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Madison LGBTQI

Meditation Group

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Meeting Information

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, & Questioning Sangha
Meeting Format
  • 30-minute meditation
  • 10-minute walking meditation, yoga, or stretching
  • Welcome/Announcements
  • Introductions/Check-ins
  • Reading from Awakening Together by Larry Yang or Dharma Talk
  • Mindful Discussion
  • Mindfulness Dedication /Closing
Who

Anyone self-identified as LGBTQI

When

Last Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30pm

Meditation Experience

All levels

Where

Madison Shambhala Center
408 S Baldwin St
Madison, WI 53703

Diversity Statement

The Madison LGBTQI Meditation Group aspires to be a welcoming and inclusive space for practitioners of Buddhism who self-identify as LGBTQI. Members of the group represent various Buddhist traditions that come together monthly to create a refuge of mutual respect and understanding. Currently, this group chooses to be designated as LGBTQI-only for the purposes of cultivating a sincere circle of belonging that feels safe to its members, where they may intimately explore spirituality in the context of multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to: sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.

Diversity Statement

Mindful Sharing Guidelines

Make a bow to the circle to begin your share, another at the end to indicate you are finished.

When you share, first state your name.

Speak about what is alive for you in this moment, please refrain from storytelling or intellectualizing. Allow your sharing to reflect your practice and be aware of your words, thoughts, and surroundings.

Notice what arises in your body, thoughts, and emotions when you listen to others.

Ask yourself: are your words a contribution to the group or are your words serving your own need?

Request clarification as needed.

Nurture curiosity and non-judgment.

Trust others to ask for advice when needed, otherwise refrain from giving advice.

If you have already spoken once, leave time for others to speak.

The evening’s group leader will ensure that our evening ends on time, be respectful of the constraints.

Mindful Sharing Guidelines

The Madison LGBTQI meditation group aspires to:

  • Provide a safe space where LGBTQIs can deepen the practice of meditation and mindfulness.
  • Cultivate a sense of community & belonging within the LGBTQI meditation group and the Madison meditation community as a whole.
  • Study the dharma from diverse perspectives and inspire insightful discussion.

Resources

Shambhala Center of Madison

Madison Insight Meditation Group

SnowFlower Sangha

Madison Zen Center

Tergar Meditation Community

Awakening Together

FAQ

Can I bring my own cushion or bench?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own, but you don’t need to. The center has numerous cushions and chairs on hand.

What if I come late, after group has already begun?

For security purposes, we will be locking the door each night after we begin. If you arrive late, just knock and someone will let you in. Please enter respectfully.

Where can I find parking?

Street parking is available on all streets around the center.

Is the space ADA accessible?

The downstairs meditation hall is ADA accessible, however the upstairs room is not.  The location will vary from month to month.  Please fill out the contact form below and someone will let you know which room is availalbe for that month.

I identify as an LGBTQI ally. Can I participate in the group?

Currently, this group choses to be designated as LGBTQI-only for the purposes of cultivating a sincere circle of belonging that feels safe to its members, where they may intimately explore spirituality in the context of multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to: sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.

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