At The Nashville Mindfulness Center, we endeavor to practice in such a way that our practice is both nourishing and transformative. Our teachers, over centuries, have offered us ways of right practice that we honor, while at the same time recognizing and respecting the culture, customs, needs and challenges of our modern day western society and individual lives. Our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh has offered great efforts to translate and transmit teachings that support the practice of meditation and mindfulness in the here and now of our daily lives. Here at the NMC, we endeavor to nourish and blossom his tradition.
These are a few of the meditations and practices You’ll have an opportunity to practice with us at the NMC, as well as the answers to several frequently asked questions. If this page does not answer or address your question sufficiently, please feel free to contact us directly at compassion@nashvillemindfulness.org.
FAQ’s
What should i wear?
We invite You to wear modest, comfortable, non-restrictive clothing suitable for sitting and walking meditation.
Do i need to bring a cushion?
You may bring your own cushion(s) if You wish. However, we have sufficient zafus (round cushions) and zabutans (larger rectangular cushions on which to place the zafus) for everyone.
Is there a cost involved to attend?
There is no cost to attend our regular practices. However, donations are much appreciated.
Does the NMC provide programs for children?
At present, we are unable to provide programs for children. However, some of our parents coordinate with one another to facilitate and assist with babysitting needs. If You have further questions please contact us via email or telephone.
PRACTICES
Sitting Meditation: When we practice sitting meditation we offer our body and mind an opportunity to become calm, to be at ease. We “come home” to ourselves. We invite our mind and body to be in the same place at the same time. We offer ourselves the opportunity and intention to be present and to practice looking and listening deeply. You might enjoy reading “What is Meditation?” and “Ten Noble Breaths” for a good deal more clarification. Sitting may be practiced on a cushion or chair.
Walking Meditation: The practice of walking in mindfulness is the practice of peace in action. As we invite peace, and awareness in walking, our steps can quite naturally become slow, relaxed, and calm. We are simply in touch with our breath, and our feet touching the earth. Without goal or destination, we walk in silence placing our footsteps mindfully one after the other, creating joy with each step. This practice can offer us freedom and happiness right away. It can help us release our sorrow, worry, and regrets, and help us cultivate joy, happiness and true presence. If we look deeply we may see that walking on the earth, knowing we are walking on the earth is a very real and tangible miracle.
Eating Meditation:
During our retreats and occasionally at sangha gatherings we will eat together in silence, mindful of each bite of food. When we take time and offer care to place our awareness on how and what we consume, it may offer us great clarity and insight. We may see that this practice nourishes far more than our body, it nourishes our consciousness, our thoughts, our individual lives, and the lives of others. Before eating a mindful meal, we may invite the bell and recite this short gatha or practice poem:
This food is a gift of the universe,
of the earth, the sky, and much hard work.
May we be worthy to receive it.
May we transform unskillful states of mind,
especially the habit of eating without awareness or moderation.
May we take only foods that help nourish us and prevent illness.
We accept this food in order to continue along a path of understanding,
peace, compassion, and loving-kindness.
All over the world there are those who struggle to survive.
We accept this food that we may have the strength to help
transform the energies that perpetuate such suffering.
Tea Meditation: Similar to eating meditation, tea meditation is the practice of drinking mindfully. We drink our tea, knowing we are drinking our tea. We may also share cookies or something else appropriate to eat with tea. Unlike eating meditation, however, tea meditation is often an occasion when, after eating and drinking mindfully for a time, we invite our brothers and sisters to share poems, quotes, songs, and even dances with our sangha in order to water the seeds of happiness and harmony in the community. It is a time of much smiling, laughing and love. It is also a time when we have the opportunity to offer our presence and listen deeply to those who are sharing. There is no obligation or expectation to share, our presence for one another is already a gift.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings Recitation: a ceremony to recite the Five Mindfulness Trainings during which we may sing, offer gratitude to our teachers, read the Heart Sutra, and recite the refuge vows and trainings. (Click links to learn more.)
Five Earth Touchings: (coming soon)
Dharma Discussion: a mindful discussion of the Dharma or teachings during which all may participate and much space is offered. It is a practice of mindful speech and mindful listening without judgement, or expectation. It is a time to both ask questions and offer insight from our own experiences.
Crystal Bowl Meditation: unique to the NMC, Crystal Bowl Meditation is a silent meditation (unguided or loosely guided meditation) practiced in the environment of beautifully tuned, sustained crystal bowls. Many find the effect of sitting while the bowls are invited to be exceptionally deep, stable, and nourishing. As with any environment designed to be conducive to meditation, peaceful, and safe; the environment of consonant and harmonious sound can invite our practices to be exceptionally nourishing and beneficial.
