Practice Ideas

Use the Inquiry Guide to find complementary readings, meditations and discussion topics

Consider taking a few breaths or sitting quietly before meetings - both as self care and as community care.

Alternate between Mindfulness and Heart Practices

If sharing a recorded meditation in an online Zoom meeting, then learn how to "share sound."

Many find that reading the meditation ourselves is a powerful and beneficial practice; similar to chanting practice.

"Time" pauses either with a clock with a stop watch. The clock on a computer or phone works very well.

"Time" pauses with breath (10 breaths = about 1 minute)

Focus on 1-3 paragraphs that illuminate an idea and or that expands on the inquiry question.

Choose one of the questions listed, or if inspired by the reading, write a new one.

Keep in mind and reflect the reality of the meeting. Open discussions are a container to begin to consider the practice. Dedicated Dharma Friends are a container appropriate for deeper exploration practices.

Consider taking a few breaths or sitting quietly before meetings - both as self care and as community care.

Alternate between Mindfulness and Heart Practices

If individual meditation practice seems overwhelming, then utilize guided meditations or meditations during meetings - especially if attending daily online meetings.

Honor that even one, conscious, compassionate breath counts as a meditation.

Read a little and then listen to a talk or talk with a Dharma Friend.

We are invited to read the websites to learn more

It's okay to practice by read things out loud (especially sites)

Begin to practice working with the inquiries by attending, listening and sharing during Inquiry meetings.

Consider different ways to work with inquiry questions - contemplation, reading, writing, listening to dharma talks.

Use an inquiry questions as a "topic" when texting and calling dharma friends meetings.