Beginners Meditation Series in Seattle, May 9-June 13
Beginners Meditation & Mindfulness 6-week Series, led by Jessica McKimmie. Drop-in to one session, several, or enjoy the development of your practice through the whole series.
Thursdays beginning May 9, for 6 weeks; 7-8pm**. Please arrive 10 minutes early to remove shoes and jackets and settle into your seat. ** New Practitioners: Arrive at 6:30pm to learn basic meditation and posture instruction. Your comfort and stability is key to the practice! **
Dates of the Series, all Thursdays:
May 9th, May 16th, May 23rd, May 30th, June 6th, June 13th
Series Description:
Want to learn “how to meditate”? Curious about how mindfulness could be incorporated into your life? Designed for beginners and those with beginners-mind, this drop-in course will introduce various breathing and mindfulness techniques, including the ancient practices of sitting and walking meditation.
Each session will begin with some brief mindfulness instruction, and a different guided meditation from “The Blooming of a Lotus” by Thich Nhat Hanh. We will then practice walking meditation together, followed by a shorter sitting period in silence. There will be a brief time for reflection at the end of each class. Each evening will conclude with the dedication of merit, where we send the fruits of our practice to our ancestors, loved ones, and all beings.
What to Bring:
Just bring yourself, as you are. Cushions, meditation benches, chairs, blankets are provided. Bring a friend who has wanted to try meditation if you like! LGBTQIA+ led and supported.
Cost:
This series is offered freely, and Dana (the age-long Buddhist practice of generosity) is accepted in whatever form you wish, with gratitude.
About the Facilitator:
Jessica McKimmie is a mindfulness and Zen meditation practitioner, Buddhist/Interfaith Chaplain, grief blogger, and mindfulness educator in various Seattle area schools. Jessica is a practicing member and board member at Mindfulness Community of Puget Sound (MCPS) in Seattle. Jessica’s recent studies include completing the Buddhist Chaplaincy training at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM, under Roshi Joan Halifax and other great teachers.
About Mindfulness Community of Puget Sound:
We are a diverse group of people who practice meditation in the tradition of mindfulness taught by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Zen master, poet, author, and peace activist. Our practice encourages the importance and joy of bringing a mindful awareness into all aspects of our lives.
Thich Nhat Hanh predicts that the next living Buddha will be the sangha (or spiritual community). Our practice reflects a special emphasis on community-building. We welcome people of all backgrounds (spiritual, ethnic, race, sexual orientation, gender, ability, etc.) to practice with us. More info on our website at: http://mindfulnesspugetsound.org
About Dharma Gate:
Dharma Gate is a converted house that is home to two sanghas (Buddhist Communities), Mindfulness Community of Puget Sound and Three Treasures Sangha. Located in Mt. Baker neighborhood, it is a quiet respite in busy city life. Come just to sit in the garden, and you may notice time slow down a bit.
Dharma Gate is located at on 24th Ave S, between Plum and Holgate, just east of MLK. The address is: 1910 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
