All-Levels Special "Five Reflections" Guided Meditation

Come one, come all to our fifty-fifth weekly event on Monday evening 4/28 at 7:45pm.

This week will be a special guided meditation on the "Five Reflections":
If we only practice sitting meditate focusing on the Breath Awareness, we are not using all the tools available to us for more Happiness and all those beneficial qualities of Human Goodness we work toward. These five topics can be used in our regular practice as a reflection meditation. Reflecting on these five topics has proven to be extremely beneficial to many people...*

The first reflection is to simply understand just how fortunate we are.
-That we have a very valuable, precious opportunity with our life! Reflecting this way can produce Joy and Contentment so that we have the ability to gain Peace in any situation.

The second reflection is on Death and Impermanence
-Not morbid, but understanding ourselves, our loved ones, all our friends, every plant, animal, living thing is born, exists and will pass away. We don't know when. Everything - my computer, my shirt, my vacation, my meditation session, are all impermanent - they arise, exist, and pass away. These are the Laws of Nature. This reflection helps us to be more present and live more fully, with deeper, richer relationships.

The third reflection is on Actions and the Result of Actions (often referred to as Karma or Kamma)
-Doing good will normally have beneficial results; Doing harm will normally have unbeneficial results. Taking responsibility for our actions, speech, and thought is an important part in developing Compassionate Understanding.

The fourth reflection is on Dukkha, often referred to as dissatisfaction, stress, faults of existence
-Dukkha refers to all forms of "suffering" from minor irritations and annoyances to major grieving and despair. Dukkha is natural and will occur many times in our life. Reflecting this way allows us to work with it, allowing it to teach us - understanding that there is an opportunity to end Dukkha (it, too, is impermanent). That we can develop the Peace that comes from letting go and non-grasping through our practice.

The fifth reflection is on balancing Compassion and Equanimity
-When to care and when not to care. We can help those who want to be helped however at times some won't understand or want to be helped. That is OK. Our compassion and equanimity must be well-balanced to deal with our experiences wisely.

Newcomers & Regulars; First-timers & Experienced Yogis - ALL are welcome. The only prerequisite is the desire to be there. Enjoy meditating with others just like yourself, in a supportive group setting, with some friendly discussion & questions before and after. This group actually happens - all are welcome! Please come by and check it out if at all interested.

Make friends, do something for yourself, and achieve inner peace, reduced stress and more in the process. I encourage all of you to come out and support the group in person. One thing I've noticed: there always seems to be an equal number of male/female, young/old, experienced/beginner, of all types and ethnicities - reflective of our fair city. This group is a very open, equal, and diverse community, and most of all very welcoming & kind!! In case you're wondering, I encourage you to view some comments of the past & current participants here: http://meditation.mee...

The location for our Monday evening meditation will be at The Yoga Boutique: 655 W. Irving Park Rd, Suite 102, right at the corner of Irving Park & Pine Grove. NOTE ON DIRECTIONS: This is a condo building - ENTER FROM PINE GROVE, UNDER THE AWNING THAT SAYS, "PARK PLACE MARKET". This location is very conveniently located a 5-minute stroll East along Irving Park from the Red Line "Sheridan" Stop, and right off the 151-Sheridan Bus (Pine Grove Stop) & 152-Addison, 80-Irving Park buses. If you are driving, there are several parking options. There is very limited street parking, however there is a garage in the building (Park Place) for a reasonable $5 for 2 hours. There is parking around the corner at the Walt Disney Magnet School (4140 N. Marine Dr) for $6 (self-pay, unlimited time). There is also FREE parking across (east of) Lake Shore Dr at Irving/Recreation Dr., (write if you need directions) - this is by the Totem Pole and Waveland Tennis Courts. For drivers, I encourage carpooling and sharing the expense. If you're looking for riders or a ride, let me or one of the assistants know. We're very lucky to have the place.

When you come to the meetup, remember to wear comfy, loose-fitting clothes. It is not fair to the others to arrive after 8:00pm (unless previously arranged). Thanks in advance for coming early (best) or on time!

*some descriptions of the Five Reflections paraphrased from "with Compassionate Understanding" by Steve & Rosemary Weissman (Paragon House:1999)