Mindfulness and Meditation
From its founding in 2003, Circle Yoga in Washington, DC has been rooted in mindfulness-based practices. Mindfulness and meditation practices offered at Circle Yoga are focused on gaining a clearer understanding of ourselves and the world. When we are able to gain clarity and calm, we are better able to respond to the world around us with compassion and wisdom—and find inner joy. Mindfulness and meditation at Circle Yoga is also rooted in a supportive community. No prior experience with meditation is required to join us.
Yoga and Meditation
This class is a yoga practice with body-based meditations (seated, standing, and/or moving) at the beginning, middle, and end of the practice. Bringing body-based meditation to yoga helps to deepen the yoga, adding subtlety and spaciousness; bringing yoga and body awareness to meditation adds groundedness, wholeness, and vitality. This class is meant to work for all bodies as long as you can get up and down off the floor. It's basically a strong Level 1, with general suggestions for how to modify to get more or less exertion or stretch. Students should already know the basic yoga poses and be aware of their own physical abilities. The class doesn't include pose modifications for individual students, and it's not appropriate for beginners.
Opening Heart Mindfulness Community
Circle Yoga shares space with the Opening Heart Mindfulness Community. OHMC is open to everyone and meets to practice sitting and walking meditation and discuss mindfulness-related topics every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We practice together in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Most meetings are still virtual, but check the OHMC website for updates for opportunities to practice in person. No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is needed to join.
About mindfulness
Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment. It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. To be mindful is to be truly alive, present and at one with those around you and with what you are doing. We bring our body and mind into harmony while we wash the dishes, drive the car or take our morning shower.
In practicing together as a community, our practice of mindfulness becomes more joyful, relaxed and steady. We are bells of mindfulness for each other, supporting and reminding each other along the path of practice. With the support of the community, we can practice to cultivate peace and joy within and around us, as a gift for all of those whom we love and care for. We can cultivate our solidity and freedom—solid in our deepest aspiration and free from our fears, misunderstandings and our suffering. (From www.plumvillage.org.)