By Kim Weeber, teacher. The Buddha named impermanence as one of the primary aspects of our experience. We often don’t notice small changes, and we rarely notice that everything is in a state of flux. At other times, there are major changes, that we can’t help but notice. And this is one of those. A new meditation center in Northampton. This new iteration of the meditation center which Arinna Weisman started over twenty years ago, will continue in the tradition of Ruth Denison and U Ba Khin. Ruth Denison was very creative in bringing mindfulness into all aspects of life. I remember when she had us playing London Bridge is falling down on retreat at Insight Meditation Society!
I have been fortunate in my explorations of the Dharma world, that I have had the opportunity to practice in the Zen and Tibetan traditions, as well as in the Theravadin tradition. And, although I have tried to weave together some of these elements in the past, this new venue will give me much more opportunity to be more creative.
One new element is an exploration of how neuroscience impacts meditation. These principles make it easier for people, including beginners, to meditate. It is possible to set up the practice of meditation in a way which limits the idea of failure. I will be teaching another beginner’s course from June 8 through July 13, and I will use some of the techniques which I have learned from neuroscientists including John Yates, PhD.
Figure 14. The “mind” is not a single thing, but a rather a collective of many different mental processes. Each has its own purpose and goals, but all try to serve the happiness and well-being of the whole. When you’re dissatisfied with your practice, different parts of the mind urge you toward other sources of gratification. Trying to stay focused on the breath can feel like herding cats.
John Yates; Matthew Immergut; Jeremy Graves. Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science
I also was fortunate to take a course in trauma informed mindfulness from David Treleaven, PhD. I continue to change my class handouts and instructions to make them more accessible and more trauma informed.
A big change is going from practicing on Zoom, to practicing live outdoors, which we will be doing on Sunday mornings. Being able to see each other without masks is lovely! And, of course, when the weather starts getting cold, we will change this venue to indoors. So, everyone is invited to come along for this adventure of change, and we will see what happens next!
