AFFINITY GROUPS
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.
Our newest Affinity group is the Chronic Illness Dharma Group that will meet fourth Thursdays, 7:15-8:45pm. See more information below.
Our newest Affinity group is the Chronic Illness Dharma Group that will meet fourth Thursdays, 7:15-8:45pm. See more information below.
Queer & Trans Sitting
First Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Jan 2, Feb 6, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, 2020
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.
First Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Jan 2, Feb 6, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, 2020
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.
Young Adult Sitting
Third Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Jan 16, Feb 20, Mar 19, Apr 16, 2020*
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Come join us for a night of sharing and meditation for young adults. After a brief check in, we meditate for about 30 minutes, and then have discussion. We strive to be real, honest, open, vulnerable, inclusive, and kind in a safe container. Any sharing is optional. Often these nights will have a reading or a theme for the discussion. See the Facebook Page "Pioneer Valley Young Adult Sangha" to find out for a specific night.
* Our current peer facilitator will be stepping down after the April sitting. If you would like to be part of the next step, please contact Mike Root, rootm0525@gmail.com.
Third Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Jan 16, Feb 20, Mar 19, Apr 16, 2020*
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Come join us for a night of sharing and meditation for young adults. After a brief check in, we meditate for about 30 minutes, and then have discussion. We strive to be real, honest, open, vulnerable, inclusive, and kind in a safe container. Any sharing is optional. Often these nights will have a reading or a theme for the discussion. See the Facebook Page "Pioneer Valley Young Adult Sangha" to find out for a specific night.
* Our current peer facilitator will be stepping down after the April sitting. If you would like to be part of the next step, please contact Mike Root, rootm0525@gmail.com.
Chronic Illness Dharma Group
Fourth Thursdays unless otherwise specified; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
January 23, February 27, March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, 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 practice leader Carolyn Zaikowski with any questions. 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; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
January 23, February 27, March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, 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 practice leader Carolyn Zaikowski with any questions. 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
Parents Group and Family Gatherings
Second Sundays, 1:00 - 3:00pm
No gatherings currently scheduled
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.
The Parent Meditation Group is shifting its current offerings away from parent sittings and towards family gatherings. There will be a time for parents and children to cultivate mindfulness with meditations, songs, stories, activities, and crafts. Some gatherings will be parent-led, others will be teacher-led. There's no age restriction.
Please note that we are discontinuing our regular Sunday parent meditation sittings. They may return on an occasional basis. We'll let you know.
Second Sundays, 1:00 - 3:00pm
No gatherings currently scheduled
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.
The Parent Meditation Group is shifting its current offerings away from parent sittings and towards family gatherings. There will be a time for parents and children to cultivate mindfulness with meditations, songs, stories, activities, and crafts. Some gatherings will be parent-led, others will be teacher-led. There's no age restriction.
Please note that we are discontinuing our regular Sunday parent meditation sittings. They may return on an occasional basis. We'll let you know.
POC Community Group
Please stay tuned.
Please stay tuned.
Refuge Recovery
Fridays; 7:00 - 8:00pm
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Refuge Recovery 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 happy to host this independent group.
Fridays; 7:00 - 8:00pm
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Refuge Recovery 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 happy to host this independent group.