On this last evening of the year, you are invited to join the BSBC community for a rare and lovely opportunity to engage in extended meditation practice with our sangha. The retreat begins at 8 pm and end at 12 am. Everyone is welcome to come for the whole or part of the evening. The schedule will include guided meditation instructions, chanting, alternating sitting and walking meditation periods, and a time for sharing poems, readings and reflections. Visiting Sangha member and long-time practitioner Jeanne Reis is coming down from Boston with BSBC founder James, and has graciously agreed to lead the New Year’s Eve Retreat meditation sessions, as she has for the past couple years. Tea with light refreshments will be offered at 9:30 pm.
If you aren’t able to arrive at 8 pm, you may either time your arrival to coincide with a walking session or enter quietly if the group is sitting. If a sitting is in progress, choose a spot in the back of the hall, then feel free move to a preferred spot during the next walking session. There will be chanting sessions at the beginning and end of the evening; chanting sheets will be provided.
You may bring a favorite poem, reading, and snack to share at teatime, if you wish.
Suggested donation is $10 to cover the cost of reserving the meetinghouse
Please contact us with questions
Evening Schedule:
8:00 – 8:20 pm Welcome & chanting
8:20 – 9:00 pm Guided sitting meditation
9:00 – 9:30 pm Walking session* (instructions available)
9:30 – 10:15 pm Sharing readings, poems, intentions over tea
10:15 – 10:45 pm Mindful Movement
10:45 – 11:15 pm Quiet sitting
11:15 – 11:30 pm Walking session*
11:30 – 12:00 am Sitting & closing chant
*You may opt to continue sitting during walking sessions, if you wish
On the first Monday of every month, we offer Meditation instruction for the first 20 minutes of our meeting to anyone who is new to the sangha or just wants to brush up on their meditation technique. This is a great opportunity to bring in your family and/or friends to check out the sangha and try out meditation.