Many of our in-person events have now been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. However we are gradually re-establishing some in-person events as the coronavirus restrictions gradually ease. Please keep an eye on this page on our website for the latest notifications from Bristol Insight. Things are unfolding rapidly and the well-being of our sangha and the wider community are our principle concern. At this time we aspire to act according to the principles of the dharma with non-harming, kindness, compassion and equanimity. Where our regular in-person events are cancelled we will aim to offer online alternatives where possible to maintain our sense of community and mutual support.
Tuesday Sitting Group
We are offering an online Tuesday sitting group using Zoom.
If you wish to participate in these online sessions then please email bristolinsightmeditation@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
The session will open at 7:00pm for a social and the meditation starts at 7:30pm.
We have a meditation session of about 40 minutes followed by a short break. Then in the second half we will have our Cultivation of Practice sessions. This part of the Tuesday evening sitting group invites us to engage in a variety of activities that aim to deepen our practice in the company of others. These activities may include movement, reflection, discussion, mindful sharing in pairs or in small groups. You can find our present activities by clicking on the link below.
Cultivating our Practice April- June 2021
All are welcome.
Resilience and the Art of Happiness – Finding resource within the circumstances of our lives
Sat, May 29, 2021 Online event via Zoom
9:45 AM – 3:45 PM
As human beings our lives include joy and difficulty. Given the changing nature of experience, what kind of happiness is possible for us? Can we discover sources of wellbeing and resilience that are available to us regardless of current circumstances? On this day retreat we will develop insight into how these wholesome states arise, and how they can be nourished.
The day will include guided and silent practice, teachings and time for questions.
All levels of meditation experience are welcome.
The day will be held in silence.
Zohar Lavie
Zohar has been practising meditation in different traditions since 1995. This journey has taken her from the meditation cushion into exploring further ways of expressing truth and love and in 2004 she co-founded SanghaSeva. She now spends most of her time facilitating retreats that offer service as a spiritual path around the world. Since 2006 she has been teaching on silent retreats and Dharma gatherings in India, Europe and Israel.
Venue:
Online Via Zoom (link will be sent to you once you book)
The day is run by Bristol Insight Meditation group from 9.45-3.45.
Booking is £15 waged and £5.00 unwaged (plus booking fee). This covers the administration fees.
We ask for dana (donation) to be given on the day as an expression of gratitude for the teacher.
Booking
You can book on Eventbrite here
Further Teacher-Led retreats this year:
Nature Meditation
Bristol Insight Virtual Self-led Retreat Saturday 1st May 10.00am-17.00pm
Up until now, we have run the virtual self-led retreat in the same format as the in-person retreats. We’re aware that this doesn’t work for everyone and that it can be difficult to devote most of a day to meditation when there are others in your home. We now offer the option of a full day or half day (morning or afternoon) retreat with a check-in and out at either end. Here’s how it will work:
10 – 10.30 am – Introduction to the day
10.30 – 12 – sitting and walking practice
12 – 1pm – listen to the recorded talk (see details below)
1pm – brief goodbyes and review of the morning for anyone leaving at this point
Lunch
1.45pm – check-in and welcome to anyone joining for the afternoon
2pm – 4.15pm – sitting and walking practice
4.15 – 5pm – end of day sharing
People are, of course, free to spend the practice parts of the day any way they choose, e.g. going for a walk.
David and Caroline, who run the Zoom link, are happy to break the silence to say goodbye to people who leave at the end of the morning and welcome people joining in the afternoon. People would need to let us know in advance if they are planning to join in the afternoon.
Zoom link
For the Zoom link for the retreat please contact David david@talk-it.biz
April dharma talk
TBC
With loving kindness from the Bristol Insight Self-led Retreat Team.
Chris Cullen’s retreat (21/3/20)
We had our first on-line retreat with Chris Cullen with over 30 participants online. We much appreciate Chris’s heartfelt response to the present unfolding situation and his offerings for practice at this time. You can listen to an audio recording of this online retreat with Chris Cullen here:
Bristol Insight WhatsApp group
We also have set up a WhatsApp group to help us keep in touch. If you wish to join this group then click on this link Join group
Dharma resources to help us navigate these turbulent times
Zohar and Nathan have recorded some talks and meditations “to help us all respond to coronavirus and it’s effects.”
Coronavirus and the support of the Dharma – Part 1 by Zohar Lavie
Guided meditation: “Coronavirus and the support of the Dharma – Part 2” by Zohar Lavie
Guided metta meditation from Nathan
There’s a good online talk relating to responding to the virus from Jack Kornfield
https://mailchi.mp/jackkornfield/welcome-930478?e=46ffb10a31
May our practice together support the welfare of all beings.