Mindfulness Meditation Circle
When: Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET; Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET
- Click on the times to convert them to your local time zone
Where: Zoom
- Zoom Info: 775075603
- Email ZoomInfo@dbsaboston.org for the Zoom passcode. If you don’t receive an auto-reply with the passcode, email Khare@dbsaboston.org.
Welcome to the peer-led DBSA Boston Mindfulness Meditation circle. It’s free and open to all.
You can easily find this page by this easy to remember URL: dbsaboston.org/meditation
Our meditation circle, “Mindful Treasures,” is like a thrift shop for the mind. Participants can explore various mindfulness practices and topics, much like browsing through a collection of unique, pre-loved items. There’s something for everyone,regardless of experience level, and everyone is encouraged to try what appeals to them. Our supportive community values every individual’s journey. Just as a thrift shop reveals hidden gems, “Mindful Treasures” helps individuals discover mindfulness practices that foster personal growth and collective well-being.
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.
- All 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.
The topic of the Week
This week, we will be practicing mindfulness on the topic of Anxiety.
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 6: Wealth and Pleasure
From the Introduction for Chapters 5-9:
The more specific Stoic analysis of desire, fear, and perception… involves observing human nature very exactly and taking notes on the irrationality found in it. For example: we desire whatever we don’t have, we are contemptuous of whatever we do have, and we judge our state and our success by comparisons that are arbitrary and pointless. We chase money and pleasure in ways that can bring no real satisfaction; we pursue reputation in the eyes of others that can do us no real good. We torment ourselves with fear of things that are more easily endured than worried about. We constantly overlook the present moment because we are preoccupied with future states that will in turn be overlooked when they arrive. There is more, but this suggests the flavor of the Stoic diagnosis. In short, we vex ourselves with beliefs, mostly half-conscious, that came from nowhere we can name and that tend to make us unhappy and ridiculous. Thinking better and harder about the workings of our minds can free us from many subtle insanities.
It might seem doubtful that analysis of the kind just sketched could change the way one feels about anything; you might suppose that people can’t be talked out of habits and feelings that they weren’t talked into. But sometimes they can. Besides, the point of Stoicism is that, without realizing it, we often were talked into our feelings – by our culture, and by ourselves.
Audio Recordings
*New* You can access audio recordings of recent meditations through the following link: http://tinyurl.com/DbsaMeditations2024
Computer-generated transcripts for audio recordings are available for each topic in its sub-folder. Thanks to Scott and Dari for generating these!
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!
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
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 27,230 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 past practice leaders: Adriana, Andie, 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: 09/02/2024