Community Sitting Groups



… I feel extremely blessed to have a place to meet weekly in person surrounded by others in the community. 
~ Sangha member
 
 

Meditation sitting groups provide an opportunity to support daily practice by meeting on a regular basis for short, silent meditation where you work and live.

Sitting Groups

Would you like to practice meditation more regularly? Sitting groups help to cultivate friendship and community while meditating together. Many groups have some time for discussion about how to integrate mindfulness into daily life. The sitting groups below are led by IMCW teachers or by students in the IMCW community.

If you wish to start your own sitting group and are an experienced student, please contact IMCW for more information.


Current Sitting Groups

  • Bethesda Mindfulness Center Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Elm Street and Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD
    Description:

    The Bethesda Mindfulness Center is offering free open meditation sits.

    The Center sangha meets above the Wachovia Bank across from the Giant Food.
    Meeting Day:
    Mondays, 2-3 p.m.
    Contact:
    Rob Arner

  • Cedar Lane Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Cedar Lane Unitarian, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
    Description:
    Cedar Lane UU Church is sponsoring a mid-morning meditation group for those of us who are at home during the day. It's called "Just Sitting" -- which pretty much describes it! No instructions or guidance, just a forty-five minute period for any form of silent meditation, followed by a few minutes for anyone who would like to share their experience, or just speak from the heart.
    Meeting Day:
    Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.
    Contact:
    Deborah Ratner Helzer

  • Central PA Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Hillel House, 406 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA
    Description:

    20 minute guided meditation followed by a podcast dharma talk by Tara Brach, followed by group discussion.
    Meeting Day:
    Mondays, 5:30-7 p.m.
    Contact:
    Colleen Bogner

  • DC Area Contemplative Law Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Skewers/Luna Books, 1633 P Street, NW, Washington, DC
    Description:

    We are a group of lawyers who seek to balance the externally driven practice of law with contemplative practices. People often come early to chat or eat something. The group starts with meditation, followed by discussion. Parking is $3.00 with validation. 
    Meeting Day:
    Last Tuesday of every month, 7-9 p.m.
    Contact:
    Linda Lazurus

  • Fairfax Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, Chapel (Program Bldg.), 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124
    Description:

    Format: 30 minute partially guided sitting followed by dialogue.

    Drop-in group. Open to all.

    Leaders: Rob Creekmore and Karen Monroe. For more info, including subscribing to our listserv, please contact us.
    Meeting Day:
    1rst & 3rd Thursdays of the month, 7-8:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Rob Creekmore

  • Lovettsville Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    St. James United Church of Christ, 10 East Broad Way, Lovettsville, VA
    Description:

    Group time includes sitting meditation and discussion.  Previous introduction to meditation is helpful. Open to all. Donations for St. James Church are gratefully accepted. We meet in the Community Room.
    Meeting Day:
    Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11 a.m.
    Contact:
    Irene Hohn

  • Oakton Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2709 Hunter Mill, Oakton, VA 22124
    Description:

    A reading is followed by a 30-minute meditation, then check-ins and open dialogue, and then a brief final sit.

    Meeting is in the Social Hall in the basement of the Program Building.
    Meeting Day:
    First & third Tuesday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Rob Creekmore

  • Winchester Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley, 6380 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA
    Description:

    The format includes a 10-minute guided meditation for beginners, followed by a 30-minute silent meditation, and a 15-minute walking meditation. Following the meditation period, a 10-15 minute reading/teaching is offered. The remainder of the session is devoted to discussion.  See their MeetUp group for more information.
    Meeting Day:
    Tuesdays, 7-8:45 p.m.
    Contact:
    Shell Fischer

  • Women's Sangha Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    6410 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
    Description:
    This building is right next door to the Country Day School.

    The Women's Sangha sitting group has two sit periods of 25 minutes each with 10-minute walking/movement meditation in between the two sits. Then we have 30 minutes for sharing, following mindful guidelines of the affinity sanghas.*

    While there is no set fee for this session, we ask that you make a donation ("dana") as there is room rental.

    * Affinity Group Mindful Dialogue Process.pdf
    Meeting Day:
    Saturday mornings, 9:30-11 a.m.
    Contact:
    Carolyn Stachowski

  • Woodstock Sitting Group

    Status:
    Open
    Location:
    Shenandoah Memorial Hospital, Woodstock, Virginia
    Description:
    Our focus is on learning about meditation through a variety of practices, discussions, and teachings. So whether you are new to meditation or an advanced practitioner, you are welcome. At times, current patients at the hospital may join us as well.

    There are 5-9 people who attend on an average week (not all are on Meetup.com). There is a short introduction for new people. We practice a variety of formal and informal meditations, no longer than 20 minutes each. The focus is on Vipassana or "Insight" meditation with time to share your direct experience of the meditation after each period. There may also be a short (sometimes very short) reading, video, or teaching that relates to the practice of meditation. Refreshments may be provided.

    The group runs about 90 minutes.

    More information can be found on the group's meetup page, here.
    Meeting Day:
    1rst and 3rd Wednesdays of each month
    Contact:
    Zachary Taylor