AFFINITY GROUPS
All IPV Affinity Groups will be held via Zoom until further notice.*
Insight Pioneer Valley offers a variety of Affinity Groups for community members with specific needs to get to know and support each other as Dharma Friends. These groups of people with similarities help create a welcoming space for those who might not always feel welcome when entering a new community. It is our intention to welcome a diverse group of practitioners and hope you will find refuge here. Zoom links are below or at our homepage. (Sangha of Service and Advocacy uses a different Zoom link - see below.)
Parents Practice and Discussion Group
Now meeting only Fourth Sundays, 5:00-6:15pm
A time to gather with other parents, practice together, share, and support each other in our practice and our parenting. The group will have a rotating facilitator. The Zoom link is below or can always be found on our homepage and within the calendar event.
The next Family Gathering at IPV is to be determined. We'll read stories, sing, do mindfulness exercises, and weather permitting, might head outside to enjoy nature. Our family gatherings are casual and relaxed, with a flexible slate of activities that we adjust to meet the needs of the moment. Healthy snacks will be provided. No fee, opportunity to give dana to Insight PV.
Now meeting only Fourth Sundays, 5:00-6:15pm
A time to gather with other parents, practice together, share, and support each other in our practice and our parenting. The group will have a rotating facilitator. The Zoom link is below or can always be found on our homepage and within the calendar event.
The next Family Gathering at IPV is to be determined. We'll read stories, sing, do mindfulness exercises, and weather permitting, might head outside to enjoy nature. Our family gatherings are casual and relaxed, with a flexible slate of activities that we adjust to meet the needs of the moment. Healthy snacks will be provided. No fee, opportunity to give dana to Insight PV.
BIPOC Insight Meditation Sangha
Third Sundays; 5:00-6:30 pm beginning Sunday, October 18.
The BIPOC insight meditation sangha (community) is an affinity meditation and dharma discussion group for people who self-identify as Black, indigenous, or people of color. At our meetings, we explore insight meditation practice by sharing teachings, discussion, and connection in community.
All those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color are welcome. People of all experience levels are welcome.
Third Sundays; 5:00-6:30 pm beginning Sunday, October 18.
The BIPOC insight meditation sangha (community) is an affinity meditation and dharma discussion group for people who self-identify as Black, indigenous, or people of color. At our meetings, we explore insight meditation practice by sharing teachings, discussion, and connection in community.
All those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color are welcome. People of all experience levels are welcome.
Queer & Trans Practice Group
Third Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Come and enjoy an evening of mindfulness and sharing with other queer and trans people. We usually meditate for about 30 minutes, and then have a kind and confidential sharing circle. Friends/partners/allies welcome.
This group uses the regular IPV Zoom link. Use the button below or the link in the calendar event on our homepage.
Third Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Come and enjoy an evening of mindfulness and sharing with other queer and trans people. We usually meditate for about 30 minutes, and then have a kind and confidential sharing circle. Friends/partners/allies welcome.
This group uses the regular IPV Zoom link. Use the button below or the link in the calendar event on our homepage.
Chronic Illness Dharma Group via Zoom
Fourth Thursdays unless otherwise specified; 7:00 - 8:45 pm (NEW START TIME)
July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, *Tuesday, November 24 and *Tuesday, December 22, 2020.
This drop-in group is for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities who would like to practice the dharma together. We will meditate for 30 minutes, followed by a dharma discussion. Friends/partners/allies welcome. Email the director with questions.
This group meets via Zoom.
Once we're in person again: IPV has assistive listening devices and a fragrance-free space policy. IPV and Eastworks are wheelchair accessible. The closest elevator is at the West Entrance.
* Due to holidays
Fourth Thursdays unless otherwise specified; 7:00 - 8:45 pm (NEW START TIME)
July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, *Tuesday, November 24 and *Tuesday, December 22, 2020.
This drop-in group is for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities who would like to practice the dharma together. We will meditate for 30 minutes, followed by a dharma discussion. Friends/partners/allies welcome. Email the director with questions.
This group meets via Zoom.
Once we're in person again: IPV has assistive listening devices and a fragrance-free space policy. IPV and Eastworks are wheelchair accessible. The closest elevator is at the West Entrance.
* Due to holidays
Monthly offering
The Sangha of Service and Advocacy: An Offering of Insight World Aid supported by Insight Pioneer Valley
First Sundays, 4:00-4:45pm ET; Various teachers
Opportunity for dana. Insight PV and Insight World Aid gratefully accept any gifts you can make.
This offering does not use IPV's Zoom link (see below).
On the first Sunday of each month, from 4-4:45 pm ET, dharma leaders will engage in a discussion, followed by a short meditation, focused on our commitment as dharma practitioners to service and advocacy. Topics will touch on how the dharma encourages, supports, and sustains us in advocating for social justice, equity, and human rights.
During each discussion, a guest leader and social change advocate will respond to the following questions:
The Sangha of Service and Advocacy: An Offering of Insight World Aid supported by Insight Pioneer Valley
First Sundays, 4:00-4:45pm ET; Various teachers
Opportunity for dana. Insight PV and Insight World Aid gratefully accept any gifts you can make.
This offering does not use IPV's Zoom link (see below).
On the first Sunday of each month, from 4-4:45 pm ET, dharma leaders will engage in a discussion, followed by a short meditation, focused on our commitment as dharma practitioners to service and advocacy. Topics will touch on how the dharma encourages, supports, and sustains us in advocating for social justice, equity, and human rights.
During each discussion, a guest leader and social change advocate will respond to the following questions:
- What motivates your dharma or meditation practice?
- How does your dharma or meditation practice motivate your service or advocacy work?
- How has dharma or meditation practice opened you to greater freedom of mind and heart, or contributed to the effectiveness of your service or advocacy?
Recovery Dharma
Fridays; 7:00 - 8:00pm
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
The Recovery Dharma group will also be online. Request the Zoom invitation.
Recovery Dharma is a community of people who are using the practices of Mindfulness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Generosity to heal the pain and suffering that addiction has caused in their lives and/or the lives of loved ones. No prior experience with meditation required.
IPV is proud to host this independent group.
Fridays; 7:00 - 8:00pm
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
The Recovery Dharma group will also be online. Request the Zoom invitation.
Recovery Dharma is a community of people who are using the practices of Mindfulness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Generosity to heal the pain and suffering that addiction has caused in their lives and/or the lives of loved ones. No prior experience with meditation required.
IPV is proud to host this independent group.
Young Adult Sitting - Currently on hold
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
The monthly Young Adult Sangha Group at IPV in Easthampton was supposed to continue at least through April but we have decided to end now due to coronavirus, recent low attendance, and no new peer facilitators at this time. Thanks to all who were part of this over the years!
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
The monthly Young Adult Sangha Group at IPV in Easthampton was supposed to continue at least through April but we have decided to end now due to coronavirus, recent low attendance, and no new peer facilitators at this time. Thanks to all who were part of this over the years!