Greatwoods Zen Community

We welcome you to come experience our weekly Day of Mindfulness. Nestled next to nearly 1,000 acres of blooming wilderness, right in the heart of Charlotte, we will find ourselves together in the present moment. Come recharge, reconnect with yourself and others while basking in the Spring glow of the forest. We will sit, walk, breathe and share the beauty of the budding Reedy Creek Park. Also, although this meditation group (Sangha in Sanskrit) is based in the teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh of the Plum Village tradition, people of all faiths and those with no spiritual tradition are welcome.

We offer this event in the spirit of Dana (generosity of the heart), and there is no expectation for a donation. However, as we do have rent and bills to pay, everyone is welcome to donate money, food for the potluck or just help with washing up or cleaning up so that we can continue to offer this as a place of refuge for the whole community.

If you’d like to support the continuation of this space, you’re invited to register with a sliding scale contribution ($15–$45).

Registration link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/day-of-mindfulness-in-the-heart-of-reedy-creek-park

Our day will include:
Guided and silent meditation
Mindful Somatic Movement
Songs that teach and remind us to practice mindfulness
Outdoor mindful walking in a beautiful forest setting (weather permitting)
A sharing, reading or video about the practice of Mindfulness
Group Dharma sharing
Potluck lunch

If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, we may remain indoors.

Please arrive 5 to 15 minutes early so we can all arrive and settle in without too much commotion.

We will meet for more of a formal practice from 10am to 1:00pm.

However, after closing, those who wish to stay are invited for a mindful lunch together. Someone from the community sometimes prepares a main meal, but feel free to bring what you would like to share. There is refrigerator space. We eat in silence for about 15 minutes and then have time to just hang out and chat.

Optional items to bring: A water bottle, cushion for sitting (we have some as well), a journal and an open heart.

Also, on rainy days, bring a rain coat, boots you don't mind getting muddy and an umbrella in case we decide the rain is light enough to venture outside.

We look forward to practicing together with you!

Join us for a day of practice in the spirit of mindful living in community with Will and Anya. Together, we slow down, return to the body, and allow space for expression to arise—through movement, sensing, and simple creative exploration. This is not about making art or doing anything “well,” but about coming into closer contact with our direct experience.

Through sitting meditation, guided somatic practice, walking meditation in nature, and a shared expression session, we explore how awareness can take form—through the body, through movement, and in connection with one another.

What to Expect
We will move through the day as a gentle arc of practice, including opening circle and sitting meditation, guided somatic awareness practice, walking meditation in nature with a simple reflection on the seasons, a collaborative expression session, dharma sharing through movement and words, and time for rest and quiet reflection. You are welcome to participate at your own pace. At any time, you may choose to rest, step outside, or simply observe.

No prior experience is needed. All are welcome.

Sample Schedule
10:00am–1:00pm: Formal practice
After 1:00pm: Optional mindful potluck lunch and socializing
Please arrive 5–15 minutes early so we can begin together calmly.

Lunch
A simple vegetarian lunch will be offered. You are warmly welcome to bring a dish to share, in the spirit of a potluck.

Donation (Dana)
Offered in the spirit of generosity and accessibility. Donations are welcomed to support the facilitators and the continuation of these offerings.

Suggested contribution: $15–45.
Donation link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/day-of-mindful-expression

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.