Meditation: Practice Labs



​It is said that if the Buddha was asked:
“What have you gained from meditation?”

​He would reply:
"Nothing! However, let me tell you what I lost: anger, anxiety,
depression, insecurity,
​fear of old age and death.”
Practice labs support new and experienced meditators. Our "lab" format is conducive to gaining direct meditation experience under the guidance of long-time practitioners. 

Labs will introduce meditation techniques, share relevant neuroscience, have many short sessions of practice mixed with ample opportunity for Q&A. Guidance on home practice will also be offered.

Meditation Practice Labs
Overview & 2019 Schedule

We are offering two different labs to support the progression and deepening of meditative practice. You are welcome to repeat a lab you've already attended.

The techniques and content of the Calm Abiding Lab and the Open Awareness Lab remain very similar in each respective lab.
Introduction to Calm Abiding Meditation Practice

Instructors: Sue Kochan accompanied by senior meditation practitioners from Dharma Refuge

Dates and Times:
Saturday, Jan 5, 8:45-11:30am
Saturday, Mar 2, 8:45am-12:00pm
Saturday, Apr 6, 8:45am to 12:00pm
Saturday, Jul 13, 8:45am to 12:00pm
Saturday, Oct 5, 8:45am to 12:00pm
Program Description:
Learn Buddhist meditation fundamentals, popularized as mindfulness, in a relaxed and interactive environment that emphasizes alternating periods of instruction, practice, and Q&R (question and response). Our Practice Labs are designed to take meditation from concept and theory into direct, lived experience. Instruction naturally emerges through practice and participants' questions. We’re all trying to understand how meditation can help us relax with our busy minds, our anxious bodies, and an unreliable world. Join us in the simple and honest act of observing the way things are — our doorway to insight, ease, and a deep contentment with life as we find it.

Labs will focus on establishing concentration to calm the mind. Instruction will be informed by neuroscience, vipassana (insight), compassion, and mindful self-compassion practices.

Registration:
Due to the overwhelming popularity of this program and to ensure your seat, advance online registration is required. Should there be space available, we will accept walk-in registrations on the day of the event.
 You may attend as many labs as you like.

Tuition:
Tuition for this program is donation based. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
  • $30 - standard donation
  • $15 for students and anyone with limited income
  • $0 for those not able to make a donation at this time
Schedule:
  • 8:45- 9:00, arrive and settle in.
  • program runs from 9:00am-12:00pm, with one break.
Introduction to Open Awareness Meditation Practice

Instructors: Sue Kochan accompanied by senior meditation practitioners from Dharma Refuge 

Dates and Times:
Saturday, Nov 2, 8:45am to 12:00pm

Schedule:
  • 8:45- 9:00, arrive and settle in.
  • program runs from 9:00am-12:00pm, with one break.

Program Description:
This lab is designed for people with some previous meditation experience and for anyone who has taken the calm abiding meditation lab. 

A program description will be provided in the coming months.
“An awake heart is like a sky that pours light.” 

― Hāfez