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Contemplative Circle

Saturday, June 1, 2024 • 24 Iyyar 5784

10:45 AM - 12:00 PMLubin Hall
Past Sessions
Saturday, May 4, 2024 • 26 Nisan 5784 - 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM - Room 5
Saturday, April 6, 2024 • 27 Adar II 5784 - 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM - Lubin Hall

Contemplative Circle

A sacred communal space of meditation, movement, music and blessing.

 

A Space of the Heart

Our contemplative circle is a sacred and serene space where we gather together to engage in deep introspection and mindfulness practices. It is communal in nature and is designed to promote peace, self-awareness, and spiritual growth by targeting the heart, spirit, emotion, and body. It gives us access to our inner landscape through meditation, music, gentle movement, chanting, breath and prayer. In this way, the contemplative circle beautifully complements the traditional Siddur-based prayer service.
 
Our contemplative circles, co-led by clergy and lay-leaders, are creative and fluid. At each session we blend and fuse the elements of meditation, music, gentle movement, chanting, breath and prayer a bit differently, so that no two circle experiences will be exactly the same.
 
​The setting is a tranquil environment such as an indoor chapel or an outdoor meditation garden.  We arrange ourselves loosely in a circle, which symbolizes the interconnectedness of all individuals and encourages a feeling of inclusivity and unity. Seating consists of cushions, mats, or chairs, allowing participants to freely choose a posture that is comfortable and supports their meditation practice. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and to bring their own favorite mats, cushions or seats with them to the circle if they wish.
 
​We engage in periods of Hitbonenut (התבוננות), or meditation, which may be silent or guided. Intentional silence is one of the key aspects of our contemplative meditation practice. We often focus on our breath, using it as an anchor to stay present in the moment. During guided meditations, a facilitator guides participants through a series of mindfulness exercises or visualizations to help us enter a state of deep contemplation.
 
​We sing or chant with our voices, sometimes accompanied by musical instruments, sometimes around prayers, and sometimes just niggunim (wordless melodies).
 
​We explore mindful movement, including walking meditation and body prayer. There may be periods set aside for Hitbodedut (הִתְבּוֹדְדוּת), the act of open, spontaneous, and direct communication with God in which we speak to God on our own terms (however we understand God).
 
​We open the circle with greetings, shared intentions or dedications for the session. We close the circle with a ritual involving a brief discussion, a blessing, a gratitude practice, a body prayer or a gesture to acknowledge each other and the shared experience.
 
We are respectful and non-judgmental towards ourselves and others. We are free to show up and be fully present just the way we are and to discover what is true for us at this moment. Our circle is a safe space for each of us to explore our inner world without fear of criticism. We create a nurturing and supportive environment for each other to cultivate mindfulness and connect with a community of like-minded seekers on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
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Sat, May 18 2024 10 Iyyar 5784