New to Meditation
One Breath at a Time
BEGINNERS PROGRAMS
The teachings of the Buddha have an experiential emphasis. It is not a question of believing that practicing meditation is beneficial, but of actually trying it out and experiencing the results for oneself.
NYI offers meditation classes in NYC for those new to meditation as well as experienced meditators. We have weekly orientations and regularly scheduled courses and workshops that provide fundamental instruction in Insight Meditation. For beginners, emphasis is placed on the practices of sitting and walking meditation and developing mindfulness in daily life.
Upcoming Beginners’ Courses:
All current NYIMC programs appropriate or geared towards beginners.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses
Suggested Activities:
Attend an In-Person Community Meditation Gathering every Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm. See below for registration.
Sign up for NYI’s email updates
Attend ongoing sitting groups (see list here)
Begin a home meditation practice
Recommended Readings:
A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana
Upcoming Programs for Beginners
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In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with David Grogan
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Lin Wang Gordon
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Wildecy de Fátima Jury
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Beginner’s Meditation Workshop
with Wildecy de Fátima Jury
Thursday, April 24th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETLearn the basics of Insight/Mindfulness meditation practice in a warm, supportive environment. This evening workshop includes clear instructions and time to meditate, with guidance from a New York Insight teacher and plenty of time for sharing and Q&A. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Leslie Booker
Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: The Essential Insight Meditation Toolkit
with David Grogan
Tuesdays, May 6th - June 10th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETAre you new to meditation? Or an experienced meditator looking to refresh your practice? In this experiential course, you’ll learn how to use the essential tools in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Buddha’s systematic guide to practicing insight meditation. You’ll also get tips on how to establish and sustain a formal meditation practice, as well as how to make mindfulness an integral part of your daily routine. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Lani Miller
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person: Sunset Meditative Walk – Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park
with Lin Wang Gordon
Sunday, May 10th, 2025 from 6:15pm - 8:30pmJoin us for an outdoor meditation as we walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and practice at Brooklyn Bridge Park during sunset. Together, we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty of a cityscape sunset, fostering a deep connection with our body, mind, and the natural world. Amidst this urban backdrop, we'll reflect on our interconnectedness with humanity and the environment. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Leslie Booker
Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Brian Simmons
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Gary Singer
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
Online: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Orientation
with Jon Aaron
Monday, June 2nd, 2025 from 12:00pm - 2:30pm ETIn this free MBSR session, we will explore mindfulness practices that are accessible to individuals of any background and experience level. It will also offer insight into reclaiming control over one's well-being, cultivating resilience, and embracing a life of mindful presence. Find out more
Online: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course
with Jon Aaron
Online Course: Mondays, June 16 – August 4, 2025 from 12:00 - 2:30pm ETOnline Daylong: Sunday, July 20, 2025 | 9:30am – 5:00pm ET
MBSR has helped thousands of people decrease the effects of stress in their lives, allowing them to reduce the symptoms of both physical and psychological problems, and to live their lives with more ease, vitality, and enjoyment. Find out more