Happy New Year!

I wanted to offer a big, warm, hearted thank you for your support and interest in my classes and services. The meditation classes have been a joy to teach and the New Year’s Service was wonderful! I am touched deeply by your generosity, openness and enthusiasm. You have all made this step in my life path as a monk all the more rewarding and meaningful. Thank you!

With the new year comes some new opportunities for learning meditation and building skills for a happier and healthier life. Now is the time to strengthen our practice and learn how to let go of stress, find contentment and spread peace and joy!

And for those of you on Facebook I have a group page at: Lotus Heart Zen. 
Please do join and make it an active gathering place for support when we are away from the cushion!

I have added a new Beginning Meditation class time and on January 18th I will begin offering a Zen Practice group:

New class time added:
Beginning Meditation Classes:
I have added an additional Beginning Meditation class, so now you have the opportunity to learn how to meditate on Wednesdays AND Fridays from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. You can come to one or both classes!

This year the classes will be structured in such a way that they will each build upon the other. I will be providing some guided meditation along with regular instruction to help strengthen your meditation practice and keep you motivated. Look forward in future classes a guided body scan meditation; how to overcome the various hindrances to meditation; how to work through difficult emotional or physical states, and more. The key to experiencing any benefits to meditation is in consistent practice, learning with a group can offer tremendous support!

New in 2105!
Zen Practice Group (begins on Sun, Jan. 18th)
Some of you have expressed an interest in learning more about Zen practice, which would include chanting and studying the principles of Buddhism. As a result I have created this nonsectarian Zen-focused group. The purpose is to share in the practice of chanting, meditation as well as studying the principles of Buddhism, while providing an open and affirming place where people can come together as a community that supports Zen practice in everyday life. One doesn’t have to be Buddhist to benefit from Zen practice, individuals from all backgrounds, walks of life and experience levels are welcomed.
We will meet the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 9-10:30am (with tea and socializing afterwards) at Bloom Yoga and Wellness.

In development:
Certificate in Mindfulness Training
I am also developing a Certificate in Mindfulness Training course that I will offer in the spring. This eight week course will explore the different ways to incorporate mindfulness into our lives, so that we can experience a richer, calmer and more healthy day to day existence. The course will include meditation practice, yoga, and offer tools for dealing with stress and difficult emotions and mind-states, while developing compassion, attention and gratitude.I plan to begin the course in March and end the eight weeks in time to celebrate Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday) in early May and offer a five precepts ceremony to those who are interested in becoming lay practitioners. More information to come soon! Please let me know if you are interested.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you and practicing with you soon!
Rev. Do’an Prajna