“Uncovering the unconditional love and wisdom of our Buddha nature" with Lama John Makransky

This one day retreat (via Zoom) will explore ways of accessing and settling into our innate awakened awareness through practices adapted from Tibetan Buddhism. By participating in an empowering field of loving, spiritual connection, we can become increasingly receptive to the unconditioned openness, lucidity and compassionate responsiveness of our buddha nature. Yet parts of us, often unconsciously, can prevent us from becoming more fully receptive to such qualities of awakening. This is true even for long-time practitioners. To address that, we will focus on ways that the unconditional, healing powers of our buddha nature can help realign all parts of us with that nature. Then our innate awareness can increasingly manifest of itself, unleashing powers of love, discernment and responsiveness. This retreat is both for practitioners who identify as Buddhists and for people of other faiths and backgrounds who seek an accessible way to cultivate unconditional powers of love, compassion, and discernment. Guided meditations, explanation of principles, and discussion will clarify our collective practice.

Düdra -
Introducing the Philosophic Logic
of Yungdrung Bön

with Geshe Tenzin Gelek Rinpoche
via ZOOM
4 Sessions: 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24
6p-8p ET

Introduction to Mindfulness - 4 Session Course with Noel Coakley at Common Street Spiritual Center

This course is for those who would like to begin a mindfulness meditation practice or for those who could use a refresher on the principles of the practice. Together, we will build a safe and supportive community learning space. We’ll start with how to set an intention and aspiration for practice and then we’ll demonstrate the main aspects of the posture to help everyone find the posture that fits their body. We’ll walk through the basic steps of mindfulness meditation and practice together regularly. Our discussion will include the potential applications and outcomes of practice from a biological, psychological, and social view. Upon completing this course, participants will gain a understanding of how to practice mindfulness meditation and get a strong kick start to a regular habit.

Exploring Foundations of Meditation - 10 Session Course with Noel Coakley

What’s after mindfulness? Did you know that there are many, many types of meditation? The word for meditation in Tibetan is ‘gom’ - which translates as familiarization. This refers to practices that help us re-familiarize ourselves with natural capacities of our hearts and minds - love, compassion, clarity, stability, strength, openness, spaciousness…While mindfulness remains a key foundation and practice throughout the entire path, there are so many others available for us to learn. This course is intended for folks with a foundation of mindfulness practice who would like to further explore the world of meditation. During this course, we will introduce a wide range of meditations, rooted on foundational and preliminary* traditional practices. We will have open discussions and practice together during guided sessions.

Winter Practice Retreat Day with Noel Coakley

This one day retreat will be an opportunity for a deeper dive into longer practice sessions. We will review practice instructions for and participate in guided meditations on motivation, mindfulness, advanced concentration, and bodhicitta/loving-kindness. There will be opportunities for discussion, sharing, and connecting with one another as a practice community.

All practice levels are welcome.

For those who are unable to participate live, the retreat will be recorded and accessible for a week following the program.

Introduction to Mindfulness - 4 Session Course with Noel Coakley

This course is for those who would like to begin a mindfulness meditation practice or for those who could use a refresher on the principles of the practice. Together, we will build a safe and supportive community learning space. We’ll start with how to set an intention and aspiration for practice and then we’ll demonstrate the main aspects of the posture to help everyone find the posture that fits their body. We’ll walk through the basic steps of mindfulness meditation and practice together regularly. Our discussion will include the potential applications and outcomes of practice from a biological, psychological, and social view. Upon completing this course, participants will gain a understanding of how to practice mindfulness meditation and get a strong kick start to a regular habit.

"Unconditional Love as Entry Into, and Expression of, the Nature of Mind" with Lama John Makransky

This one day retreat (via Zoom) will explore ways of accessing and settling into our innate awakened awareness through practices adapted from Tibetan Buddhism. By participating in an empowering field of loving, spiritual connection, we can become increasingly receptive to the unconditioned openness, lucidity and compassionate responsiveness of our buddha nature. Yet parts of us, often unconsciously, can prevent us from becoming more fully receptive to such qualities of awakening. This is true even for long-time practitioners. To address that, we will focus on ways that the unconditional, healing powers of our buddha nature can help realign all parts of us with that nature. Then our innate awareness can increasingly manifest of itself, unleashing powers of love, discernment and responsiveness. This retreat is both for practitioners who identify as Buddhists and for people of other faiths and backgrounds who seek an accessible way to cultivate unconditional powers of love, compassion, and discernment. Guided meditations, explanation of principles, and discussion will clarify our collective practice.

"Unconditional Love as Entry Into, and Expression of, the Nature of Mind" with Lama John Makransky

This one day retreat (via Zoom) will explore ways of accessing and settling into our innate awakened awareness through practices adapted from Tibetan Buddhism. By participating in an empowering field of loving, spiritual connection, we can become increasingly receptive to the unconditioned openness, lucidity and compassionate responsiveness of our buddha nature. Yet parts of us, often unconsciously, can prevent us from becoming more fully receptive to such qualities of awakening. This is true even for long-time practitioners. To address that, we will focus on ways that the unconditional, healing powers of our buddha nature can help realign all parts of us with that nature. Then our innate awareness can increasingly manifest of itself, unleashing powers of love, discernment and responsiveness. This retreat is both for practitioners who identify as Buddhists and for people of other faiths and backgrounds who seek an accessible way to cultivate unconditional powers of love, compassion, and discernment. Guided meditations, explanation of principles, and discussion will clarify our collective practice.

