Announcements

Beautiful meditators,
Just a reminder that we’re opening the floor to new books for a few weeks. You are welcome to bring a favorite and read a chapter or part of a chapter.

As always, we meet each Sunday in the Walker Room at UUBN, 1613 E. Emerson, Bloomington, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Visit our website at
www.bnmeditation.com

Peace,
Carolyn
Sent from my iPhone

Beautiful Meditators,
I occasionally forward opportunities to meditate, learn or connect with others in the our area.  Below is one such opportunity.  

As always, we sit in meditation together each Sunday at 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at UUBN at 1613 Emerson Avenue, Bloomington, IL.  All are welcome to attend.  Visit our website at www.bnmeditation.com 

If you’d like to be removed from our list, please let me know.  

From: BN Zen Group <bnzengroup@gmail.com>Date: November 4, 2018 at 11:40:58 AM CSTTo: BN Zen Group <bnzengroup@gmail.com>Subject: Fwd: Zuiko Redding Visit, 11/10 Dharma Talk, 11/11 Extended Zazen

Hi Everyone,

This is a reminder about the events our group is hosting next weekend, November 10th and 11th.

Our group's primary teacher, Zuiko Redding from Cedar Rapids Zen Center, will be in BloNo for a Dharma talk and extended morning zazen with our group on November 10th and 11th. Zuiko will also be available to meet one-on-one with individuals wanting to have a more private discussion, though her available times are now filling up. Here is the schedule for that weekend:

Saturday, Nov. 10
5:00 pm - Potluck at 1303 Belt Ave, Normal
7:30 pm - Dharma talk at Bloom Community School, 1100 N Beech St., Normal

Sunday, Nov. 11
8:00 am to Noon - Extended zazen, service, and Dharma talk at Bloom

Zuiko will potentially be available for private discussions during the day on Saturday, the 10th. If you'd like to set up a time to meet with her, please email Zuiko directly at crzc@cedarrapidszencenter.org.

I have attached the schedule for the Sunday extended morning zazen and a flyer for the talk on the 10th.

Please let us know what questions you have. I hope I haven't forgotten anything.

We hope to see you at the potluck, Dharma talk, and Sunday sitting.

In peace,
BN Zen Group

--

------------------------------------------------------------------------Just bow in the way life becomes life -- Uchiyama Roshi

Beautiful Meditators,

We’re nearing the end of our book (only 2 more chapters of Mindfulness A to Z by Kuzak) and are looking for ideas.  We’ve decided to open the floor, reading a chapter of a different book each week for a while, so feel free to bring a book that you like and read a chapter.  This is a great chance to share a meditation or Buddhism book and learn more about what some others are reading, too.  Some of the books that people mentioned bringing are by Pema Chodron, Tara Brach, and Sharon Salzburg.   

I also wanted to remind everyone of our website: www.bnmeditation.com

As always, we’ll be meditating together at UUBN, 1613 East Emerson, Bloomington, IL, each Sunday from 6:00-7:30.  Hope to see you there.

If you’d like to be removed from the email list, please let me know.  

Peace,
Carolyn

Since we’ve been talking about retreats… FYI.

Hope to see you this Sunday at 6:00-7:30 at UUBN for meditation.  We’ve been meeting in the garden if the weather permits.  

Carolyn

Begin forwarded message:

From: Terry Kinsey <terrykinsey@gmail.com>
Subject: Oct. 6/7, 2018 Second Annual Fall Mindful Reflection Community Retreat
Date: September 20, 2018 at 3:43:45 PM CDT
To: undisclosed-recipients: ;

Hi all,

This is the last chance to register for the Mindful Reflection Community Fall retreat.  We have 29 people registered with all but 4 or 5 spending the night!  We have room for more!  But you have to let me know right away as I have to let the staff at Camp Duncan know our numbers, they say tomorrow, Sept. 21st, but I'm hoping I can get an extension to Monday, Sept. 24th.

So, if you would like to attend, please let me know by email immediately.  

