Mindfulness Meditation Circle
Welcome to the peer-led DBSA Boston Mindfulness Meditation circle. It’s free and open to all. You do not have to be a DBSA Boston member to attend this group.
When: Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET; Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET
- Click on the time links above ▲ to convert them to your local time zone.
Where: On Zoom
- Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/775075603
- Email ZoomInfo@dbsaboston.org for the Zoom passcode. If you don’t receive an auto-reply with the passcode, email Khare@dbsaboston.org.
URL shortcut for this page: dbsaboston.org/meditation
Topic of the Week
This week, we will explore Thinking.
Click here for audio recordings and transcripts.
The Alpaca represents the group’s acronym for cultivating mindfulness: ALPACA (Awareness, Loving and Peaceful Acceptance, Constructive Action). Thanks to Rivka, Scott, Carolyn, Jules, and others in the group!
Mindfulness Meditation Circle Guidelines
- We welcome everyone with all meditation experience levels, from beginners to those with a more established practice. You do not need to be a DBSA Boston member.
- Please, no discussion of religion, politics, or current events.
- We would love to see your face, though if you prefer to be off-camera, that is okay, too.
- You may join and leave at any time.
- Though this is not a support group, DBSA Boston Guidelines For DBSA Groups and Meetings must also be followed.
- By joining this meditation circle, you agree to hold DBSA Boston and all meditation facilitators harmless in case of discomfort.
Sunday Meditation and Discussion
Each Sunday, we begin with a meditation and follow it with a discussion on Stoicism. The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual.
On Sunday, we will discuss Chapter 11: Virtue.
“Stoicism also offers a strong affirmative vision of what life is for: the pursuit of virtue. Living virtuously means living by reason, and the Stoics regard reason as calling for honesty, kindness, humility, and devotion to the greater good. It also calls for involvement in public affairs – that is, in the work of helping others in whatever ways are available. Instead of living to satisfy desires, Stoics regard themselves as meant to function as parts of a whole. There is great joy to be had in this, though it is not the variety that comes from the acquisition of things or approval from others. The happiness the Stoic seeks is eudaimonia – the good life, or well-being. Virtues bring about that type of happiness as a byproduct, and Stoics regard this as the only reliable path by which happiness can be secured.”
*New* Book Discussion and Mindfulness Group on Grief on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
Starting February 1st, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, we will discuss the book “It’s OK That You’re Not OK”
Many people who have suffered a loss feel judged, dismissed, and misunderstood by a culture that wants to “solve” grief. Megan writes, “Grief no more needs a solution than love needs a solution.” Through stories, research, life tips, and creative and mindfulness-based practices, she offers a unique guide through an experience we all must face―in our personal lives, in the lives of those we love, and in the wider world.
On Sunday, 12/15/2024, Cynthia did Reiki and Chakra Meditation. Click here to watch the recording.
Audio Recordings and Transcripts
*New* You can access audio recordings of recent meditations by clicking here.
Computer-generated transcripts for audio recordings are available for each topic in its sub-folder. Thanks to Scott and Dari for their help!
Facilitators
Khare facilitates this peer-led practice. Carolyn helps facilitate our discussions on Fridays and Sundays. Krista also co-facilitates meditations. Thank you, Carolyn and Krista!
Questions? Contact Khare@dbsaboston.org or khare.mindful@gmail.com
Guidelines for Mindfulness Discussion Group:
(Thanks to Lisa, Andie, and Scott)
- Purpose: We are here to discuss mindfulness principles and techniques, not as a support group.
- Stay On Topic: Avoid personal, political, religious, or controversial debates.
- Respectful Environment: Share thoughts and experiences respectfully, without fear of judgment.
- Share Personal Experiences: Speak about your own experiences and avoid assumptions about others.
- Balanced Participation: Be mindful of speaking time—allow space for everyone to contribute.
- Mindful Listening: Be fully present and open while listening to others.
- Confidentiality: Respect others’ privacy by not identifying them outside the group. Ask for consent before following up on their comments.
These guidelines help us create a nurturing environment for mindful discussions.
Members’ Shares
Bettina shared this research-based quiz on the biological benefits of being kind.
Scott shared this quote from The Red Dwarf: “Yes, I admit I’m nothing. But from what I started with, nothing is up.” – Arnold J. Rimmer
Barb shared this song: “America” by Julie Gold
Jules, Sharon and Scott: “Boats are like life: they make me claustrophobic and agoraphobic.”
Stress Management Tools and Resources from University of Michigan
Bettina shared this article from Harvard Griffin GSAS:
Meditation Changes Your Brain. Here’s How.
Jules shared these articles:
Songs That Soothe the Soul—from the Ancient Stoics to Pink Floyd
Impact on Community
We have had 29,680 Zoom participants since March 2020
Thank you!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to DBSA Boston for their unwavering support of this meditation circle since 2017, when it used to meet in person at McLean Hospital, and then in 2020, when we switched to Zoom. Thanks to DBSA Boston Presidents Chuck, Joe, Lillian, and Mary for their dedication and encouragement. We also thank our current and past practice leaders and faciltators: Adriana, Andie, Carolyn, Charlesly, Elizabeth, Jean, Jennifer, Krista, and Lucia. Your guidance and commitment have been invaluable to our community.
And to each member of our mindfulness community, we extend our sincere appreciation. Your presence, participation, and contributions breathe life into this circle and make it all possible. Thank you for being part of this journey.
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Questions?
Contact Khare@dbsaboston.org
Last updated: 1/17/2025