Sunday Assembly Atlanta

Welcome to the Reflective Meditation Series. Here we join in a supportive environment to let our attention move freely and allow our minds to explore the rich landscapes of our inner selves.

About the Series
In this unique series, we practice "Reflective Meditation," a receptive and unstructured approach that allows each participant to honor their inner selves. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or a newcomer, you're invited to explore the stillness (or non-stillness!) within and discover the transformative power of reflection.

What to Expect
Optional Check-ins
To start, any who wish briefly share what they're bringing into the meditation that evening, or how they're doing lately.

Meditation Instructions & Optional Reading
If needed we will happily share what reflective meditation is and offer some guidance. Someone may have a prepared reading as an offer for consideration during your sit.

Silent Meditation
Our sessions consist of 30 minutes of silent meditation. Participants are encouraged to follow their own meditation style or try the offered approach.

Journaling
After the meditation, we engage in the reflective practice of journaling. This process allows you to capture and explore the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that arose during your meditation.

Optional Sharing
Feel free to share your meditation experiences with the group if you wish. Sharing is entirely optional and provides an opportunity for connection and mutual understanding.

Reflective Meditation Guiding Principles
Permission
Grant yourself permission to follow whatever arises in your meditation. You have the freedom to explore different practices or continue with familiar ones.

Friendliness
Cultivate a friendly relationship with your meditation experience. Let go of expectations and pressures to achieve specific outcomes. Embrace the journey itself.

Curiosity
Approach your meditation with curiosity. This natural inquisitiveness opens the door to self-discovery, insights, and a deeper understanding of your inner world.

Logistics
Sessions are open to all levels of meditation experience. Feel free to bring your favorite meditation cushion or chair for added comfort (there are many pillows and large stuffed animals). Also, feel free to bring your favorite journal and pen, though basic paper and pens will be provided, and your phone can also work. The venue is a neighborhood home near 809 and 27 Marta bus stops. Parking is available on the street, especially down the hill on Rock Springs Rd. Please don't park in the driveway, which is shared by neighbors. Each entrance has one or a few steps, and there's a restroom on the first floor. A portable air filter can be deployed upon request. We're happy to provide more information if that will encourage you to visit!

We do ask that if you are running more than 15 minutes late, you do not come. Unfortunately, arriving later than that would mean arriving during the meditation, which would be disruptive to other attendees. We would be happy to have you the following week.

We look forward to sharing this meditative journey with you!

Sometimes, we don’t really get to talk about what sorts of challenges and struggles we’re going through. Here’s a space for us to do just that. A space to share and a space to listen.

This is a peer-to-peer group for people who enjoy a secular, non-religious mindset. We are unable to offer advice or treatment for mental illness. We can, however, share our own experiences for you to pull inspiration from.

If you are new to the group and haven't gone over the rules with us in person you cannot log in after 7:20pm. If you are later than this, we will have to turn you away.

We will review the following rules at every session:

• Everything said in the group is confidential. Please do not share with anyone the names or stories you learn in this room.

• We share feelings and experiences just as they are. There are no right or wrong statements. Each person knows what is best for themselves, and therefore carries the primary responsibility for their well-being during the meeting. If at any time persons need to leave or take a break, for any reason, they are free to do so.

• No one is required to speak during the meeting. Listening is a gift, too. Everyone’s presence is appreciated and can be a source of healing for others.

• Asking for feedback is perfectly welcome, but giving others
unsolicited advice is deeply discouraged. It is empowering and healing for us to gather ideas that can benefit us. No one of us is an expert and no one knows what is best for another.

• When speaking, use “I” statements, rather than “we,” “you,” or “they.” Please focus on your feelings, not opinions.

• When a person speaks, the others should listen actively, with the goal of relating the speaker’s experiences to their own. Only one person should be speaking at any given time with no interruptions from others.

• The sharing that takes place is a gift to everyone in the room. Please don’t ask questions seeking more information. What each person chooses to share is appreciated and sufficient.

• At times, there may be silence during the meeting. This provides a moment to reflect on what has been shared. No one needs to feel anxious or responsible to break the silence.

The session is divided into two parts. During the first part, everyone is invited to share his or her experiences and feelings. No one should speak more than once during this time. The second part consists of open discussion where all are invited to talk about what they learned from the previous sharing.

How to Find Location Quickly:
Drive to Cafe Raik. Park behind restaurant. I will be waiting there behind restaurant. Arpan cell 943-268-6060

Group Description:
Gwinnett Secular Fellowship was formed for people living in Gwinnett and surrounding areas who would like to experience fellowship, belonging, and a sense of community through friendly and interesting discussions related to psychology, spirituality, politics, religion, and philosophy in a secular setting. Religious ideas centered in the supernatural are not promoted in the space, but that does not mean you have to be non-religious to attend. At Gwinnett Secular Fellowship, we do not force our personal views on others or denounce others’ views.

Gwinnett Secular Fellowship is part of Sunday Assembly Atlanta (SAA). SAA is a secular community without deity, dogma, or doctrine that helps individuals “Live Better, Help Often, and Wonder More” in the one life we know we have. SAA hopes to enrich your life with connection, curiosity, purpose, and fun.

Location and Accessibility:
We will be meeting at Siena Suwanee Town Center Apartments in the sky lounge located in Building 1000 on the 4th floor. The doors are controlled access, so I will meet everyone outside at 3:30 to let you in. There is a public parking deck right next to Building 1000 as well as street parking. There is a restroom in the sky lounge and on the ground floor. Ramps and an elevator are available.

In-Person Discussion Guidelines:
When we're chatting in person, we want to help everyone feel safe and respected by:

• Speaking one at a time: Use the finger queue system.
• Using "I" statements: When sharing your thoughts, say "I feel...", "I believe" instead of "You make me feel..." or "We think that…".
• Respecting all views: Don't try to force your opinions on others or put down others' views.

GSF Logistics WhatsApp Guidelines:
When we are texting in WhatsApp, we want to:

• Only post logistics: Share information like if you're running late or can't attend a GSF event.
• Avoid personal opinions or media: Don't share links, photos, or personal thoughts on a topic.