Then complete the attached registration form and get it to me via mail (829 S. Lyman Ave., OP, 60304), email (terrykinsey@gmail.com) or hand it to me at church or during the Mindful Reflection Community on Tuesday!  

Suggested donation is $80 made out to Unity Temple.  Scholarships are available.  You can get the check to me as soon as you can! 

Ride share will be coordinated and additional information on what you should bring and how to get there will be emailed to you toward the end of next week!

Camp Duncan is about an 1hr. 15 minute drive from Oak Park.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me:  312-405-5871. 

Thanks,
Terry

Hi beautiful Bloomington Normal Meditators,

Weather permitting, we’ll be meditating outside at the memorial garden behind UUBN on Sunday night from 6:00-7:30. Bring a folding chair or cushion.  Some people wear inspect spray. There are stone benches and brick walkways. If the weather isn’t suitable, we’ll meet inside the church. 

Below is a retreat opportunity with the Oak Park Sangha at a camp about 3 hours from here.  
Even if you can’t attend, it’s just really nice to know that a bunch of people will be meditating together for 2 days. 
Have a great weekend. 
Peace.
Carolyn

You are receiving this email because you are on the Bloomington-Normal Meditation Group website.  If you’d like to be removed from the list, just email me anytime.  I occasionally forward information about other groups or retreat opportunities in the area.

And as always, we meet each Sunday at UUBN from 6-7:30 to meditate together.  
Hope to see you.

Carolyn

Begin forwarded message:

From: Madison Insight Meditation Group <madisonmeditation@gmail.com>
Subject: Registration is open for our retreat with Rebecca Bradshaw!
Date: August 4, 2018 at 8:09:58 PM CDT
To: cjmoon@mac.com
Reply-To: madisonmeditation@gmail.com

Developing Our Steady and Graceful Heart:A Residential Meditation RetreatwithRebecca BradshawOctober 4–7, 2018

Madison Vipassana is extremely pleased to announce that Rebecca Bradshaw will be coming to Wisconsin to lead a residential meditation retreat October 4–7, 2018. The retreat will be held at Pine Lake Camp in Westfield, Wisconsin. DetailsRegistration

Rebecca Bradshaw is the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley in Easthampton, MA, and one of the guiding teachers at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. She has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1983 in the U.S. and Myanmar (Burma) and teaching since 1993.Read moreProtections for the Heart:Wisdom and Loving KindnessBy Rebecca Bradshaw

We have been born into this awesome, mysterious, incomprehensible, wild world of change. We have this yearning for openheartedness, and yet we’d like to feel safe, too. We want some kind of lasting security....

Read moreAdditional Opportunity to Practice with Rebecca Bradshaw

Rebecca Bradshaw will lead Madison Insight Meditation Group’s regular Sunday night meditation on Sunday, October 7, 2018, at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a 45-minute sit, following which Rebecca will offer a Dhamma talk. If you can attend the retreat, this will extend it. If you can’t attend the retreat, this is a great opportunity to benefit from Rebecca’s teaching.

Upcoming RetreatsMark Nunberg, Mar. 7–10, 2019Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton, WI (nonresidential/residential)Sharon Salzberg, Aug. 9–11, 2019Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison, WI (nonresidential)Ajahn Punnadhammo, Oct. 7–17, 2019Pine Lake Camp, Westfield, WI (residential)

More on these retreats & other retreats in the region

Dhamma Talks

Dhamma talks from these retreats are now posted on our website:

Retreat with Venerable Ajahn Sucitto, July 2018Retreat with DaRa Williams, May 2018Retreat with Janice Cittasubha Sheppard, October 2017Kalyana Mitta GroupsA Kalyana Mitta (spiritual friend in Pali) is a group of 6–12 individuals who gather periodically (usually once a month) to study and discuss the teachings of the Buddha and the path of practice. The groups generally begin with a half-hour sit, followed by a personal check-in related to practice. Groups may also select readings to discuss, often in a check-in format with time afterward for a more freewheeling discussion with cross-talk. Each group has its own flavor. The expectation is that members make a commitment to show up each month if possible, though a long-term commitment is not necessarily expected at the outset. Over time, a close relationship among spiritual friends develops. For practitioners at any level, this can be an invaluable complement to practice at home and attendance at sangha.We currently have two groups with openings for new members. If you’re interested in joining a Kalyana Mitta, contact Dave Creswell at davecres@charter.net or 238-1234.

