Inner Balance Meditation

***Please note that we will continue our new meeting time of 6 pm (an hour earlier) for all events held at St. James the Less in 2026.

Welcome to year 16 of our practice together!

All teachers agree: The key to a successful meditation practice is regular practice. Therefore this meetup is looking for practitioners who are willing to make a dedicated effort to sit together weekly in order to fully realize the benefits of group practice.
All levels and schools of thought are welcome. Meet like-minded individuals while expanding your own personal practice in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Feel free to join us for a sitting and experience increased self awareness and inner peace by way of your journey inward.

You can join via phone or audio/video online.
To Join Zoom Meeting via computer, tablet or smartphone app (preferred):
https://zoom.us/j/6678474673?pwd=K0twNnl0aThJL0toV2pFNnpjS241Zz09
Meeting ID: 667 847 4673

Zoom now requires a password for added security. Password for WEB or SMARTPHONE APP: peace

To join BY PHONE (audio only) :
One tap mobile -
+13126266799,,6678474673#,,#,070264# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,6678474673#,,#,070264# US (New York)
**PHONE ONLY numeric password if prompted: 070264

To join manually by PHONE (audio only) :
Dial one of the numbers below, then enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
Dial by your location:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ad8Pi8gEDX
Meeting ID: 667 847 4673

**PHONE ONLY numeric password: 070264
Dial *6 to mute or unmute.

** If joining online, the numeric password will not work. Please enter the password "peace" lower case without quotes: peace

IN PERSON LOCATION: The Episcopal Church of St. James the Less is located at 550 Sunset Ridge Road in Northfield, IL (detailed directions above).

It is our goal to make all attendees feel safe, comfortable and at ease.

FYI: Chairs will be available for those who prefer to use them. For those who choose to sit on the floor please bring your own; meditation cushion, bench, pillow, yoga mat or zafu cushion if you prefer.

GENERAL FORMAT:
5:50 - 6:05 Welcome and technology familiarization
6:05 - 6:20 Seated centering practice
6:20 - 6:35 Mindful movement (Qigong, walking meditation, etc.)
6:35 - 6:45 Contemplative offering
6:45 - 7:10 Samatha/Vipassana meditation
7:10 - 7:30 Optional group sharing/discussion

TODAY'S EVENT HOST: Tony has had a daily mindfulness meditation practice for over 5 years and has experienced overwhelming benefits from the practice. He also practices qigong (flowing movement with focus on moving "qi" energy in the body) as a physical complement to his sitting practice. Tony has found a true passion in championing and coordinating meditation in his community and workplace and is honored to be part of the North Shore Meditation Community.

COST: A voluntary donation to help offset expenses would be most appreciated but is by no means expected. May your practice of Dana (Generosity) bring you much Mudita (Altruistic Joy)!

If you elect to sit with us in person a voluntary donation to help offset expenses would be most appreciated but is by no means expected. May your practice of Dana bring you much Mudita (Altruistic joy)!

If you have any questions about this particular sitting or our meditation community in general, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to sitting in practice and sharing energy in the present moment with all who choose to attend.

With Metta, Mark and Tony

***Please note that we will continue meeting at our new time of 6 pm (an hour earlier) for all events held at St. James the Less.

Welcome to year 16 of our practice together!

All teachers agree: The key to a successful meditation practice is regular practice. Therefore this meetup is looking for practitioners who are willing to make a dedicated effort to sit together weekly in order to fully realize the benefits of group practice.

All levels and schools of thought are welcome. Meet like-minded individuals while expanding your own personal practice in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Feel free to join us for a sitting and experience increased self awareness and inner peace by way of your journey inward.

LOCATION The Episcopal Church of St. James the Less is located at 550 Sunset Ridge Road in Northfield, IL (detailed directions above).

It is our goal to make all attendees feel safe, comfortable and at ease.

FYI: Chairs will be available for those who prefer to use them. For those who choose to sit on the floor please bring your own; meditation cushion, bench, pillow, yoga mat or zafu cushion if you prefer.

GENERAL FORMAT:
5:50 - 6:05 Welcome
6:05 - 6:20 Seated centering practice
6:20 - 6:35 Mindful movement (Qigong, walking meditation, etc.)
6:35 - 7:00 Samatha/Vipassana meditation
7:00 - 7:10 Contemplative offering
7:10 - 7:30 Optional group sharing/discussion

TODAY'S EVENT HOST: Mark Z. (Asoka)
While attempting to assist his son in overcoming a panic disorder, he reconnected with the practice in 2008. A year later he joined the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation Group to gain support with that process. The benefits and support he received from the group were life changing. He was eventually invited to become a Co-organizer. He has maintained a daily meditation and mindfulness practice ever since. That experience furthered his growth and ultimately inspired him to launch and organize this group in January of 2011. He has been formally trained by Buddhist Monks, Nuns and Lay Teachers in the practices of Samatha / Vipassana, Metta and walking meditation. He is also a Co-organizer of Inner Balance Meditation as well as a Meditation and Mindfulness instructor for the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. The practice has touched his heart deeply.

COST: A voluntary donation to help offset expenses would be most appreciated but is by no means expected. May your practice of Dana (Generosity) bring you much Mudita (Altruistic Joy)!

If you have any questions about this particular sitting or our meditation community in general, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to sitting in practice and sharing energy in the present moment with all who choose to attend.

With Metta, Mark and Tony

THIS SESSION is CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM.
To Join via computer, tablet or smartphone app:
https://zoom.us/j/6678474673?pwd=K0twNnl0aThJL0toV2pFNnpjS241Zz09

Meeting ID: 667 847 4673 — Zoom password: peace

ONE TAP PHONE (audio only):
+13126266799,,6678474673#,,#,070264# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,6678474673#,,#,070264# US (New York)
MANUAL PHONE (audio only) : Dial number, meeting ID and password Meeting ID: 667 847 4673 PHONE password: 070264

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) — Dial *6 to mute or unmute.

ABOUT THIS INNER BALANCE MEDITATION SERIES:

Every third Tuesday of the month, Ellen (Radha) offers a gentle, guided healing meditation. The sessions often begin with simple upper body (sitting) stretches, then move into awareness of breath, internal senses and finally, guided meditation. We are led into a space that feels somewhere been here and not here... connecting us to our pre-conscious and subconscious states. With her gentle voice and intentional words, Ellen helps us tap into our individual capacities for healing and compassion.

Each session unfolds organically, connecting us intimately with ourselves. This provides an internal sense of emotional safety, and combined with the peaceful, accepting group energy results in an experience of deep restoration.

Ellen (Radha) Is a licensed psychotherapist and a seasoned meditation instructor. She has studied and immersed herself in a wide range of spiritual teachings, practices and communities throughout the course of her life.

There is no cost. Please share your love, kindness, and compassion generously with all you come in contact, and most profoundly with yourself!