As our understanding of mindfulness grows, we come to realize the deep importance of a regular meditation practice. Gathering as a group to meditate not only facilitates our personal meditation practice, but it also offers us the strength and joy of community.
A Still Forest Pool is a twice-a-month gathering for anyone interested in mindfulness meditation. Each class will be an hour, with the predominant focus on meditation. There will be approximately 15 minutes of reading, gentle guidance, or words of inspiration followed by 35-45 minutes of guided meditation. These gatherings can serve as a complement to Awakened Heart, Awakened Mind or can act as a stand-alone offering for those participants interested in longer meditation sessions. (There will occasionally be a practice leader rather than an instructor.)
As Ajahn Chah, a teacher in this tradition, has said: “Try to be mindful and let things take their natural course. Then your mind will become still in any surroundings – like a clear forest pool. All kinds of wonderful, rare animals will come to drink at the pool – and you will clearly see the nature of all things. You will see many strange and wonderful things come and go, but you will be still.” This is the gentle promise of practice. We hope to see you there.
Ash has studied with masters in the field since 2011. She is a US Navy veteran and a physician assistant who brings her deep curiosity of the mind-body connection with the caring, steady qualities of a spiritual friend. Most of her studies have been with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, as well as other teachers in the mindfulness community. Reap the many benefits of this ancient practice which includes improved sleep, increased happiness, and better brain function.