A Note From Judy: I met Bhante G about a year ago when he came to this area for a weekend teaching.He's in his 80's now, a small, beaming man from Sri Lanka who has been in North America since the 60's.

He welcomed everyone and gave a most simple and basic introduction to meditation. His few words came quietly with an effortless and seemingly limitless smile.

When he was finished, another monk began speaking. It was then that I received my most helpful guidance in meditation.

I happened to watch Bhante G, as the other monk began speaking. What he did was remarkable in it's stark simplicity. He closed his eyes... and sat. That was it. Nothing else was going on. No mental reflections about what he'd said, what was being said, the people in front of him or where else he might be.

It was apparent that he was just here, breathing, aware, present, steeped in contentment. How simple, how amazing and how rare, this depth of peace, at home stillness and wellbeing.

Recently I've been reading another book by Bhante G (short for Gunaratana) called, Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness. It is very good. So good, I'd like to read it together with others. If you are interested and can join us Wednesday evenings for 9 weeks starting mid-April, call or send an email.

Using the workbook and MP3 CD endorsed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PH.D (founder of MBSR), we progressively cover steps to reduce stress and truly transform your life. The program incorporates both formal and informal excercises that can be completed in just minutes each day. The weekly meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your experience and any questions that might arise as well as offering the benefit of the added inspiration of working with others. Register in advance. Call Judy at 508-624-7519 or send an e-mail

"In just weeks you can learn mindfulness-based reduction (MBSR), a clinically proven program for alleviating stress, anxiety, panic, depression, chronic pain, and a wide range of medical conditions. Taught in classes and clinics worldwide, this powerful approach shows you how to focus on the present moment in order to permanently change the way you handle stress. As you work through this booki, you'll learn how to replace stress-promoting habits with mindful ones - a skill that will last a lifetime."

                            A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Bob Stahl & Elisha Goldstein

"My wife and I truly loved your class.
We have been reading and listening to CDs on these types of topics
for about 15 years and your course has been transformational for us...
You helped us with many questions we had about meditation and mindfullness as well."
                                                       - JH Milford, MA, Global Director Healthcare Industry

Thursday Evenings 7pm : Eckhart Tolle Local Group Eckhart Tolle is the author of The Power of Now, which has been widely recognized as one of the most influential spiritual books of our time. It reached the New York Times bestseller list in 2002 and has been translated into 17 languages. At the core of Eckhart’s teachings lies the transformation of individual and collective human consciousness – a global spiritual awakening.  Using the format recommended by Eckhart, we begin with a short silence is followed by a DVD or CD and conclude with a short period of silence and some sharing from the stillness.  It's great to come regularly if you can. No fee, donations welcome. Drop-in.

Friday Morning Drop in Meditation: Simply Silence Every Friday Morning 9-10 AM. Suggested donation $10. Drop-in Enjoy simple silence and the stillness of sitting with a small group. Followed by tea. No experience necessary and no pre-registration is required, just drop in. By donation.     Women's Mindfulness Groups Thursdays 11 AM -1 PM, $80/month. Register in advance. OR, Fridays at Noon - 2 PM, $80/month. Register in advance. These weekly groups provide a forum of collective life wisdom. Audio, video clips, book discussions and practical exercises fill out the gatherings. Themes include: present moment awareness, life transitions and challenges, relationships, spiritual awakening, love, purpose, the world and inner peace. Call ahead to register. There is a 4-week minimum commitment. Cost is $80/month.   "This group has given me a thread of strength, unconditional love and friendship that has gone beyond the boundaries of our weekly meetings. Thank you. " ......................................................................E.L Northboro         Meditation Class Series 6 weeks starting Wednesday February 20, 7-8 pm.   A basic introduction to meditation practice for beginners and, for experienced meditators, a refreshing course on the foundation practice as well as an opportunity to meditate in a group setting. Many useful tools for quieting the mind which carry into daily life. Benefits include a calm and centered state of mind, mental focus and clarity, emotional balance and improved physical health. $90 for the series. Note: Those who have completed the series in the past may join for $60 for the series or $15/drop-in. Call 508-624-7519 or send an e-mail to register.   Click here (and then scroll to the bottom of the new page) to read Judy's article, Om Meditation, published in the Metrowest Daily News.       Benefits of Meditation    Better physical health    Improved mental focus    Improved concentration    Better memory    Clearer thinking    More balanced emotions    Heightened creativity    Improved relationships    Increased sense of well-being    Less stress and anxiety    Reduced depression and irritablility    Increased energy and vitality    A deeper sense of connection    Greater purpose and meaning    And    Renewed well-being in life.