MIMG Sitting Groups

Madison Insight Meditation Group offers three weekly meditation opportunities, one in central Madison, one on the west side, and one on the east side. Bring your own meditation cushion or bench if you have one. Chairs and some extra cushions are available. Central Sundays 6:00–8:00 p.m.First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison1st & 3rd Sundays: 45-minute sitting followed by talk and discussion 2nd, 4th, & 5th Sundays: 45-minute sitting, 20-minute walking meditation, 45-minute sitting (breakout group on 2nd Sundays offers introduction to insight meditation. This sitting group is peer-led.West Tuesdays 6:30–8:15 p.m.9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, Middleton45-minute sitting followed by Dhamma talk/discussion This sitting group is led by Janice Cittasubha Sheppard, who was trained at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery as a Buddhist Lay Minister, and at Spirit Rock Meditation Center as a Community Dharma Leader.EastFridays 7:30–9:00 p.m.Main Street Yoga, 1882 E. Main Street, Madison 30-minute sitting followed by 10-minute movement meditation and Dhamma discussion or talk Dhamma discussions will be led by James Meadows, Jayson Chung, and Richard Ely. James has had a meditation practice since 1994, when he spent four months at Wat Pah Nanachat (International Forest Monastery) in Thailand. He has a master’s degree in Buddhist Studies from Naropa University. Jayson was one of the earliest participants of Madison Insight Meditation Group. He has studied with Matthew Flickstein since 2005. Richard has practiced with Madison Insight for 10 years and is currently taking Janice Cittasubha Sheppard’s yearlong course, Form and Freedom in Theravada Buddhism More InformationCopyright © 2018 Madison Insight Meditation Group, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: 

Madison Insight Meditation Group

Box #335
6907 University Ave.

Middleton, WI  53562

Add us to your address book

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Dear Sangha,
As always, we will meet for meditation on Sunday from 6 -7:30 pm in the Walker Room of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal, 1613 E. Emerson Bloomington, IL 61701.  Arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Chairs are available, but you can bring your own cushion or bench.  When the weather is good, we sometimes meditate in the garden behind the church.  Some people like to bring a lawn chair or get a chair from the church.  
We meditate together for an hour: sit for 20 minutes, walk/sit for 20 minutes, sit for another 20 minutes. Then have a 30 minute discussion of a book, dharma talk, video, or just “checking in” with our practice. Participation in the discussion is always optional.
The book we are currently reading together is Mindfulness A to Z by Arnie Kuzak, Ph.D. (link below). We will read it together over the months and there is no need to obtain the book.  
 https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-108-Insights-Awakening-Now/dp/1614290571/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488169457&sr=1-1&keywords=mindfulness+a+to+z
These group messages will appear on the under the Blog section tab at our website below.  You will also find a link to the Facebook page on the website. There are many other features and resources there, including suggested readings and websites on meditation and mindfulness.  Let me know if you no longer wish to be on the emailing list.

Reply to this email or through the website “contact us” for questions or comments.   http://bnmeditation.com
Peace,
Carolyn

I occasionally forward information about retreats within driving distance.  Hope to see you all soon.

Peace,
Carolyn Moon

Begin forwarded message:

From: Insight Chicago Meditation Community <info@insightchicago.org>
Subject: Upcoming ICMC Events
Date: June 24, 2018 at 10:28:22 PM CDT
To: cjmoon@mac.com
Reply-To: Insight Chicago Meditation Community <info@insightchicago.org>

View this email in your browserInsight Chicago Meditation Community

Upcoming ICMC Events
Workshop, Non-residential Event1/2 day Workshop with Santikaro(September 2018)

WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 2018  1:00-5:00pm (check-in 12:30-1:00)WHERE: Ebenezer Church, 1650 W Foster, ChicagoRegistration opens soon. More details to follow. Residential retreatMeditation Retreat with Santikaro (October 2018)WHEN: Thursday, October 4 to Sunday October 7WHERE: Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center, Chicago  Registration opens: July 9, 2018. Residential retreatNew Year's Retreat with Andrew Getz(December 2018)WHEN: Thursday, December 27 to Monday December 31WHERE: Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center, Chicago  Registration opens: September 25, 2018

Residential retreatJames Baraz Retreat(March 2019)WHEN: Friday March 15 to Sunday, March 17WHERE: Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center, Chicago  Registration opens: December 4, 2018Residential retreatSpring Retreat with Santikaro(May 2019)WHEN: Thursday May 2 to Sunday May 5, 2019WHERE: Portiuncula Center for Prayer, Frankfort ILRegistration opens: February 4, 2019Residential retreatFall Retreat with Santikaro(September 2019)WHEN: Friday, September 6 to Wednesday, September 11, 2019WHERE: Portiuncula Center for Prayer, Frankfort ILRegistration opens: June 3, 2019 Copyright © 2018 Insight Chicago Meditation Community, All rights reserved.You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website, at a retreat, or at a sangha meeting.Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list This email was sent to cjmoon@mac.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Insight Chicago Meditation Community · 3930 N. Pine Grove Avenue · Suite 1505 · Chicago, IL 60613 · USA 

Hi Beautiful Bloomington Normal Meditators,
Here are a few meditation opportunities in the Chicago area at the Unity Temple.  Note the October 6-7,  2 day retreat in Ingleside, IL.  

If you hear of meditation opportunities that you would be willing to share with the group, please forward them to me and I will send them out to the group list.  

And of course, we sit together each and every Sunday at UUBN from 6-7:00 followed by a reading/discussion.
Peace.
Carolyn

