North County Meditation Group Opens New Center
 Kathy Keeser gets into her work. |
After borrowing space for a year and a half, first thanks to Massachusetts College of Liberal Art's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center, then a second space graciously lent by Papyri Books on Eagle Street, the meditation members (including myself) hoped for a space of our own. With January being the time for looking at dreams and making resolutions, it seems appropriate that the new space is ready and open for meditation practice after a lot of hard work, donations and planning.
After securing a rental space in late November from Scarafoni & Associates, we went to work, patching and painting the ceiling and the walls, rebuilding the window frame, laying carpeting and setting up. It took hours of time and, luckily, we had the expertise of our meditation group teacher, John Godwin, who is by trade a carpenter and contractor.
Godwin guided us through the work project, much as he guides us in our weekly practice sessions, gently and with humor. Through the contributions of more than 15 individuals, some contributing sweat equity, others money, but each a part of the effort, the space was transformed into a comfortable and peaceful new home.
Being part of the group, I have watched as people from diverse walks of life — college professors, carpenters, factory workers, social workers, teacher's aides, store clerks, program coordinators, retirees — have gelled into a welcoming community that looks forward to time spent together.
The weekly meditation practice is based on the Shambhala tradition of Buddhism through the background of the teachers and senior members who have studied and practiced in this tradition. The Shambhala view is that every human being has a fundamental nature of goodness, warmth and intelligence. This nature can be cultivated through meditation, and further developed in daily life to radiate out to family, friends and community. Founded in the mid-1970s by Chogyam Trumgpa, this lineage has wisdom drawn from both current leaders and ancient traditions. For more information, go to www.shambhala.org.
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Generally, during a weekly group, after settling down from the initial greetings, we meditate for about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by discussion, and ending with another period of meditation. Our discussion is usually based around a book the group has chosen to read together, but may also center on meditation practice or other concerns or topics brought by members. The group will be starting a new book to be selected in the next two weeks.
New meditation participants can be guided through the practice if they want. Godwin, or Tony Walker, facilitate the weekly sessions, but the members participate in the process and the decision-making is through a group process.
The new center is open to anyone who would like to join or just try out a group meditation practice, whether or not they have previous meditation experience. Monday evening gatherings are from 6 to 8 p.m. at 85 Main St., 3rd floor (from the elevator, turn left out of the door, then take an immediate right to the entrance). Suggested donation is $10 per class or what the individual can afford to help defray costs.
