Awakin New York
"Meditation is a process of lightening up, of trusting the basic goodness of what we have and who we are, and of realizing that any wisdom that exists, exists in what we already have. We can lead our life so as to become more awake to who we are and what we’re doing rather than trying to improve or change or get rid of who we are or what we’re doing. The key is to wake up, to become more alert, more inquisitive and curious about ourselves." --Pema Chodron
Our Awakin Circles are a space to gather together to connect more deeply with ourselves and with one another. We deepen in friendship and community, inner work and contemplation, and skillful service and external action. We draw inspiration from all of the world’s wisdom traditions – spiritual, indigenous, faith as well as secular.
These gatherings have no set agendas, no teachers or proposed beliefs -- they are simply a space to come together to listen to ourselves and to one another. There is no cost to attend; it is a simple offering in the spirit of co-creating a space for deeper wisdom to emerge, in silence and in community with others. These circles have spread organically around the world through word-of-mouth. They are fluid, and so whoever shows up each time creates the right group.
Currently, we do not have any active Awakin Circles in New York City. If you are interested in hosting Awakin Circles in this area, and being part of a global community of hosts around the world, please visit this page to learn more and get started.
If you are interested in receiving updates about future circles in the New York area, please click on the Connect tab on this page to join the mailing list!
Below is a typical format for an Awakin Circle.
Circle Format
7:30PM Collective silence for an hour. It is unguided, without any instructions or music. For first-timers, this primer on meditation may be helpful.
8:30PM A short reading (sent out earlier via email), followed by a circle of sharing of "aha" moments from everyday life.
9:30PM Light dinner and inspired connections.
There is no cost to attend, nor any solicitations; everything is offered as a humble gift and people organically "pay it forward" to the world in their own ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What's the flow? We start with an hour of meditation; that is followed by a circle of sharing, and then a meal in silence.
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How many people attend? Serendipity brings together diverse groups of all sizes, from small gatherings of a few folks to 30 at a retreat.
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I'm not local! You can join another location or perhaps even start your own!
We are profoundly grateful that our paths have crossed in this sacred way. Please do get in touch if you have any questions. We look forward to growing in stillness and service, together.