Who We Are

We are a community based in the New London, Connecticut, dedicated to mindfulness practice. While we don’t affiliate with any particular tradition, we focus on the simple yet powerful practices of mindful breathing, sitting, and walking. Inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, we also engage in dharma sharing to deepen our understanding and connection. Join us in cultivating peace, awareness, and compassion.

Where We Meet

We currently congregate at All Souls Congregation in New London CT 06320, every Tuesday at 7am.

We also meet on Wednesdays via zoom at 7:15am.

What We Do

On Tuesdays, we sit for half an hour, practicing mindful breathing in silence. Afterwards, we practice walking meditation for about 10 minutes, and then do a group dharma sharing based on a weekly reading.

About Mindful Breathing

This text was borrowed from the Harmony sangha. We will update it!

Our breathing is the stable, solid ground in which we can take refuge. Regardless of our internal weather – our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions- our breathing is always with us like a faithful friend. Whenever we feel carried away, or sunken in a deep emotion, or scattered in worries and projects, we return to our breathing to collect and anchor our mind.

We feel the flow of air coming in and going out through our nose. We feel how light and natural, how calm and peaceful our breathing functions. At any time, while we are walking, gardening, or typing, we can return to this peaceful source of life. We do not need to control our breath. Feel the breath as it actually is. It may be long or short, deep or shallow. With our awareness, it will naturally become slower and deeper. Mindful breathing is the key to uniting body and mind and bringing the energy of mindfulness into each moment of our daily life.

About Our Practice

We begin our gathering with a 30-minute seated meditation as a group. At the start of the sit, the leader (or designated person) rings the singing bowl three times, signaling the beginning of our practice.

Following the sit, we transition into walking meditation. We first walk together in a straight line at a slow, mindful pace, staying in sync with our breath. After a little while, the leader rings the bell again, signaling the shift to individual walking meditation at a slightly faster pace, allowing each person to move freely while maintaining mindfulness.

Once the walking meditation concludes, we return to our seats for a group discussion based on a weekly reading. This sharing space is an opportunity to reflect on the reading and our practice, speaking from our own experience. We follow a mindful sharing format: there is no cross-talk or direct responses. Instead, each person takes a turn to share by bowing in and out, ensuring a space of deep listening and presence.