All classes and retreats require advanced registration (for the MaP program, see below*). Our space is small and seats are limited. For class types and descriptions, please scroll to bottom.
How to learn about and register for classes, retreats and events at SSIMC
Sign up for our emails. This is by far the best way to know what is coming up. To join our mailing list please go to the home page (tap here) and tap the blue button to fill out the form.
Receive our (usually weekly) email. It includes event details and sign-up instructions for the next available happening. If there is no event planned for the week there might be no email sent out that week.
Classes and retreats offered are donation based and donations may be placed in the donation box near the door. You may also make a donation, or dana, online from this page (tap here).
Please, refrain from scents and perfumes when attending programs at SSIMC.
Thank you for understanding and we hope to see you soon.
*For the MaP program, each potential participant is required to fill out an application. Please go to the MaP area of the site (tap here) for details regarding this long-term practice.
Types of classes offered at South Shore Insight Meditation Center
Most Every Wednesday (Beginner’s Mind)
w/ Paul Cheevers or Guest .:. This class includes Insight Meditation instructions and a brief walking or guided movement period along with some time for group connecting and refreshment. The first Wednesday of each month is especially appropriate for beginners and those with Beginner’s mind. This series incorporates the Four Foundations of Mindfulness or the Four Ways to Be Present, and each month a particular theme or Path Factor is emphasized. Please donate at the door. Live ONLINE class option may be available.
Divine Homes: Metta and More
w/ Paul Cheevers or Guest .:. Metta (Loving Friendliness) can be strengthened through formal and daily life practices. We learn patience and steadiness of heart to nurture goodwill. Metta practice can allow us to experience a softening of our hearts which opens our experience of daily life to tenderness, warmth and love. The Buddha taught systematic, integrated practices that shift the heart out of separation and contraction into a more grounded connection with all beings. These practices cultivate four lovely, precious and powerful qualities of being. The four qualities of Love (Metta), Compassion (Karuna), Appreciative Joy (Mudita) and Equanimity (Upekkha) are practiced and nurtured in this class as our Divine Homes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced meditator, come join us. Each class includes guided Metta meditation and Q&A. Please donate at the door.
Eight Days A Week
This beginner’s-oriented class meets on two consecutive Wednesdays however these classes are designed to bookend and introduce ways of exploring and practicing how to recognize and develop a mindful, heartfelt awareness of the joy available throughout each of our days of living, running and hangin’ around on this great blue marble of earth. We will learn how to practice mindfulness, formally in a chair or upon a cushion, be it on the floor or in a car. Practicing formally everyday, a little bit, naturally leads to a growth and development of wakeful living — like, eight days a week.
LGBTQ Meditation
w/Guest .:. This guided sitting meditation and Dharma discussion is a community gathering for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning.
Men’s Meditation Workshop
Sirs, gentlemen, guys, dudes, boys, bruh and countrymen. What are the challenges we have learning and maintaining a meditation practice in the world of today? Guys grow up with examples and instructions that are very far from the practice of mindful meditation. Recognizing relatively unique assumptions and developing a clear way to practice and find easeful awareness on a sustained basis is difficult if not impossible for most to do on their own.
Mindful Movement and Meditation
Go slow, mindfulness! We have to learn, we have to practice to embody our movement as we have been practicing many other things before we make the choice to slow down. Where are the commonalities and the differences between yoga and the Eight Fold Path of the Buddha? Most importantly how do you actually move beyond the story and develop a practice that explores and clarifies complimentary aspects of these two different paths? Please wear comfortable clothing. There are cushions and chairs and mats available but you are also welcome to bring your own.