The Need for Self-Compassion One of the hardest things for us to practice is self-compassion. This has been true in my own life. My loud inner critic, coupled with my mental/emotional tendency toward intrusive negative thoughts, anxiety and depression, have made self-compassion both a challenge and purpose in my life. In my time as a teacher, father, friend, etc. I’ve found that this is true not just for myself but for many of us.... July 1, 2021By Ofosu Jones-Quartey teachings
An Opening Invitation For decades, a prayer has circulated in the background of my daily life. May I trust my own goodness. May I see the goodness in others. This longing emerged from a deep place of suffering I went through as a young adult. During that dark time, I felt anxious and depressed, separate from the world around me. I was continually judging myself... June 24, 2021By Tara Brach event, teachings
IMCW All-Sangha Picnic Help us kick off our re-opening to in-person events with an All-Sangha Picnic! Come spend some relaxed down time and lunch with sangha members from across the DMV. We’ll introduce you to our board members and teachers, but there will be no formal program. June 23, 2021By Editor event
Training the Squirrel-Chasing Mind Sometimes training the mind in meditation is compared to training a dog to “stay.” While there’s some appeal to this image, I’m not sure that it holds up when examined closely. Yes, there is the quality of coming back to the breath that is similar to a dog coming back to its master. But does the mind really respond like a pet? June 17, 2021By Kevin Griffin event, teachings
Trisha Stotler & Anne Adams Green: Leading the Insight Meditation Community of Washington Into a New Era On behalf of the board of directors of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, I am beyond happy to announce our new leadership team: Trisha Stotler, Executive Director of Programs, and Anne Adams Green, Executive Director of Administration.... June 11, 2021By La Sarmiento announcement