East Bay Meditation Center

Dharma In Motion: Mindful Yoga
2019-01-25 18:00 - 18:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | East Bay Meditation Center, 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
with Jonathan Relucio
DROP IN FORMAT, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Please wear clothing that allows for gentle movement.
Mindful yoga is a trauma-informed practice that integrates movement, breathing techniques and centering for stress resilience and healing. Within the yoga tradition, mindful movement (asana) and breathing practices (pranayama) are used to prepare the body and mind for meditation. The class will also emphasize: the dharma’s foundations of mindfulness (Body, Feeling Tones, and Mind States); modifications for people of diverse abilities and needs; and opportunities to set intentions for one’s health and well-being.

The Health of the Mind
2019-01-27 09:30 - 12:30
with Carol Cano
Buddhist teachings are not a religion, they are a science of mind.
—The Dalai Lama
We will explore a genuine approach towards happiness and peace at a time in human history that is undeniably chaotic and leaning towards the brink of madness. What copings skills are helping us manage conflict, stress, fears and the nonstop pressure of society as a whole? The Buddha presented a map for “awakening inner freedom of the spirit and liberation of the heart from entanglements in unhealthy states”. We will cultivate practices recognizing and let- go of unhealthy states.
This half-daylong is open to all levels of practice especially new practitioners to the dharma. We will be exploring the dharma and mindfulness meditation as healthy tools for coping and moving more towards equanimity.
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Every Body Every Mind Sangha
2019-01-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2019-02-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2019-02-10 18:00 - 19:30
Every Body Every Mind Sangha is a weekly practice group for people living with disabilities, limitations, differences and chronic illnesses.
Sundays
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Please come and take part in this time to meditate, share our lives and support with each other, and learn more about the dharma. There is no need to register for these weekly meetings, just come and share this path together!
Teachers include Charlie Johnson, Deb Kerr and others.
For more info, visit the Every Body Every Mind Sangha Website.

ONLINE: Trans/Gender-Expansive Deep Refuge Group
2019-01-28 18:30 - 20:00
Trans/Gender-Expansive Deep Refuge Group
Fourth Mondays (online over zoom)
6:30-8pm PM PST
This deep refuge group is by and for trans/gender-expansive people. Our goal is to provide a welcoming community space for trans/gender-expansive folks who are interested in exploring meditation and other aspects of Buddhist practice. Both beginners and experienced practitioners welcome!
To be added to the email list, please email tgedeeprefuge@eastbaymeditation.org with a quick note about your interest in the group. We look forward to practicing with you!

Balanced Not Busy: Creating a Nourishing Life
2019-01-28 18:30 - 21:00
with JD Doyle, René Rivera, Jonathan Relucio
Monday, Jan 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th 6:30 – 9:00PM
So many of us focus on what is unfinished or incomplete in our lives rather than recognizing what is going well. In this four class series, we’ll explore Buddhist practices that cultivate balanced and sustainable lives that nurture contentment and harmony. We will learn practical tools to shift our attitudes to bring more kindness and joy into our daily lives.
This series will include a diverse array of practices, including mindfulness, guided meditations, writing activities, and interactive discussions. Gather in a supportive community to set intentions for your daily life and explore how to navigate from busyness to balance.
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE.
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
We thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Dharma In Motion
2019-01-29 18:00 - 18:50
Mindful yoga is a trauma-informed practice that integrates movement, breathing techniques and centering for stress resilience and healing. Within the yoga tradition, mindful movement (asana) and breathing practices (pranayama) are used to prepare the body and mind for meditation. The class will also emphasize: the dharma’s foundations of mindfulness (Body, Feeling Tones, and Mind States); modifications for people of diverse abilities and needs; and opportunities to set intentions for one’s health and well-being.

