Saturday Night Practice Group (Dharma Recovery)

Overview:
This session is all about experimenting with how we can bring mindful awareness into the simple, everyday tasks of our lives. It provides a supportive place to quietly explore new ways of engaging in our lives and recovery.

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Session Outline:

1. Opening Meditation (10 minutes):
   We begin by settling into stillness together, focusing on our breathing and grounding ourselves in the present moment.
2. Intentions & Preparation:
   After the meditation, each participant privately jots down a personal intention to carry through the remainder of the meeting. It could be anything—staying present, bringing kindness to yourself, or approaching a particular task with mindful awareness.
3. Mindful Activity (~50 minutes):
   For most of the session, you’ll do a real-life activity—like walking the dog, doing chores, writing letters, or even having a conversation. The aim is to treat the activity as if it were a meditation, holding the same calm, attentive, and compassionate mindset.
   Every 10 minutes, a gentle bell will ring, reminding you to come back to your intention.
4. Group Reflection (10 minutes):
   In the final portion, we’ll come together to share brief insights and observations. How was the experience of bringing meditation into daily tasks? What did you learn about sustaining a mindful attitude beyond the cushion?

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Why This Format?
By reducing conversation and emphasizing personal intention, this group experience allows us to explore recovery principles in the midst of everyday living. It’s a chance to reconnect with ourselves, cultivate deeper awareness, and see how a meditative mindset can enrich even the most ordinary moments.