Vipassana Day Wimbledon (1)

Vipassana for people of colour

I always felt like the only one.

Spirituality, wellbeing, mindfulness, Pause, breathe, nature, Equality and Diversity

When I moved from New York in the early 90’s I was already practicing meditation from the age of 15. And even before that I was very devotional in terms of earlier training in addressing suffering and asking for divine help and guidance. But as a person of multi heritage I never felt that I quite fitted into any mould. I felt as if my practice was a combination of trying to keep myself safe from micro aggressions and hidden micro messages of fear, condemnation, and a promise of peace in the afterlife. Looking back, I realised I could not wait too long for someone to allocate a safe space for me to practice. In many ways Buddhism in the west has been no exception, with very few black teachers to represent what liberation would look like. It always seems that truth, life struggles and how to overcome them were taught through someone else’s lens – someone who could never bother to speak to me.

I had been carrying deep ancestral wounds that needed something different in terms of cultural context and release. In the years of self-development in various Buddhist traditions, and through the help of the Black African and Asian Therapist Network (BAATN), I have healed the wounds of internalised racism. In addition I have also witnessed in our black spaces how slavery, racism and oppression have caused deep long-lasting resonance in the body that requires extra care and consideration. This is all ongoing work.

Because of this I decided to create the Mindfulness Network for People of Colour because there is a need for people of colour to practice together.

Vipassana for people of colour is a half day retreat and gathering at the peaceful grounds of the Buddhapadipa in Wimbledon, London. It is an opportunity for us to gather a few times a year in love and community and support our practice through vipassana. And to address and voice our own relationality with what matters to us and how to gain a deeper sense of belonging.

We will gather from 10.30 am and enjoy sitting practice, walking, standing meditation, overtoning and storytelling. Bring your own lunch. The facilitators give their time as a gift to the community, but you are invited to buy an annual membership to MNPC (£60) which goes towards our costs. Donations are also welcome.

Dates: We will offer this practice day 4 times a year,

Proposed dates : Sunday, May14th, August 6th, September 17th

Aims and goals for the day:

Developing discernment, clear insight, focus and energy in the body.  To gain awareness and perspective on the actual nature of how objects arise, the conditions that sustain them and our ability to be fixated or overwhelmed by them. The nature of mind or primary factor is referred to as Rigpa, which is absolute, uncreated, outside of time and space, and untouched by life and death. Rigpa is the primordial, pure, pristine awareness that is cognizant, radiant and awake. It is s beyond religion and science - it simply is. It is often concealed, enveloped and obscured by the secondary factors of the mind. There is a real sense of liberation and freedom.

1. What is Vipassana ?

This practice is suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

Vipassana meditation is a form of mindfulness that comes from the original teachings of the Buddha but can be found in all cultures. Vipassana, meaning "to see things as they really are," like all meditation techniques is open to people of all faiths or none and all nationalities and ethnicities. Vipassana requires no belief system as it's a non-sectarian practice.

It is a journey of self-discovery, and presents an opportunity to experience for one's self the truths of ancient teachings. The goal of the practice is the equivalent of a mental detox; and the development of values such as compassion and equanimity, and the increase of empathy. One of the benefits of the day is the opportunity for silent practice under the trees.

2.What is overtoning?

Overtoning is a practice of chanting or harmonic singing where we make a sound and modulate the voice so that we can produce other sounds or notes simultaneously. This helps the body to resonate the primordial sound of OM. This is applied to the Shakras of the body, and is a helpful way of bringing our attention to the sensations of the body. This helps with grounding and self-regulation.

3. The benefits of chanting

Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum

This is one of the most important Buddhist mantras. It is very useful both for learners and for the most advanced practitioners. In this mantra the whole universe is like a crystal (in some translations – a pearl), which is inside my heart (or inside a lotus flower – representation of the 'I'). This mantra is chanted, meditating on the connection between us and the universe, with a sense of altruism, love, and dedication. The main benefits of chanting is that it has a way of detoxing the mind.

4. What is standing meditation?

Standing meditation is a powerful method of healing the body from injuries and chronic illness. It increases vitality, internal strength and fitness, as well as overall body power. Standing meditation makes use of five very specific postures to deeply release long held stress and tension. The legs, spine and shoulders become very strong yet relaxed. Unnecessary tension is released from the joints and muscles, making them more flexible and elastic.

Standing meditation makes use of specific relaxed abdominal breathing and mental imagery, and awareness of the inside of your body

5. What is walking meditation?

Walking meditation is a practice that pairs mindfulness meditation with slow, deliberate walking along a predetermined path at a pace and in a space where you can walk silently and won’t be disturbed. The motion of walking becomes your anchor.  You focus as you begin to pay more attention to the bodily sensations as you move one step at a time, keeping your attention on acute or small movements.

6. Libation ritual

An ancient practice from the African tradition in which water is poured into the ground or on the base of a tree. It is a dedication to our loved ones and ancestors.

Please also see out ‘Youtube’ channel for more information and free registration.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj7hMyElwOc&t=61s