Alphabet Sangha
2019-01-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2019-02-05 19:00 - 20:30
A meditation group for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Same-Gender Loving, and Two-Spirit communities. Because that’s such a mouthful, we call ourselves the Alphabet Sangha.
Tuesdays
7:00 – 8:30 pm
For more information, visit the ALPHABET SANGHA WEBSITE

Midday Sangha
2019-01-30 12:00 - 13:35, 2019-02-06 12:00 - 13:35
Midday Sangha at EBMC Wednesdays at Noon!
Join our peer-led multicultural sangha for silent meditation practice and community building.
Every Wednesday
12:00 – 12:45 Silent sitting, standing or lying down meditation with optional walking meditation.
12:45 – 1:35 Potluck lunch with facilitated conversation about our practice and being the dharma in the world
Midday Sangha Coordinating Committee:
Abe Doherty, Jenn Biehn, Kam McCallum, Karen Jackson, Manuel Vasquez, Preston Justice, Shawki, Yvette Flores

Beginning a Meditation Practice
2019-01-30 18:30 - 20:30
with Mushim Ikeda
Part of East Bay Meditation Center’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 5 Month Curriculum
Are you looking for a way to start a mindfulness meditation practice, but don’t quite know how? These classes will give you the basics of stationary and walking/gentle movement meditation in the vipassana (insight) style, and metta (loving kindness or good will) meditation. Don’t worry about “getting it right” – if you can sit – on a folding chair, on floor cushions, in a wheelchair – or lie down – and breathe, you’re off to a good start! This series is for those seeking stress reduction, or it can be the gateway to those new to Buddhism. Meditation can help you, over time, to develop a sense of increased physical well-being, mental clarity, compassionate connection, and spiritual growth.
Space is limited and registration is requested. Register HERE.
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Teen Sangha: Winter Session
2019-01-30 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-02-06 19:00 - 20:45
EBMC Teen Sangha
Winter 2019
Wednesdays, January 2nd to March 27th 7:00 pm – 8:45PM pm
EBMC Teen Sangha is a weekly meditation group for teens, ages 14-19
Led by Anthony Maes, Raul Betancourt, Louije Kim and Sarwang Parikh
Our focus is on creating deeper relationships with ourselves and each other, having fun, getting real and supporting each other. Learn mindfulness meditation and explore the dharma (Buddhist teachings) in creative experiential ways. No experience necessary. We are committed to maintaining a sangha (community) that is welcoming to people of all identities, cultures and backgrounds.
Registration: Registration is required and space is limited. Click HERE to register.
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

People of Color Yoga
2019-01-31 18:00 - 19:00, 2019-02-07 18:00 - 19:00
Weekly Yoga Practice for Self Identified People of Color led by Satya de la Paz
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Build strength and flexibility while cultivating mindfulness in this all levels hatha yoga class. Each class has a unique, inspiring theme and personalized instruction that will leave you feeling joyous and rejuvenated.
No registration required. No mat or special clothes required.

People of Color Sangha
2019-01-31 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-02-07 19:00 - 21:00
The People of Color Sangha is a growing tribe of people of color waking up and getting free!
Thursdays
7:00 – 9:00 PM
For more information, visit the: POC SANGHA WEBSITE

Dharma in Motion - Embodying Heart Qualities through Tai Chi Chih
2019-02-01 18:00 - 18:50, 2019-02-08 18:00 - 18:50
with Jenn Biehn
DROP IN FORMAT, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Please wear clothing that allows for gentle movement.
A form of qigong, Tai Chi Chih circulates, balances, and gathers the chi or energy of the body. In this class, we will embody heart qualities including lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity through easy-to-learn, accessed-centered Tai Chi Chih movements. Embodying heart qualities through mindful movement helps ground and strengthen these qualities. Qigong stretches will be practiced at the beginning of each class to prepare the body heart mind for this moving meditation.

