Mindfulness Practice Group
Welcome to the peer-led DBSA Boston Mindfulness Practice Group. It’s free and open to all. You do not have to be a DBSA Boston member or a support group participant to attend this group.
Our meditation group is a supportive space for practicing mindfulness, sharing insights, and deepening our understanding of various topics through meditation and thoughtful discussion. We also explore books that inspire reflection and personal growth so there is learning and sharing with a sense of community.
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.
Topic of the Week: Awareness.
The alpaca reminds us how to cultivate mindfulness: ALPACA (Awareness, Loving and Peaceful Acceptance, Constructive Action). Thanks to Rivka, Scott, Carolyn, Jules, and others in the group!
Click on the picture of the alpaca to access our meditation audio recordings.
- We changed the name from “Mindfulness Meditation Circle” to “Mindfulness Practice Group” to indicate that our goal is not only meditation but also developing mindful habits that can be usefully applied to life. The word “group” emphasises that we are all in this together as peers.
Mindfulness Practice Group Guidelines
- We welcome everyone with all meditation experience levels, from beginners to those with a more established practice.
- We encourage turning on your camera occasionally as it helps build connection and trust within our community. Feel free to join on-camera when you’re comfortable, even if just for a brief hello. No pressure – camera-off participation is always welcome.
- Though this is not a support group, DBSA Boston Guidelines For DBSA Groups and Meetings must also be followed.
- Please, no discussion of religion, politics, or current events.
- By joining this meditation group, you agree to hold DBSA Boston and all meditation facilitators harmless in case of discomfort.
Sunday Meditation and Discussion
Here is an update on our Sunday morning meeting at 9:30 a.m. ET. (Note: Reading is not required! After the meditation, a theme from the book is introduced, and the discussion takes off from there.)
- On each month’s 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we will read The Philosopher Queens, edited by Rebecca Buxton and Lisa Whiting.
- On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, we’ll continue to read and discuss Megan Devine’s It’s OK That You’re Not OK. Devine reminds us, “Grief no more needs a solution than love needs a solution.” This heartfelt and practical book offers stories, research, and mindfulness-based practices to navigate grief, a shared human experience that shapes us all.
| Sunday | Date | Book | Chapter |
| 4th | May 25 | It’s OK That You’re Not OK | Chapter 8: How (and Why) to Stay Alive |
| 1st | June 1 | The Philosopher Queens | Chapter 3: Hypatia |
| 2nd | June 8 | It’s OK That You’re Not OK | Chapter 9: What Happened to My Mind? |
| 3rd | June 15 | The Philosopher Queens | Chapter 4: Lalla |
| 4th | June 22 | It’s OK That You’re Not OK | Chapter 10: Grief and Anxiety: Calming Your Mind |
| 5th | June 29 | The Philosopher Queens | Chapter 5: Mary Astell |
Our group offers a safe and supportive space to explore these themes and integrate mindfulness into our lives. Whether you’ve been a regular attendee or are considering joining for the first time, you’re warmly invited to participate.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about our schedule or books. – Khare@DbsaBoston.org
Audio Recordings and Transcripts
Computer-generated transcripts for audio recordings are available for each topic in its sub-folder. Thanks to Scott and Dari for their help!
Cynthia guided us in a calming visualization and Reiki practice on 2/13/2025. Click here to view the recording.
On Sunday, 12/15/2024, Cynthia did Reiki and Chakra Meditation. Click here to watch the recording.
Facilitators
Khare facilitates this peer-led practice, drawing on his lived experience rather than formal mindfulness training. He embodies the spirit of Socrates’ “I know that I know nothing,” approaching mindfulness practice with a beginner’s mind. Scroll down for a fun graph on “Understanding How Much I Know.”
Carolyn helps facilitate our discussions on Fridays and Sundays. Thank you, Carolyn, for doing an absolutely amazing job!
Questions? Contact khare.mindful@gmail.com
Members’ Shares
Olivia shared this episode of NPR’s Life Kit: How to create your own spiritual practices
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 32,620 Zoom participants since March 2020
Thank you!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to DBSA Boston for their unwavering support of this meditation group 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 facilitators: 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 group and make it all possible. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Meta-Cognition: Understanding How Much I Know
Last updated: 5/18/2025