Mindfulness Practice

Sitting meditation is the practice of returning home to our minds and bodies in order to give full attention and care to ourselves in this present moment. In meditation, we calmly concentrate our attention on our breathing, the flow of air coming into and out of our bodies. When things arise in our consciousness, we observe them for a moment then let them go without becoming overwhelmed or carried away. If our minds wander to events in the past or worries about the future, we gently bring our awareness back to the present moment sensations of our breathing in order to re-anchor our mind to the here and now–the only moment where real life can be found.

Meditating in this way is simple, profound and very healing. With practice we discover our capacity to be with whatever is within us–our pain, anger, and irritation, and also our joy, love and peace. Through meditation we come into contact with the ultimate safety, freedom, beauty and miracle of each and every present moment.

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When we practice walking meditation, we shift our awareness to the sensation of each step. We walk as free people as our feet gently kiss the earth. The aimlessness of walking meditation is pleasant because there is no where to go and nothing to do as we walk. Experiencing ease, each step becomes nourishing and healing.

Please enjoy this 5 minute video from SoundsTrue.com in which Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh describes the practice of walking meditation.

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After practicing sitting and walking meditation, Indigo Sangha friends enjoy a Dharma presentation. These short offerings on a topic of Buddhist study are offered by sangha volunteers to help transmit and translate ancient insights for modern times. Listening deeply, we let the message penetrate our consciousness and water the seeds of wisdom and compassion that are already contained within the soil of our consciousness.

Following the brief presentation, the sangha practices Dharma Sharing in order to benefit from the group’s insights. This is a special time for us to speak to our joys, our difficulties, and our questions relating to mindfulness practice in daily life. When sangha friends practice Dharma Sharing, we speak about our personal, direct experience with the teaching rather than abstract ideas or theories. (Of course, sharing is always optional.) During Dharma Sharing, there is no “cross-talk.” Trusting each person’s ability to heal and transform suffering, we do not attempt to “advise” or “fix” one another’s situations. Instead, we practice deep listening and mindfully follow our breathing in order to generate a calm and receptive environment. Together, we listen for what is said and unsaid. Doing so we generate the conditions necessary for collective insight to arise.

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