Mindful Reflection CommunityUnity Temple, 875 Lake Street in Oak Park, ILTuesday EveningsDoors open at 7:00 p.m.  Meditation starts at 7:20 p.m.Late Arrivals Welcome!  Stay for all or any part of the evening!Join the Mindful Reflection Community @Unity Temple Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulreflectionutuuc/  
Tuesday Evening ScheduleLate arrivals are very welcome!  Stay for all or any part of the evening!Those who arrive late by design (you prefer not to sit for 20 minutes) or due to work/home scheduling issues, should enter quietly whenever you arrive and take a seat and start your mindful reflection.  If you remove your coats before you enter this will help keep the noise to a minimum. We expect some noise and you should not be worried about that!  Dealing with what we are experiencing in any given moment by noticing without reactivity is the essence of mediation.-7:00       Arrival and intentional friendship building-7:20       Lighting the Mindful Reflection Community candle and 20 minutes of silent Mindful Reflection-7:40       Welcome/Introductions/Announcements -7:45       Brief sharing in dyads-7:50       Dharma Talk-8:20       Discussion-8:55       Ending circle, sharing the sacred gaze of friendship/friendliness (darshan), merit, and song-9:00       Extinguishing the Mindful Reflection Community candle and socializing as desiredUpcoming Events!Saturday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". .  Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on. May 18-20.  Terry will be facilitating a Men's Camping retreat with Brother Joseph Kilikivice from the Shem Center of Oak Park and Kevin Kuhn a naturalist.  The retreat is called:  Living up To Love. A Time to be Held by the Forest.  It will be held at White Pines Forest State Park, Mt. Morris, Illinois and the retreat fee is $75. For more information and to register go to:  http://www.shemcenter.org/shemcenter.org/Male_Spirit_Camping_Retreat.htmlSaturday, June 16, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on. June 20-24. Terry will be assisting a silent Buddhist retreat at the Rocky Mountain EcoDharma Center just outside of Boulder, Colorado lead by Peter Williams and Johann Robbins. Summer Solstice Nature Retreat.  Why don't you join us! This is NOT an EcoDharma retreat but a regular center-based wilderness retreat.  https://nebula.wsimg.com/84947a388cb264c148088eea77edf7eb?AccessKeyId=2CC969EB4AFC4EDC852E&disposition=0&alloworigin=1Saturday, July 21, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on. July 21-29 and July 29-Aug, 5. Ecodharma Summer Camp 2018.  Location: Rocky Mountain EcoDharma Center, near Boulder, CO. Facilitated by David Loy and Johann Robbins. For more information:  http://mailchi.mp/impermanentsangha/august-ecodharma-nature-retreat-1171473July 21-29.   Inner and Outer Nature. Silent Meditation Retreat Sat July 21-Sun July 29.July 29-Aug. 5  Empowering Activism Ecodharma Retreat/Workshop. Sun July 29-Sun Aug 5Saturday, Aug. 18, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on. Saturday, Sept. 15, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on. Sept. 28-30, Terry will be facilitating a Men's Retreat with Brother Joseph Kilikivice and Terry Cahill in Plano, IL at the LaSalle Manner.  It will include mediation, Dances for Universal Peace, and poetry writing.  More information will become available.  In the meantime check with Terry for more information.  Oct. 6-7. The Mindful Reflection Community of Unity Temple will have it's second Fall two day retreat.  It will be held at Camp Duncan in Ingleside, IL less than an hour from Oak Park.  We will have our own cabin over looking a lovely lake.  More details to follow.  Scholarship will be available and costs will be around $70.  Watch for additional information! Saturday, Oct 20, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on.Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on.Saturday, Dec. 15, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on.Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on.Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on.Saturday, March 16, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thatcher Woods, (North entrance to the Pavilion) 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest, IL  "Sacred Meditative Wanderings". Join Krista Mikos and Terry Kinsey to explore earth based concepts along with sitting and walking meditation. According to the traditional story, the future Buddha was born in a forest grove, left home to practice in nature, awakened under a tree, lived and taught in nature, and passed away in nature.  Join us as we explore earth based concepts as well as meditation and mindfulness practices out in nature where it all started. There will be silence and discussion. The group will meet no matter what the weather so come prepared and bring a lawn chair to sit on.Thursday, April 25-Sunday, April 28, 2019. Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship Biennial Meeting, Garrison Institute, Garrison, N.Y. Dr. Jan Willis will be the keynote speaker and her topic will be:  "Making the Invisible Visible: A Multimedia Exploration of Race and Racism in the US through a Buddhist Lens". Ebony Magazine name Dr. Willis one of the top 150 influential African Americans in America.  She has taught Buddhist courses for over 40 years and has written many books and articles. Meditation, dharma talks, breakout groups, and discussion will occur throughout the weekend. This weekend is not to be missed!

Take care,Terry (312-405-5871)

pronouns: he/his/him

Dear Sangha,
I’ve been reading about the benefits of meditating with a group this week.  
Here are are five reasons:
1. Spiritual support
2. Helping to maintain commitment to your meditation practice
3. Helping to overcome ego
4. Learning from each other
5. Camaraderie

We will meet for meditation on Sunday from 6 -7:30 pm in the Walker Room of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Normal, 1613 E. Emerson Bloomington, IL 61701. 

Arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Chairs are available; bring your own cushion or bench. 

We meditate together for an hour: sit for 20 minutes, walk/sit for 20 minutes, sit for another 20 minutes. Then we have a 30 minute discussion of a book, dharma talk, video, or just “checking in” with our practice. Participation in the discussion is always optional.

The book we are currently reading together is Mindfulness A to Z by Arnie Kuzak, Ph.D. (link below). We will read it together over the months and there is no need to obtain the book. 
https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-108-Insights-Awakening-Now/dp/1614290571/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488169457&sr=1-1&keywords=mindfulness+a+to+z

These group messages will appear on the under the Blog section tab at our website below. You will also find a link to the Facebook page on the website. There are many other features and resources there, including suggested readings and websites on meditation and mindfulness. Let me know if you no longer wish to be on the emailing list.
Reply to this email or through the website “contact us” for questions or comments.  http://bnmeditation.com
Peace,
Carolyn