With Leza Lowitz

All Levels Welcome. 2-4 hours

Have you wanted to start meditation but been put off for a number of reasons—laziness, fear, doubt, failure? Join the club! Believe it or not, these obstacles are part of the journey towards mindfulness, so you are on your way.

What is mindfulness? It is awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. What is meditation? Meditation is commonly described as a training of mental attention that awakens us beyond the conditioned mind and habitual thinking, and reveals the nature of reality. In this workshop, the process and the fruit of meditation practice is understood as Natural Presence. Presence is a mindful, clear recognition of what is happening—here, now—and the open, allowing space that includes all experience. There are many supportive strategies (called “skillful means”) that create a conducive atmosphere for the deepening of presence. This course will explore the four foundational forms of mindfulness meditation that anyone can do, anytime.

1. Contemplation of the Body

2. Contemplation of Feelings

3. Contemplation of Thoughts

4. Contemplation of mind states and relation to experience

The art of practice is employing these strategies with curiosity, kindness and a light touch. The wisdom of practice is remembering that Natural Presence is always and already here. It is the loving awareness that is our essence. Come practice mindfulness meditation and rest in loving awareness!