Foundations in Meditative Practice Course

This six-session course in basic meditation is intended for those interested in developing a relationship to their inner life or would like to begin or deepen a practice of personal quiet time. This course is relevant for those who identity with a religious faith, and those who do not. A commitment to all six sessions is important as instruction is sequential. Each class includes approximately 40 minutes of instruction, 20 minutes of actual meditation time and 15 minutes for questions and answers. Our Foundations series is offered several times each year on Monday or Thursday evenings.

UPCOMING COURSES IN 2024:

June 3 - July 8 (Monday)

September 5 - October 10 (Thursday)

November 4 - December 9 (Monday)

Course Description

 Session 1
Non-expectation meditation--also known as "still-prayer", the meditation of "calm abiding" or "mindfulness". Posture. Meditation using a visual object as a support or focus. Working skillfully with thoughts that arise. Remedies for agitation and sluggishness.

Session 2 
Continuing non-expectation meditation. Using the breath as a focus. Selecting a visual focus from the environment. Motivation and embracing the discipline of meditation.

Session 3
Using a mantra or "the prayer of the heart". Walking meditation. Difficulties concerning attachment, aversion, denial, habitual tendencies, feeling stuck, scaring ourselves.

Session 4
Visualization, use of the imagination, the three mind poisons of anger, greed, delusion. Meditation as a vehicle for forgiveness.

Session 5
Insight meditation or "clear seeing". Cultivating a mind that penetrates its own depths. Working skillfully with personal material.

Session 6
Cultivating compassion. Meditation for the sake of others. Meditation as intercessory prayer. Mindfulness in daily life.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Course Fee: $85 by cash or check. $88 if paying online.

To begin registration, please submit the form below and include your method of payment. The course fee is due at the time of registration. You can mail a check made payable to St. John’s Center for Spiritual Formation, pay in-person at the Center or submit payment online via the PayPal link. If paying online, please submit $88 to cover the transaction fees. You will receive a confirmation email from sjcenter@intcon.net when registration is completed. Please check your spam a few days after registration if you haven’t received an email.