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
In-Person: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course
with Margrit Pittman-Polletta
In-Person Course: Tuesdays, January 14th - March 11th, 2025 | 6:30pm - 9:00pm
In-Person Daylong: Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 | 9:30am - 5:00pm
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
In-Person: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Orientation
with Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 from 9:30am - 12:00pm
In 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
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Gary Singer
Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
New 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: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course
with Elaine Retholtz
In-Person Course: Wednesdays, January 22nd - March 12th, 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm
In-Person Daylong:Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 | 9:30am - 5:00pm
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
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
New 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: Insight 101 – Intro to Vipassana Meditation
with Elaine Retholtz
Mondays, January 27th - March 10th (skips President's Day 2/17) from 9:30am - 11:30am ET
If you’ve been wanting to learn how to meditate or refresh and renew the meditation practice you already have, we invite you to join this six-week meditation course to explore the practice of Insight (Vipassana) meditation in a warm, supportive environment. We will emphasize experiential practice, including instructions for sitting and walking meditation, and explore how we can bring this practice of presence into our everyday lives.
Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Brian Simmons
Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
New 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, February 5th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
New 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 Lani Miller
Thursday, February 6th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
Learn 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, February 12th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
New 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 Lani Miller
Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
New 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, February 26th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
New 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