COURSE OUTLINE

Session 1

-Introductions, Reviewing the Group Format and Curriculum, What is Insight Meditation and Why Do It?, Sitting Postures, Building concentration and mindfulness
-Meditation Instructions: Mindfulness of Breathing
-Handouts: Beginning Meditation Practice; Postures; Mindfulness of Breathing; Resources for Continuing Practice

Session 2

-Review instructions for mindfulness breathing and discussion of experiences practicing over past week; Concentration and Insight Meditation Approaches (ie., differing choices in meditation)
-Meditation Instructions: Mindfulness of Physical Sensations
-Handouts: Mindfulness; Mindfulness of Body Sensations

Session 3
-Review instructions from previous session and discussion of practice experiences; Workingwith distractions and difficulties; Mindfulness of feeling, what it is and why it is important
-Meditation Instructions: Mindfulness of Feelings
-Handouts: Working with Distractions; Mindfulness of Feelings

Session 4
-Review instructions from previous session and discussion of practice experiences; what is consciousness, working with mind-states; the role of loving-kindness in practice
-Meditation Instructions: Mindfulness of Consciousness; Metta or Loving-kindness
-Handouts: Mindfulness of Consciousness; Loving-kindness Meditation

Session 5

-Review instructions from previous session and discussion of practice experiences; understanding thoughts from a meditative view; hindrances to meditation practice and how to work with them
-Meditation Instructions: Mindfulness of Mind-Objects/Dhammas
-Handouts: Mindfulness of Thinking; Working with the Five Hindrances

Session 6

-Review instructions from previous session and discussion of practice experiences;
Mindfulness in Everyday Life including walking meditation instructions; course evaluation;
opportunities for continuing practice.
-Meditation Instructions: Walking Meditation
-Handouts: Mindfulness in Everyday Life; Meditation Instructions by Joseph Goldstein; Walking Meditation Instructions by Matthew Flickstein
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