Upcoming Meditation Classes and Retreats
Sunday Morning Drop-In Meditation in Vienna and Online
9:00-10:30am ET weekly
133 Maple Avenue East (Above the Bear Branch Tavern)
3rd Floor
Vienna, Va.
Offered
Trisha is the founder and co-leader of a drop-in meditation group that has been meeting every Sunday mornings in downtown Vienna since 2007. The class consists of a lightly-guided meditation, a dharma talk, and time for group discussion. While there’s a core group of folks who have been around for a while, there are always newcomers each week and all levels of practice are warmly welcomed. This group also does quite a bit of socializing – from dinners and book clubs, to volunteering together and cultural outings. Offered by donation. For more info, including Trisha’s teaching dates and how to get the Zoom link, visit our IMCW Class Page.
Mindfulness for Parents of Young Children – Five Week Class Series
This 5-week class is rooted in the art and science of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which is the gold-standard worldwide in mindfulness education for adults. In addition, we focus specifically on the challenges that center around parenting of young children. Note: you won’t be learning any “parenting techniques” here but instead will come away with tools for regulating your own life stress, emotions, and relationships. We’ll also focus on cultivating compassion, savoring the good, and maintaining an open curiosity in the face of worry.
The Bodhisattva Path in Action: How Buddhism, Politics and Social Engagement Serve Democracy
As communities navigate increasingly polarized social and political environments, many Buddhist practitioners are seeking guidance on how to act compassionately and responsibly. The Dharma offers profound teachings on non-harming, interdependence, and wise speech. However, applying these principles in real-world interpersonal, social, and political contexts can be complex and challenging.
This event will provide a space for learning, reflection, and community dialogue on how Buddhists can participate in social and political life in ways that are:
Grounded in the Buddha’s teachings
Responsive to present-day realities
Supportive of connection rather than division
In light of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, this conversation is especially timely. Many practitioners are navigating questions such as how to engage in civic life, how to communicate across political differences, and how to take action without contributing to harm or division. Rather than debating political positions or whether Buddhism should be politically engaged, this gathering will focus on how to engage thoughtfully, skillfully, and effectively—including in the context of elections—when one chooses to act.
Participants are strongly encouraged to make a donation to support this event, a portion of which will be donated to the non-partisan nonprofit organization Protect Democracy Project.
The Essence of Practice: A Community Weekend Retreat
This retreat is designed for sangha-building and includes both formal and informal/relational practices grounded in Buddhist teachings.
Sangha: The Rhythm of Stillness and Service – A Weeklong Retreat for MMTCP Graduates*
This week will weave silence, meditation, and Dharma with meaningful connection. You can expect daily sitting and walking practice in noble silence, Dharma talks and reflections, skill-building workshops, gentle movement, warm evening social time, and space to offer sessions as service and skill-building.
Navigating Life Transitions
In this 4-week class, we'll engage with some of the classical Buddhist teachings on working with the difficulty of being in transition -- emotionally, mentally, and physically.