White River Junction Sometimes its curiosity that drives people. Other times its pop culture references or a longing to be more reflective.

Whatever it is that brings them, visitors to the Upper Valley Zen Centers weekly Introduction to Zen Practice classes have helped keep the program going for nearly a decade.

I think the idea of entering into a new space and a new practice and a new discipline can be intimidating, said Allyn Field, a lay ordained monk and teacher in the Rin Zai Zen Tradition who runs the center. The Wednesday night group, which meets from 6-7 p.m., is a more informal way to ask questions, to learn about some of the basic ideas behind the practice that we do.

Topics include the best posture to sit in that doesnt cause back or ankle pain.

Often people will come repeatedly, Field said. The space can hold about 12 people and, while the courses have had eight to 10 people, four or five is more typical. Admission is by donation.

People come for many different reasons, Field said. Some may come to a sense that they havent really slowed down in their lives to understand why theyre doing the things that theyre doing.

Others may be coping with the breakup of a marriage, a death,or, simply, life.

People sort of reach a midlife crisis where they start to ask questions, Field said. How do I face the fact that its not all about youth and liveliness, its also about getting old and decrepit?

The religious beliefs of those who attend do not matter.

Our practice is not dogmatic. It doesnt subscribe to a particular dogma in that way, Field said.

Everyone is always welcome.

I think people often come to the Zen Center with some idea of what it is and what theyre going to get out of it, Field said. The first thing I do is to encourage them to let go of those ideas and start with a fresh mind.

Editors note: The Upper Valley Zen Center is located at 58 Bridge Street in White River Junction (on the ground floor of the Main Street Museum building). For more information, call 603-448-4877 or visit http://www.uvzc.org.

The Upper Valley Zen Center isnt the only nonprofit organization that offers meditation. Here are some of the Upper Valleys regularly occurring meditation groups. (If we missed one let us know at calendar@vnews.com.)

Meditation Group in Newbury, Vt.: Mondays, 7-8:30 a.m. Tenney Memorial Library, 4886 Main St. Weekly sitting and walking meditation. Bring a cushion if desired; chairs also provided. Free. 802-866-5366.

Mindfulness Meditation in Norwich: Tuesdays, 9-11:30 a.m., The Heart of the Valley Mindfulness Practice Center, 70 Beaver Meadow Road, Norwich. Meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh followed by discussion. Admission by donation. 802-436-1136.

Meditation and Discussion in Norwich: Tuesdays, 5:30-7 p.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Hall, 262 Main St., Norwich. Practitioners of all levels are invited to join the sitting and walking meditation in the Theravadan tradition. After the meditation, the group explores their experience, with the teacher's guidance. Sponsored by Valley Insight Meditation Society. Free. prenderp@gmail.com or 802-649-7085.

Meditation in White River Junction: Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Shambhala Meditation Center, 158 S. Main St., White River Junction. Sitting and walking meditation. Individual instruction, cushions and chairs available. Free. shambhala.whiteriver@gmail.com or 802-484-7235.

Midweek Meditation in Sharon: Wednesdays, 8-9 a.m., Seven Stars Arts Center, 5126 Route 14, Sharon. A meditation sitting group derived from the vipassana tradition. Open to all regardless of experience. The format is a few minutes of instruction, a quiet sitting period, then a discussion with Q&A. Bring a favorite cushion or pillow, if available. Chairs provided if not. Free. 802-763-2334.

Evening Mindfulness Meditation in Norwich: Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., St Barnabas Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 262 Main St., Norwich. Meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, followed by a reading and sharing. Free. joyceandpat@gmail.com or 603-277-9318.

Meditation and Discussion in Lebanon: Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Barn, 14 Green St., Lebanon. For experienced meditators on a drop-in or continuing basis. The current format is guided meditations, followed by discussion. Please contact Valley Insight Meditation Society at valleyinsight.org/contact-us/ before attending for the first time. As always, it is not necessary to be reading any suggested essays or books to follow the teachings and to take part in the discussion. Admission is by donation. prenderp@gmail.com or 802-649-7085.

Meditation in White River Junction: Thursdays, noon-1 p.m., Shambhala Meditation Center, 158 S. Main St., White River Junction. Sitting and walking meditation. Beginners welcome. Instruction available. Free. shambhala.whiteriver@gmail.com or 802-484-7235.

Zen Practice Study Group in White River Junction: Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Upper Valley Zen Center, 58 Bridge St., White River Junction. Meditation and study of texts in Buddhist tradition. All welcome, no preparation required. Admission is by donation. Allyn.Field@gmail.com or 603-448-4877.

Help us keep this list up-to-date. Send additions or corrections to calendar@vnews.com.

Excerpt from:

Out & About: A Place to Learn Why You're Doing What You're Doing - Valley News