**Cultivating Mindfulness through Deep Listening**

Cultivating Mindfulness through Deep Listening

**A Day of Mindfulness of the Community of Mindfulness NY/Metro **

on March 16, 2019 at

91 Claremont Avenue, Room 20-T, Riverside Church, NY, NY 10025

“You listen not for the purpose of judging, criticizing or analyzing. You listen only to
help the other person to express himself and find some relief from his suffering.”
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh

“The first duty of love is to listen.”
Paul Tillich

Listening is a vital and overlooked life skill and the cornerstone of building trustworthy relationships. Listening is an act of love, extending toward collegiality, agreeableness, understanding, and compassion. It is a mindset of being rather than doing. Strong listening skills are a critical aspect of cultivating peace within and peace in the world. At the heart of authentic listening is the courage to be fully human, to take risks, to care deeply, and to take action even in the midst of change and uncertainty.

The basis for cultivating listening skills is mindfulness, and this Day of Mindfulness focuses on basic mindfulness skills to support, greater awareness, understanding and relational trust.

To enhance individual and collective mindful awareness, this Day of Mindfulness will largely be held in silence with the exception of a period of deep listening practice in small and large groups.

What to Bring/How to Prepare

Please bring a journal for writing, a vegetarian lunch, yoga mat, and blanket for deep relaxation. Meditation cushions and chairs are provided. Please review these deep listening guidelines by the Center for Courage & Renewal and the Order of Interbeing before the Day of Mindfulness: http://www.couragerenewal.org/touchstones/ and Trainings Eight and Nine of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings: https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness-practice/the-14-mindfulness-trainings/

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing for mindful movement. Come for all or part of the Day of Mindfulness, and please do not wear fragrances.

This Day of Mindfulness is offered by donation.

Tentative Schedule 10:00 am to 4:30pm
(The schedule is subject to change.)

10:00-12:30 Opening Circle: Welcome and introductions, guided sitting and walking
meditation, mindful movement, Dharma talk, individual and group reflection

12:30-2:30/3:00 pm Silent lunch-mindful eating (Bring your own veggie lunch), deep
relaxation, outdoor walking-weather permitting

2:30/3:00-4:15 pm Individual and group reflection and sharing

4:15 pm Closing Circle

Register here: http://communityofmindfulnessnewyorkmetro.blogspot.com

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