After carefully studying what experts from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health have been writing as well as sifting the information available through other sources, it seems that the wisest and most compassionate response to the coronavirus pandemic is for Common Ground to immediately suspend all programs at the center through March 29th, at which time we will reassess.
We are taking this big step out of compassion for all. Fortunately, Common Ground has already begun offering some limited live streaming options. We will work to expand the list of programming options available by live stream as capacity for tech support grows. Let us know if you have skills to offer.
Weekly Practice Groups
Common Ground offers drop-in Weekly Practice Groups three times a week:
Sunday, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE
Sunday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 11th with Shelly Graf
- Sunday Morning, March 15th, with Shelly Graf
Typically the same talk is given at the three groups. It’s usually given first on Sunday morning.
Note: Sunday mornings are the busiest time and sometimes fill up. If you can attend one of the other Weekly Practice Groups, this will help alleviate congestion.
These weekly groups are designed to be a cornerstone for one’s practice by providing ongoing instruction and teachings that help illuminate the simple but challenging practice of mindfulness. The Buddha taught that mindfulness is the way to go beyond habits of distraction and grasping. To walk this path of wisdom and compassion, we need the support of a community that shares this intention. Each session includes a guided meditation, dharma talk, and discussion. Both experienced and beginning meditators are welcome. No registration required.
Lovingkindness Practice Group
This monthly practice group is for people interested in developing the heart by training in the four beautiful emotions of lovingkindness (metta), compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. Each session includes instruction, a guided meditation, a short dharma talk, and time for questions and discussion. Both experienced and beginning meditators are welcome, no registration necessary. Led by Mark Nunberg and other teachers.
Usually meets the 1st Friday of the month; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Next Group is Friday, April 3rd, led by Mark Nunberg
Click here to read an introduction to lovingkindness practice by Mark Nunberg, our guiding Teacher.
Open Meditation Session
Drop in to as many half-hour silent meditation periods as you like. Please arrive and depart with the bell, which is rung every half hour. There is no instruction given at these silent sits.
Monday – Saturday, 6:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Mindful Self-Compassion Practice Group
This practice group is for anyone interested in developing practices that strengthen and support mindful self compassion. The group is open to those who have graduated from the Mindful Self Compassion class and to everyone interested in exploring the benefits of a self compassion practice. No registration required. Led by Jean Haley and Jane Rauenhorst.
Meets 2nd 0r 3rd Fridays of the month; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Mindfulness, Recovery, and the Twelve Steps LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE
This ongoing practice group meets every Friday and is open to all who have an interest in mindfulness and the Twelve Steps recovery pathways. No need to register, just come.For more info, contact info@commongroundmeditation.orgLed by Mary G., Sharon S., Emil J., Gail I., Anita R., Ollie S. Marc J., April H., and Charlie B.
Bimonthly Practice Group for People of Color
The People of Color Practice Group gathers to explore our spiritual path through meditation and the teachings of the Buddha, honoring our shared experience as people of color, while cultivating mindfulness, wisdom, and joy in our community. Practitioners of color looking for support in their practice are invited to join this group. For more information, contact Stacy at pocleader@commongroundmeditation.org.
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday’s of the month; 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Stacy McClendon has been a Common Ground community member since 2006. She is a dedicated practitioner and has spent more than 100 days on silent intensive retreat practice. She now serves as the Chair of Common Ground’s Board of Directors and on our Advisory Committee on matters of equity and accessibility. She is a graduate of Common Ground’s Dharma Leadership Training, and has been supported and encouraged by Guiding Teacher Mark Nunberg to teach locally, including the POC sangha at CG which she co-founded, co-leading retreats for people of color, community based offerings, and as part of the teaching team for our Living the Practice workshops.
EcoSangha Practice Group: Developing a Mindful Lens for Viewing the Climate Crisis
The Dharma teaches us to first acknowledge the truth of suffering caused by the climate crisis. Craving, aversion, and delusion within the human mind are the root causes of human suffering and so, of the climate crisis. The Dharma describes a pathway of principles and practices we can follow to minimize climate change and the suffering it causes through wisdom, mindfulness, ethical conduct, and compassionate concern for all living beings in the vast web of life. While responding skillfully to this crisis, we create more equitable, compassionate, and mindful societies that generate greater individual and collective wellbeing.
We practice waking up to what is going on, feeling it in our bodies and responding from teachings of compassion and interconnection as ways to move forward. Together, we learn to developing both personal and collective resiliency.
Please join us whether you are new to meditating or well-seasoned. We augment our study with opportunities to share the large emotions that arise in the face of climate chaos and to explore our personal responses. All are welcome.
Join us on the 4th Thursday of each month, 6:15 – 8:15 in the Common Ground Community Room. Jean Haley and Kaia Svien will facilitate this monthly sitting group.
Upcoming Eco Sangha meeting dates:
- March 26, 6:15-8:15 pm – View OneEarthSangha.org video program
- April 23, 6:15-8:15 pm – View OneEarthSangha.org video program
- May 28, 6:15-8:15 pm – View OneEarthSangha.org video program
Contact: Kaia Svien, ksvien@iphouse.com for more information.
You can always check our online calendar for exact dates.
All Common Ground programs are offered freely in the spirit of generosity. To learn more about supporting the center and our teachers, click here.