Exploring Foundations of Meditation - 10 Session Course with Noel Coakley

What’s after mindfulness? Did you know that there are many, many types of meditation? The word for meditation in Tibetan is ‘gom’ - which translates as familiarization. This refers to practices that help us re-familiarize ourselves with natural capacities of our hearts and minds - love, compassion, clarity, stability, strength, openness, spaciousness…While mindfulness remains a key foundation and practice throughout the entire path, there are so many others available for us to learn. This course is intended for folks with a foundation of mindfulness practice who would like to further explore the world of meditation. During this course, we will introduce a wide range of meditations, rooted on foundational and preliminary* traditional practices. We will have open discussions and practice together during guided sessions.

Introduction to Mindfulness for Parents & Caregivers

How can I possibly find time to practice mindfulness, when I have a child to take care of?

Mindfulness during parenthood is one of the simplest and most profound practices we can use to enhance our parenting skills. Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention to the present moment, free of judgment or bias.

Join us for an introduction into the practices and potential outcomes of developing a mindfulness practice as a parent - not separate, but in the midst of your busy lifestyle. Learn how to practice, and experience mindfulness for yourself.

This workshop is intended for all parents who have ever wondered about mindfulness, tried to meditate, or just want to be more grounded in the midst of the parenting chaos. No Prior experience required!

Introduction to Mindfulness - 4 Session Course with Noel Coakley

This course is for those who would like to begin a mindfulness meditation practice or for those who could use a refresher on the principles of the practice. Together, we will build a safe and supportive community learning space. We’ll start with how to set an intention and aspiration for practice and then we’ll demonstrate the main aspects of the posture to help everyone find the posture that fits their body. We’ll walk through the basic steps of mindfulness meditation and practice together regularly. Our discussion will include the potential applications and outcomes of practice from a biological, psychological, and social view. Upon completing this course, participants will gain a understanding of how to practice mindfulness meditation and get a strong kick start to a regular habit.

I’d like to invite you all to a weekly community meditation practice on Tuesday mornings 7:15a-8:15a.

The intention is to create a safe and supportive community space for learning and cultivating a regular meditation practice.

The group will be mainly a practice group, though it will include occasional short talks and practice instructions - according to and in response to the needs of the group.

This is intended for beginning meditators and those with an existing practice who are open to bringing a beginners mind - as we do to practice every time!)

The group will start with and build off of a foundation of mindfulness (concentration and awareness). We will continue to include practices of compassion familiarization, visualization, motivation, and contemplation.

Please bring a cushion or chair.

I’d like to invite you all to a weekly community meditation practice on Tuesday mornings 7:15a-8:15a.

The intention is to create a safe and supportive community space for learning and cultivating a regular meditation practice.

The group will be mainly a practice group, though it will include occasional short talks and practice instructions - according to and in response to the needs of the group.

This is intended for beginning meditators and those with an existing practice who are open to bringing a beginners mind - as we do to practice every time!)

The group will start with and build off of a foundation of mindfulness (concentration and awareness). We will continue to include practices of compassion familiarization, visualization, motivation, and contemplation.

Please bring a cushion or chair.

I’d like to invite you all to a weekly community meditation practice on Tuesday mornings 7:15a-8:15a.

The intention is to create a safe and supportive community space for learning and cultivating a regular meditation practice.

The group will be mainly a practice group, though it will include occasional short talks and practice instructions - according to and in response to the needs of the group.

This is intended for beginning meditators and those with an existing practice who are open to bringing a beginners mind - as we do to practice every time!)

The group will start with and build off of a foundation of mindfulness (concentration and awareness). We will continue to include practices of compassion familiarization, visualization, motivation, and contemplation.

Please bring a cushion or chair.

I’d like to invite you all to a weekly community meditation practice on Tuesday mornings 7:15a-8:15a.

The intention is to create a safe and supportive community space for learning and cultivating a regular meditation practice.

The group will be mainly a practice group, though it will include occasional short talks and practice instructions - according to and in response to the needs of the group.

This is intended for beginning meditators and those with an existing practice who are open to bringing a beginners mind - as we do to practice every time!)

The group will start with and build off of a foundation of mindfulness (concentration and awareness). We will continue to include practices of compassion familiarization, visualization, motivation, and contemplation.

Please bring a cushion or chair.

I’d like to invite you all to a weekly community meditation practice on Tuesday mornings 7:15a-8:15a.

The intention is to create a safe and supportive community space for learning and cultivating a regular meditation practice.

The group will be mainly a practice group, though it will include occasional short talks and practice instructions - according to and in response to the needs of the group.

This is intended for beginning meditators and those with an existing practice who are open to bringing a beginners mind - as we do to practice every time!)

The group will start with and build off of a foundation of mindfulness (concentration and awareness). We will continue to include practices of compassion familiarization, visualization, motivation, and contemplation.

Please bring a cushion or chair.

I’d like to invite you all to a weekly community meditation practice on Tuesday mornings 7:15a-8:15a.

The intention is to create a safe and supportive community space for learning and cultivating a regular meditation practice.

The group will be mainly a practice group, though it will include occasional short talks and practice instructions - according to and in response to the needs of the group.

This is intended for beginning meditators and those with an existing practice who are open to bringing a beginners mind - as we do to practice every time!)

The group will start with and build off of a foundation of mindfulness (concentration and awareness). We will continue to include practices of compassion familiarization, visualization, motivation, and contemplation.

Please bring a cushion or chair.