Center for Mindfulness at USG
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 (dÄna.) DÄna 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 Programs
From Delaware Valley Insight Meditation
Awakening Connection to the Earth –
A DVI Community Sit with Esther Wyss-Flamm
Saturday, February 15, 3:00-5:00pm
Summit Presbyterian Church & On Zoom
| Join Esther Wyss-Flamm for a sitting and gentle movement practice session. Given the recent spate of climate-related natural disasters along with pending policy changes likely disastrous for the planet, we find ourselves in a period of intense uncertainty and discomfort about the state of the Earth. As meditators/householders, it has become even more important to reclaim our innate connection to the Earth through simple practices that help us wake up, listen and move toward informed action. We will explore and discern how meditation and movement/yoga practices can complement each other along this path. Note: please wear comfortable clothes; movement practices will be accessible. Read more here. Register here. |
Recurring Programs
Sundays
Sunday Morning Mindfulness in Person and on Zoom
NEXT: March 9, 8-9:30am
Usually led by Brian Arnell
Our Sundays in Sullivan 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 Springboardâs website. Any questions, please contact info@springboardsangha.org Please join us for this wonderful opportunity for beginner and experienced meditators.
Co-sponsored by Springboard Sangha and USG
Thursdays
THURSDAY NIGHT MINDFULNESS
Online with Jesse Frechette from 7:15-8:30pm
Access: bit.ly/Jessethursday
Please note that bit.ly links are case-sensitive.
Appropriate for all levels. Enter into this practice with a beginnerâs mind and fresh eyes, whether this is your first time or you have been practicing for many years.
The fee to the instructor for this one hour session is $15-$20 if financial circumstances allow, but no amount is too small and all are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Please send to:
Venmo: Send to Jesse-Frechette-1
Use PayPal under “family and friends” and send to: jesse@centermindful.org
Mail check to: 1405 Reiner Rd., Eagleville, PA 19403
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 at 7pm 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 starts the week of January 28 and go through March 22. 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 class.
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 UUâs âfree and responsible search for truthâ, 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 Buddhaâs last teachings was to âbe a lamp unto yourself.â
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.