Mindfulness In The World

A Practice-Based Course led by Sharon Allen, Jill Shepherd, Jennifer Dungan, and Bill Kostura.

January 25 – March 1, 2018

Life in the world can be stressful – but you can do something about it. This six-week course will emphasize teachings and practices from Buddhism that can make the difference between increased stress and increased well-being in your interactions with the world. You’ll learn about bringing mindful awareness to daily life experiences – for example, with family, in the workplace, and in broader social and cultural circles. Understanding the dynamic interplay between our inner awareness and our responses to experience is an important first step in life decisions.

If you value greater mental and physical balance, clarity, and ease of being, this course is for you!

Some previous meditation experience is useful but not required. This is a Level 2 course.

Class content and practice skills will include:

• January 25 – Mindful View: finding peace with impermanence and change – with Sharon Allen
• February 1 – Mindful Intention: letting go of harmful states – with Sharon Allen and Bill Kostura
• February 8 –Mindful Action: acting in ways that support peace of mind and avoiding harmful actions – with Sharon Allen
• February 15 – Mindful Livelihood: working from a moral and ethical foundation – with Jennifer Dungan
• February 22 – Mindful Compassion: caring for all, because we all matter – with Jill Shepherd
• March 1 – Living in Balance – integrating mindfulness into your life for wisdom, clarity, and ease – with Sharon Allen

Class format will include:

• Meditation instruction relevant to these themes, with both guided and unguided practices
• Teachings on these themes
• Written and experiential exercises and homework
• Group discussion and interaction, Q&A

Resources will include:

• Guidance and teachings from experienced mindfulness teachers
• Weekly written guidelines
• Sutta references and practice links

COURSE LEVELS:
This course is open to all practitioners. It is designed as a level 2 course. Click this link for a key to course level designations.

REGISTRATION:
Registration is required for this course. Registration will open two-three months prior to the start date of each course. Registration fees are non-refundable. To register select an option under the Tickets heading at the bottom of this page. If you are viewing this page more than two months in advance of the course, the ticket feature may not have yet appeared, so please check back later to register.

The sliding scale fee range is from $360 to $90 and will be shared between IMSB and the teacher(s). The lower end of the sliding scale is intended for those with limited means. The basic rate of $90 is estimated to cover the most basic costs such as rent and insurance for the specific class period. The base rate does not factor in compensation for teachers or ongoing administrative expenses for IMSB. The scholarship rate of $45 offers an even lower rate for those with very limited financial means.

By choosing to give at the mid to high range of the sliding scale your generosity supports those with limited income to attend our programs, and it supports IMSB and the teachers, enabling the dhamma to thrive in the South Bay Area. We encourage you to choose the highest level that is appropriate for your economic situation. If you need additional scholarship assistance and can volunteer to help, please inquire with the registrar about service scholarships by contacting ThursdayClass.

Ticketing Tip: You may purchase series tickets on any day of the series. When you purchase a ticket you are registering for the entire class series. So you only need to register once.

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY:
The basic registration fee is not tax deductible and non-refundable. Donations above the base rate will be considered voluntary tax deductible contributions. Each January the IMSB treasurer sends donors letters that acknowledge the accumulated deductible donations from the previous year. This annual letter will acknowledge the amount given that is above the basic rate and serve as documentation for tax deduction purposes.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
All fees and payments are non-refundable. If it becomes necessary to cancel participation in a course, and the registrar is notified prior to the start of the first class meeting, your registration fee will be converted into a voucher creditable towards the fee for a future IMSB Thursday Class. Vouchers must be used within one year of the initial course start date, and may be transferred to only one future course. Cancellations that occur after the start of the first class are not eligible for the voucher credit.