Welcome to the Winding Path Sangha in Iowa City, Iowa, founded in the Plum Village tradition of Vietnamese teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or 'Thay', in 2016.
We know you are there and we are happy.
CORRECTED: Free Somatic Movement Class in September, October, and November
Kelly McConohy, a Davenport-based mindfulness practitioner, yoga teacher in training, and friend of Winding Path Sangha in Iowa City, will offer a free, 90-minute Somatic Movement Experience at 10:00 a.m. (not 10:30 a.m. as originally promoted) on three Saturdays this autumn at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Coralville: September 26, October 24, and November 28. The UU is located at 2355 Oakdale Road in Coralville.
The practice is not yoga but a series of movements; titrating and pendulating movements to develop sensory resilience by building heat in the body through repetitive movements, and then letting it go with traditional yoga asana.
People of all ages, experiences, and ability are welcome. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water bottle. The class isn’t a series, but rather each class is a standalone opportunity (although people are encouraged and welcome to attend all of the sessions if they’re able).
Registration isn’t required, but to ensure a large enough room is secured, please email Kelly at kmcconohy@gmail.com. Also, while the class is free, participants are welcome to offer a free-will donation at the end of each class to help cover the cost of Kelly’s drive and time.
Buddhist Book & Podcast Discussion Group Meets Sunday, October 11
Join us for the next Buddhist book and podcast discussion group from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, October 11, in the Iowa City Public Library, Room E, where we'll share our favorite books, poems, and other Buddhist material. There will also be discussion of The Way Out Is In podcast, Episode 111: The Quiet Beauty in Everything. Email Jack Terndrup at jackterndrup@gmail.com with any questions you have.
Registrration Open for Snowflower Sangha Fall Retreat October 23-25
This annual retreat, held near beautiful Governor Dodge State Park near Madison, Wisconsin, will celebrate 33 years when it’s held Friday afternoon, October 23 to after lunch on Sunday, October 25. The retreat will be co-led by lay Dharma teachers Jack Lawlor and Greg Grallo. Click here for more information.
Practice engaged Buddhism by joining the Beloved Community Circle
If you’re looking for ways to take your mindfulness practice out in the world, consider joining the Iowa City Beloved Community Circle (BCC). This small, intimate, local group of 3-8 practitioners manifesting the spirit of Beloved Community meets from 1-3 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month, often in members’ homes or elsewhere.
The group, part of an online international Sangha, is guided in part by the https://belovedcommunitycircles.org/handbook, and it has three primary aspirations:
To practice mindfulness.
To care for one another and engage in action.
To be self-directed, with any actions chosen by the group.
To learn more, please contact Melinda at melindawings13@gmail.com.
Ongoing
For the latest, most accurate event information, please visit our calendar page and subscribe to our emails list (see the link to the right) so we can alert you about changes, cancellations, and new opportunities.
In-Person Meditation: 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the St. Francis Chapel (second floor) of Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City. IMPORTANT: Because Trinity requires its front door to be locked at all times, we try to have a volunteer staff it from about 10 minutes to 7 until about 7. If you arrive a few minutes late, please press the doorbell near the entrance and (hopefully) we'll hear you and can come let you in. Recitation of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings will follow our meditation session on the first Wednesday of each month. The trainings are Buddhist precepts developed by Thich Nhat Hanh to provide ethical guidance for life. Those who wish to stay after our meditation time form a circle and take turns reaching each of the trainings.
Walking Meditation at Hickory Hill Park (Conklin Lane Entrance): 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month and during the warmer months on the third Saturday (check the calendar to confirm when we're meeting), followed by mindful coffee/tea and conversation at Press Coffee, 1120 N Dodge St, Iowa City.
Men's Group: 8 a.m. the fourth Sunday of every month, at Press Coffee, 1120 N Dodge St, Iowa City.
Winding Path Sangha Women’s Group: The Winding Path Women's Group meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Friday of each month, sometimes online, sometimes in person. The gathering is an opportunity for women to get to know one another, explore their meditation and mindfulness practices, and build a sense of community. All are welcome, regardless whether you’re part of the Winding Path Sangha. For more information, and to join an email list for the group, contact Kathleen at palmreaderkathleend@gmail.com.
Community Garden: Winding Path has a community garden plot! If you're interested in participating or supporting the effort, please contact Janis Russell at janis-russell@uiowa.edu.
Thank you for practice, your friendship, and your smile.
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