This is a space of sincere practice, cooperation, and community care for all of us working towards a world where everyone has food, shelter, healthcare, and safety. If you are disturbed and/or outraged by exploitation, profiteering, and genocide and enjoy being in the natural world (trees! flowers! kitties! birds!), and sharing snacks, you might enjoy hanging out with us.

No special knowledge or experience needed. Come as you are. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring something to sit on, like a blanket, mat, chair, or cushion. Feel free to arrive when you can and leave when you have to. At our practices, there’s no such thing as showing up late.

Meeting Point: at the 100 Acres across the path from Funky Bones near Stratum Pier (map)

Practice Leader: Tony (he/him)

Schedule

Qi Gong. 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. We’ll find ease and strength in the body through a series of flowing movements set to music. This practice is all standing (seated is also ok) and suitable for a broad range of abilities and body types.

Meditation. 10:10 – 10:50 a.m. We sit quietly, then walk quietly, then sit a bit more, with nothing to achieve or attain. Practicing this way is an opportunity to be natural, let go of pretending, and be in the supportive presence of others practicing the same. We refrain from using language (talking, reading, writing, and phone use). By doing this for each other, we make it easier to turn towards the sounds of the world, both inside us and all around, and really, really hear. We also refrain from making eye contact, which is a way we relieve each other from being viewed.

A few cushions are available. It’s also fine to lie down. 

Reflection. 10:50 – 11:00 a.m. We pass the microphone around the circle. If you like, you may introduce yourself and share whatever is on your heart. If you don’t feel like sharing, you may pass the mic to the next person.

Tea and Snack Break

Mindful Listening and Dialogue and Discussion Topics. 11:20 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: After a brief tea and comfort break, we practice one of our four flavors of facilitated listening practice. Group discussion follows. Share any questions, reflections, and observations and hear what others have to share. It’s ok to just listen, too. We close practice with loving-kindness and wishes for well being.

Directions

Arriving by car? The closest parking lot is lower parking lot. Free! Link to Google Map.

Taking the bus? Please take #34 to 42nd and Michigan. Walk across the bridge and take the ramp down to the towpath. Walk towards the 100 Acres (canal on your left) until you get to the red bridge. Turn away from the canal and into the 100 Acres and turn left when you get to the lagoon. Go straight until you get to Funky Bones, then head to the trees to the right. (map)

Biking or walking? Take the canal towpath to the red bridge at Newfields (usually has a locked gate). Turn away from the canal and into the 100 Acres and turn left when you get to the lagoon. Go straight until you get to Funky Bones, then head to the trees to the right. (map)

Safety

If you have any symptoms of contagious illness (e.g. coughing, fever, runny nose, body aches, malaise, etc.), please stay home and recover. Thank you for caring for your health and the well-being of people attending practice.