Hybrid Meditation and Support @ St. James the Less and on Zoom

We hope you can join us, either in-person or by way of Zoom, as we continue our fourteenth year of practice together! This meeting will be a Hybrid offering.

All teachers agree: The key to a successful meditation practice is regular practice. Therefore this meetup is looking for practitioners who are willing to make a dedicated effort to sit together weekly in order to fully realize the benefits of group practice.

All levels and schools of thought are welcome. Meet like-minded individuals while expanding your own personal practice in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Feel free to join us for a sitting and experience increased self awareness and inner peace by way of your journey inward.

You can join via phone or audio/video online.
To Join Zoom Meeting via computer, tablet or smartphone app (preferred):
https://zoom.us/j/6678474673?pwd=K0twNnl0aThJL0toV2pFNnpjS241Zz09
Meeting ID: 667 847 4673

Zoom now requires a password for added security. Password for WEB or SMARTPHONE APP: peace

To join BY PHONE (audio only) :
One tap mobile -
+13126266799,,6678474673#,,#,070264# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,6678474673#,,#,070264# US (New York)
**PHONE ONLY numeric password if prompted: 070264

To join manually by PHONE (audio only) :
Dial one of the numbers below, then enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
Dial by your location:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ad8Pi8gEDX
Meeting ID: 667 847 4673

**PHONE ONLY numeric password: 070264
Dial *6 to mute or unmute.

** If joining online, the numeric password will not work. Please enter the password "peace" lower case without quotes: peace

IN PERSON LOCATION: The Episcopal Church of St. James the Less is located at 550 Sunset Ridge Road in Northfield, IL (detailed directions above).

SAFETY: All attendees will be required to have been fully vaccinated. Masks will now be optional. We will space ourselves comfortably apart. Additionally the Church has recently installed a new filtration system that greatly reduces the spread of airborne illnesses. Furthermore we will attempt to hold as many periods as possible outdoors as weather permits.

It is our goal to make all attendees feel safe and comfortable but we do realize that everyone has there own unique comfort level so if this doesn't feel right for you now please honor your feelings and we'll look forward to seeing you whenever you're ready.

FYI: Chairs will be available for those who prefer to use them. For those who choose to sit on the floor please bring your own; meditation cushion, bench, pillow, yoga mat or zafu cushion if you prefer.

GENERAL FORMAT:
6:50 - 7:05 Welcome and technology familiarization
7:05 - 7:20 Seated centering practice
7:20 - 7:35 Mindful movement (Qigong, walking meditation, etc.)
7:35 - 7:45 Contemplative offering
7:45 - 8:10 Samatha/Vipassana meditation
8:10 - 8:30 Optional group sharing/discussion

TODAY'S EVENT HOST: Tony has had a daily mindfulness meditation practice for over 5 years and has experienced overwhelming benefits from the practice. He also practices qigong (flowing movement with focus on moving "qi" energy in the body) as a physical complement to his sitting practice. Tony has found a true passion in championing and coordinating meditation in his community and workplace and is honored to be part of the North Shore Meditation Community.

COST: Throughout this challenging period we have elected to forego accepting donations on behalf of the Sangha and we will continue that practice for the time being. The expenses that we have incurred and the time and energy that we have invested into presenting these events have gone and will continue to go towards enhancing our own respective practice's of Dana (Generosity). However if you still feel compelled to make a contribution we would be honored if you chose to donate those funds to one of the organizations we currently support instead: Feed My Starving Children, A Just Harvest or La Casa Norte.

If you elect to sit with us in person a voluntary donation to help offset expenses would be most appreciated but is by no means expected. May your practice of Dana bring you much Mudita (Altruistic joy)!

If you have any questions about this particular sitting or our meditation community in general, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to sitting in practice and sharing energy in the present moment with all who choose to attend.

With Metta, Mark and Tony