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 and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Lani Miller
Wednesday, February 19th, 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, February 26th, 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 Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, March 5th, 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 Leslie Booker
Wednesday, March 12th, 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 Lani Miller
Wednesday, March 19th, 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, March 26th, 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 David Grogan
Thursday, March 27th, 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