River Rocks Meditation

Tuesdays 8:45 – 9:45 AM in the Fireside Room

This group has been meeting at WSUUC for weekly meditation practice for over 20 years. We begin our practice with an   opening chant, followed by a silent sitting. Then we do a short walking meditation,  followed by another silent sitting.  We close the practice with several chants. There is informal discussion afterwards, often about a book that we have chosen to read     together.  All are welcome to this drop-in meditation. A ZOOM link is also available. Most of us sit in chairs for the practice, however you are welcome to bring your own meditation cushion or bench.

Contact Grace Durfee at grace@balancewithgrace.com

Lotus Moon Zen Sangha

Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 PM in the Chapel

We are a small community, devoted to   awakening wisdom and compassion in our daily lives.  Zen is a path of spiritual development open to all, regardless of prior experience, knowledge or beliefs.  We offer Zen in a simple & practical way.  Every evening will incorporate traditional Zen elements, such as formal meditation, chanting, drinking tea and talks by teachers ordained in the Zen tradition.  Meditation instruction is offered by request and a zoom link is available.  We encourage a “beginner’s mind” as you explore this spiritual path.

For more information about our Tradition and our Resident Teachers, please check this link.

Contact Valerie Grigg-Devis at griggdevis@gmail.com

or Jean-Luc Devis at jean-lucd@hotmail.com

Buddhist Study Group

Sundays 9:00 – 10:10 AM in Room A

Our Study Group is a secular exploration of the philosophical teachings of  Buddhism   including the 4 Noble Truths, the 8 Fold Path, loving kindness, and meditation. The group is led by lay people and is considered a group of equals learning from each other. The resources used are dharma talks given by Vipassana meditation teachers found at dharmaseed.org.  Anyone who is curious to learn about Buddhist philosophy and how it connects to our UU principles and mission of inclusiveness, respect, kindness, and encouraging one another’s personal growth is welcome to join.

Deepening Circles Sangha

Thursdays 10:30 – 11:30 AM On Zoom

Welcome to Deepening Circles Sangha — a weekly, drop-in meditation group meeting Thursday mornings on Zoom (10:30-11:30). Facilitated by Mary Grigolia (affiliate community minister with West Shore).

Deepening Circles is a “One Dharma” group — drawing on Buddhist sources and beyond, planted in Four Circles: Body, Heart, Mind & Spirit. We draw on neuroscience to learn how our meditation changes our brains, minds and lives.

This year we’ve been sharing short readings from Pema Chodron, Comfortable with Uncertainty.

Everyone is welcome: newbies, occasional meditators, seasoned practitioners. No need to identify as Buddhist or UU. We come as we are, listen with kindness, share what we choose, learn from each other and keep confidentiality.

Learn more about Deepening Circles here.

Deepening Circles is self-supported. Suggested donation per session: $15

Click here for the weekly Zoom.

Meeting ID: 891 6058 2716

Passcode: 654147

Insight Meditation

Leadership: Carter Edmond, Leader

Meets: Thursdays, Chapel, 7 to 8 PM

Thursday night meditation is a free, beginner-friendly group sitting that is part of the West Shore Sangha. We meet from 7pm-8pm in the Chapel. Our meetings include sitting meditation, discussion and readings, and sometimes walking meditation. Whether you are an experienced meditator or just beginning to be curious, you are welcome.  

How do I take Part in the West Shore Sangha?

• Member & friends of the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church are welcome to join our weekly sangha sittings. There is no cost for participating in most gatherings.
• While Buddhism is recognized as a major world religion, it can also be viewed as a secular practice.  Knowledge of or belief in Buddhist teaching is not obligatory.
•  No prior meditation experience is   required.  Practicing mediation has many proven benefits, including stress reduction and mental clarity.
• Please arrive in a timely manner when possible and engage in mindful conduct that supports the practice of others.
• One day retreats are offered throughout the year to allow us to share extended practice together.