Intro to Insight Meditation six-week class series - Auckland

An introduction to Insight Meditation

Discover the transformative power of insight meditation in this comprehensive six-week course, led by two highly-experienced meditation teachers, Jill Shepherd and Sue Dykes.

Insight meditation uses mindfulness to develop more steadiness and calm, so that we can clearly see some of the common thought-patterns that create stress and distress, and learn how to help those patterns release. As a result of that deeper self-understanding, we're able to live with more ease, happiness and peace.

Over six consecutive Wednesday evening meetings, we will explore some of the key techniques of insight meditation.
Topics covered will include:

• Mindfulness of the body, including sitting postures and walking meditation
• Mindfulness of thoughts and emotions, including methods to reduce afflictive thought patterns and strengthen beneficial ones
• Mindfulness in daily life, including mindful speaking and listening
• Practices for cultivating kindness, compassion and self-compassion

Each evening will include a guided meditation, a short talk and time for group discussion. 

The course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those with some previous meditation experience.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring thick socks and a shawl or blanket.
Chairs will be provided but if you prefer to sit on the floor, please bring a yoga mat or an old blanket and some cushions to sit on.

Although insight meditation comes from the Buddhist tradition, these practices are suitable for people of all backgrounds and this course is a secular offering with no religious aspects.

NOTE: Because this is a group learning process, participants are asked to make a commitment to attend all six sessions of the course, and to allow at least one hour a week for personal meditation practice.
Feel free to contact Jill if you have any questions about this.

Teachers: 

Jill Shepherd Jill is the guiding teacher of Auckland Insight and trained to become an insight meditation teacher under the guidance of Joseph Goldstein and Gil Fronsdal
Sue Dykes is a Clinical Psychologist and the former Director of Mindfulness Auckland, where she taught MBSR and MBCT courses, retreat days and drop-in practice groups. She practices in the Insight Meditation tradition, regularly attending silent retreats as well as local practice sessions.

Cost: 

Cost for all six sessions: $60 plus donation* or for people experiencing financial stress, $30 plus donation* 

Times and dates: 

Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30 pm 24 July - 28 August 2024

*The cost of the course covers only the venue hire and administration expenses
In keeping with Buddhist tradition, the teachings are offered on a donation basis which means the teachers are not paid to offer these classes. Instead, they rely on the generosity of the participants to help them continue to share their teachings with others, and there will be an opportunity at the end of each class to offer donations to support their ongoing teaching.