Family Series: Having Joy in the Moment as Parents and Caregivers
2019-02-02 10:00 - 13:00
A half day for parents, grandparents and caregivers
with Shahara Godfrey and Baruch Golden
“Joy awakens our love for life, and it’s contagious,” James Baraz Awakening joy in ourselves is a way to care for others. By staying in touch with our own appreciation for life, we remind those around us of their capacity to do the same. Having joy in the moment as parents and caregivers can be both easy and challenging. Through the lens of the dharma, we will have opportunities to explore practices that encourage feelings of happiness and joy. The half daylong involves having fun and includes interactive exercises with silent and guided meditations.
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Trust the Struggles: Making Peace with the Five Hindrances to Mindfulness
2019-02-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-02-11 19:00 - 21:00
Open to all
with Melvin Escobar
This class series will explore The Five Obstacles (Hindrances) to mindfulness meditation and ways to work with them. Buddhist teachings will be interwoven with contemporary psychological frameworks and informed by an understanding of structural oppression. Through talks, interactive exercises, stationary and gentle moving meditation, and recommendations for home practice, participants will gain awareness and how to use them as gateways to deepen our practice.
Attend some or all:
Feb 4th: Doubt
Feb 11th: Sloth + Torpor
Feb 18th: Restlessness + Worry
Feb 25th: Sensual Desire and Ill Will
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Dharma in Motion - Access Stillness in the Midst of Activity
2019-02-05 18:00 - 18:50, 2019-02-12 18:00 - 18:50
T’ai Chi Chih – Joy through Movement
with Paul Ciske
Dharma in Motion Class, Tuesdays 6-6:50
February 5 – March 26
T’ai Chi Chih® is a moving meditation consisting of 20 easy-to-learn, accessible movements. A form of qigong, T’ai Chi Chih® circulates and balances the chi or energy of the body with the intention of bringing stillness and calm to the heart mind in the midst of activity. There are variations for standing, sitting, and lying down. Please come fragrance free.
For the past 25 years, Paul has taught and practiced Tai Chi Chih (TCC) – Joy through Movement. His profession revolves around the body as a neurologic body worker, movement trainer and coach, and Conscious Embodiment facilitator. Paul was the original host of Larry Yang’s LGBTQ East Bay sitting group before EBMC existed and is a long-time member of Alphabet Sangha.

Buddha’s 4 Big Truths: Liberation from Suffering
2019-02-06 18:30 - 20:30
with Mushim Ikeda
Wednesday’s Feb 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th 6:30 – 8:30PM
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings: 5-month Curriculum
Why do we suffer? How can we be released from suffering? The Buddha’s first teaching after his Enlightenment is called the Four Truths for Noble Ones. These form the foundation of Buddhist life and understanding. The four “big” truths address human suffering and oppression, analyze their root causes, and describe a path of liberation from human suffering that is both profound and practical. Dharma talks, interactive exercises, journaling, meditation and optional readings. Beginners in meditation are welcome.
Space is limited and registration is requested. Register HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Decolonizing Sexuality: A Workshop for Men, Masculine Identified and Non-Binary People
2019-02-09 09:00 - 17:30
with Lama Rod Owens and Rev. Daigan Gaithers
Through retreat, meditation, dialogue, sharing and personal storytelling, journaling and ritual, we will together unpack how patriarchy has shaped our expressions of masculinity and the self more generally. We will take up a dharmic lens to examine our relationship to violence and domination, power, femininity, love and sexuality along a path to unveiling and honoring non-patriarchal expressions of who we are as human beings. Our intention is to illuminate how patriarchal expressions of self create suffering for all of us as we begin to develop a relationship to a more sacred masculinity. Our hope is that these efforts will not only further our own liberation, but begin to cultivate spiritual communities and a human world where both the sacred feminine and masculine are held in loving balance.
Space is limited and registration is required. REGISTER HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

ONLINE: Multiracial Peer-Led Deep Refuge Group
2019-02-09 19:00 - 21:00
The Multiracial Deep Refuge Group is a monthly exploratory Deep Refuge Group for and by people who identify as multiracial. Our meetings include periods of mindfulness meditation and sharing of narratives and perspectives as we come together to be seen and to see one another. By sitting and exploring our own unique stories, we can come to know and care for the common threads that bind us together. Our collective work bravely expands the narrative that informs multiracial experience today. Meets 7pm-9pm on the second Saturdays of every month. Online and occasionally hybrid (in-person at EBMC + online).
Newcomers welcome- please contact us before your first visit: mrdrcoordinators at googlegroups dot com

Family Practice Class: Opening the Heart through the Buddha's Teachings
2019-02-10 10:00 - 12:30
For Children Ages 0-13 and Family / Caregivers
Led by Baruch Golden, Eve Decker, Michele Ku and Shahara Godfrey
We invite you to come and help create the diverse family sangha at EBMC. We welcome families with babies, toddlers, and children up to age 13. Children under 5 will need to have a parent/caregiver stay with them.
This class features training on “Family Tea Time” and how mindful practices can bind the family together. We will also explore how meditation and meditative movement can contribute to successful family life. Parents/caregivers and young people will meet together and separately during the class. We are committed to creating a diverse family sangha. No prior experience is necessary.
Please bring a snack (without nuts) to share.
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE.
Please note, each family only needs one registration, thank you!
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.
