To take this posture itself is the purpose of our practice. When you have this posture, you have the right state of mind, so there is no need to try to attain some special state. —Suzuki Roshi

Are you uncomfortable or in pain when you meditate? Is it challenging to sit for long periods of time? Or is it just hard to stay present? Discover how being fully present and at ease in your body transforms your practice and your life!

Being upright is not just an arbitrary shape; it’s a perfect expression of meditation itself. In this day-long workshop, Hope, a master teacher of the Alexander Technique, will help you discover ease and non-striving in meditation and other activities. Her hands-on work makes subtle adjustments to the head, neck and back to access effortless, balanced posture — both light and grounded.

The process teaches awareness of habits that result in pain, fixed posture and mind-set, and shows us how to shift to a more open, balanced way of being that is our birthright. It’s not about improving or getting away from anything. Rather, by learning about and honoring the many moments of response that are our habits, we become actively engaged in the process of befriending ourselves.

The workshop includes instruction on basic body mechanics and alignment, experiential exercises and hands-on from the instructor to help improve your posture and release unnecessary tension in your meditation practice and in your life. There will be a break midday for lunch (not provided). New and experienced meditators are welcome.

Hope Martin has taught the Alexander Technique for over 35 years and operates Hope Martin Studio in New York City. She is a Senior Teacher who trained Alexander teachers for 25 years at the American Center for the Alexander Technique. She is also a Meditation Instructor and a Focusing trainer. Hope had a 20-year teaching partnership with David Rome where they developed and taught Embodied Listening bringing together Meditation, the Alexander Technique and Focusing.

She has been a close student of Pema Chodron for 30 years. Hope specializes in working with meditators, bringing more ease to their practice. She has taught in meditation halls and zendos throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her particular passion is in helping her students discover how easeful, upright posture is an expression of their human dignity, confidence and innate wakefulness.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds; please email the NYZ office at office@newyorkzendo.org for assistance. ZSS Health Protocols  apply.

Sponsored by New York Insight.

Join Insight OUT Refuge and allies for an in-person collective expression of our Refuge. We’ll meditate together and share an open discussion of what it means to take Refuge this Pride season alongside daily assaults on our political rights and identities. This is a time to reach for community like never before.

Join us online via Zoom: https://bit.ly/nyiinsightout
Meeting ID: 845 0390 5943
Passcode: 123
Dial by your location: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbAkW4rpL2

Space for in-person attendance is limited. Please reserve your in-person seat by clicking here.

Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure an orderly check-in.
Reserved seats will be released at 6:30 PM to our waitlist.
If we are sold out, please sign-up for the waiting list – there may be a gap before the Wait List opens.
If you are on the Wait List, please email registration@nyimc.org between 5:30-6 pm on the day to inquire if space opened up for you to join us.
Walk-Ins will be admitted if space is available on a first-come basis at the start of the program.
If you are having trouble completing your RSVP or donation, please CLICK HERE to open it in a new browser. All proceeds will support this sangha’s teacher(s) and other NYI teacher support. Please contact registration@nyimc.org if you need assistance.

Fee by donation: Suggested starting donation is $15 but whatever you offer is greatly appreciated and no one is ever turned away for lack of funds.

Volunteer Days at Dai Bosatsu Zendo

Join the monastery residents this spring for volunteer days at Dai Bosatsu!

Samu (work practice) is a traditional part of Zen monastery life. When the weather allows, we will be working outside. Participants also do nittensoji (temple cleaning), cooking, and other tasks. The schedule will include zazen (meditation), chanting and traditional monastery meals using three bowls and chopsticks.  There will be an orientation for all first-time attendees.

Volunteer days are free. To sign up, please email the office. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Looking forward to seeing you at DBZ this spring!