Beginning Meditation, Learn How with Shambhala
Training the mind through meditation is an important part of what we practice at Shambhala. Each week, many of us come together to sit at our Madison Valley location, as well as, our 7 satellites throughout the greater Seattle area. For those new to meditation, we offer three ways to get started.
Free basic instruction is taught at each of these group sitting times. And, we also offer our Way of Shambhala course series with two introductory programs. These provide a more in-depth way to get started meditating and incorporate the practice into your life. These two programs are called Introduction to Meditation, Shambhala Weekend I and Meditation in Everyday Life.
Free Basic Meditation Instruction
An easy first step to learn the basics of meditation is to visit our open houses, also called group meditations. They occur on most Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings at our main center in Madison Valley (check the calendar before you come to avoid retreat closures). We offer free meditation instruction at the beginning of the session for anyone who is new. This short introduction covers the essential posture and mindfulness practice to get started sitting.
Free meditation instruction is also offered at our satellites in Ballard, West Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Edmonds, Tacoma, and Bainbridge Island. The satellites offer group meditation on Tuesday nights (Wednesday in Issaquah) starting anywhere from 6 to 7:30 depending on the location. Check our website for the schedule of your local satellite.
Introduction to Meditation, Shambhala Weekend I
Also called Level 1, this Friday night/Saturday program is the first weekend retreat of a five-part series where we train in basic meditation and cultivate a mindful, friendly and peaceful relationship with our mind and body. During this program, participants will hear talks, practice meditation, and have discussions both with the group and one-on-one with the teachers. The focus is on learning the actual meditation practice itself.
Upcoming Dates: August 18th and 19th
Meditation in Everyday Life
Meditation in Everyday Life provides an introduction to meditation for new students. It offers practical suggestions for establishing a sitting practice in the midst of our speedy society. Each evening class allows for open discussion of the challenges that students are facing in their practice. Compared to Shambhala Weekend I, the focus is more on integrating the practice into daily life. There are discussions on the challenges of meditation and how we can touch into our true human nature through a sitting practice.
If you have never meditated or have been sitting on your own, joining one of the introductory classes or a group sitting will provide a chance to engage more deeply with your meditation. Watch the calendar to find the next program coming up to get started learning the way of Shambhala and all it has to offer.
