Night Happy Hour: 20-30 minutes of silent sitting, some singing or chanting, and a practical discussion on an inspiring topic. Weekend Workshops: Special workshops and guest teachers. Click here for upcoming programs.
*Thich Naht Hanh
