USG currently offers mindfulness programs VIRTUALLY and IN PERSON.

This page includes all of USG’s practice-based spiritual development including meditation, yoga, and conscious dance. The Adult Spiritual Development page has discussion-based spiritual development.

The Zoom links for all weekly Mindfulness and Wellness sessions are sent out in a separate monthly email entitled “News and Zoom Links from the Center for Mindfulness at USG.” If you would like to be put on the list to receive these announcements, contact communications@usguu.org. If you have questions about the classes, please email mindfulness@usguu.org

Teacher Donations and the Practice of Dana                        
In the Buddhist tradition the teachings are offered freely, and the teachers lives are supported by donations (dāna.) Dāna translates into the Buddhist principal of generosity. Please donate to our teachers. USG does not pay or employ the teachers; most teachers provide their services free of charge, and in doing so sustain mindfulness programs at USG. Suggested donation for non-fee sessions is $10-20 to the teachers to support their livelihood. If you cannot afford this amount, feel free to attend without giving, or give whatever is affordable.

Special Event

Full Day Meditation with Springboard Sangha
May 17, 9:30am-2:30pm in the Sullivan Chapel
Breathing in Joy
Brian Arnell will lead an all-day sit and talks with an emphasis on understanding and experiencing joy when encountering challenging conditions. Fee is $20. Register here.

Recurring Programs

Sundays

Meditation with Springboard Sangha
In Person and on Zoom

NEXT: May 18, 8-9:30am
Usually led by Brian Arnell

Our Meditations with Springboard Sangha are usually led by senior teacher Brian Arnell and are hybrid events, so in person and on zoom. Please arrive a few minutes early. The sessions are free but donations are appreciated. Please find the Zoom link on Springboard’s website.  Any questions, please contact info@springboardsangha.org Please join us for this wonderful opportunity for beginner and experienced meditators. They are held roughly once a month, but not on the same Sunday of the month. The dates for the rest of 2025 are: 6/8, 7/27, 8/17, 9/21, 10/12, 11/9 and 12/7.

Co-sponsored by Springboard Sangha and USG

Thursdays

BIPOC Sitting Group
Every second Thursday from 7-8:30pm
Offered by Delaware Valley Insight, a USG partnering meditation group on Zoom.
Led by Pamela Freeman, contact her at pfree12334@aol.com or (215) 435-5866 for more info.

Also from Delaware Valley Insight:
A sit the first Thursday of the month 7-8pm for individuals new to meditation. All are  welcome. Location: Zoom. Meeting ID: 890 9218 6030, Passcode: sit. (Call John Howell, phone 571-228-1579 for information.)

MINDFUL YOGA WITH ESTHER
Live practices via Zoom to build strength from the comfort of your home

The next session of weekly gentle yoga for flexibility, strength, and balance will be 8 weeks starting the week of May 19. All classes offered virtually (first trial class is FREE; discounted rate for USG members).

Fees are on Esther’s website.

Tues. 9:30 am: chair-to-mat for bone health.
Wed. 12-1pm and 5:15-6:15pm: gentle mat classes.
Fri. 9:30 am: chair-to-mat for joint health.
Sat. 9:00 am: deep stretch mat class. 

Contact Esther at ewyssflamm@gmail.com for details and registration or explore Whiteflameyoga.com.

Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism

Like UU’s “free and responsible search for truth”, Buddhism is non-creedal. In his first mindfulness precept, Thich Nhat Hahn says Buddhist teachings are not doctrines but guiding means to help us develop understanding and compassion. One of the Buddha’s last teachings was to “be a lamp unto yourself.”

The inherent worth and dignity of every person is evident in Buddhist teaching that everything in the universe shares Buddha nature.

The Universalist emphasis on the saving power of love can be seen in the Mahayana Bodhisattva vow to renounce nirvana until all beings are enlightened, and in reverence for Avolokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of great compassion.

UU respect for the interdependent web of all existence mirrors the Buddhist teaching of emptiness, what Thich Nhat Hahn calls inter-being–that everything in the universe exists only in its connection with everything else, and nothing has an absolute separate identity.

UU affinity for Buddhism goes back to Thoreau. There has been an active Unitarian Universalist Budddhist Fellowship for many years. It is still considered an independent affiliate of the UUA.