Urban Zen is a peer-led group in which we meditate, share, and explore the integration of Zen practice with modern daily life.  No previous experience with meditation or Zen necessary!  We meet Monday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 at Austin Zen Center.  There is also an optional meditation instruction and posture clinic at 7:00.

Check out our website and Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/urbanzenpractice

http://urban.austinzencenter.org/

7:30 Introduction

7:40 Zazen (meditation)

7:55 Dharma Talk (each meeting a different member of Urban Zen gives a short talk, sharing their practice with a Buddhist teaching in the context of their own life. The speaker ends with questions for small group discussion)

8:05 Small Group Discussion

8:30 Large Group Discussion

8:45 Jundo (a simple ceremony involving bowing and connecting with others)

9pm Meeting Closes

Here is a list of topics we have discussed since August and the first name of the speaker.

• 08/13 - Caitlin  Stress
• 08/20 - Lisa   Self Compassion
• 08/27 - Amy   The Wisdom of Not Trying to Change Things
• 09/10 - Eric   Internal Family Systems Therapy and Zen
• 09/17 - Juniper   Teachers
• 09/24 - Gilbert   Surrender
• 10/01 - Richard   Welcoming Difficult Emotions
• 10/08 - Ivey   Breath
• 10/15 - Tabrez   Spiritual Materialism
• 10/22 - Alissa   Happiness vs Pleasure
• 10/29 - Gary   Enlightenment: Serious Business or Funny Business?
• 11/5 - Emily    Mindful Listening
• 11/12 - Bruce   Gratitude as a Path to Living in the Moment
• 11/19 - Quandra   Questioning Beliefs
• 11/26 - Brad   Karma and Cultural Conditioning
• 12/10 - Lyle   Embracing Discomfort
• 12/17 - Meghan   Forgiveness
• 1/7 - Michael   Learning to Let Go of Anger through Zen Practice
• 1/14 - Juniper Zen and Gender