Programs
The Lotus Meditation Center offers meditation practice, retreats and classes to the Greater Grand Forks Community.
Lotus Center Insight Meditation Practice
Insight Meditation (also called Vipassana) cultivates both concentration and relaxation. It is a practice that helps to free the mind from distortions and offers the possibility of living each moment fully with compassion and freedom. The practice of Insight Meditation requires no belief commitments.
Evening Community Sitting Group
Mondays | 5:30 - 5:50 p.m.
Family of God Church
327 5th Ave S.E., East Grand Forks, MN
Twenty minutes of silent sitting meditation. Beginners are welcome and instruction will be provided if requested. Free and open to all. Attendees are also welcome to participate in Qi Gong which precedes the sit (4:45 - 5:30). A book read (5:50 - 6:10) with further discussion and practice (6:10 - 6:30) follows the sitting meditation.
UND Campus Sitting Group
Tuesdays | 4:30 - 5 p.m.
Thirty minutes of mindfulness teachings and short sessions of silent sitting meditation. Beginners are welcome! Free and open to all. No sittings are held when the University is closed. Check the UND Events Calendar for official Holidays or severe weather announcements. After 4 P.M. is considered Open Parking’ hours so community members can utilize the ‘A/S’ spaces in the large lot behind the building for free. There is a back door to Christus Rex, enter there and walk to the front room.
Mindful Movement
Mondays | 4:45 - 5:30 p.m.
Family of God Church
327 5th Ave S.E., East Grand Forks, MN
Qi Gong is a healing practice that integrates mindful awareness, breath and gentle movement. Participants can sit or stand as they move through a variety of stretches and simple arm and leg motions. The session helps one to relax and rejuvenate at the end of the day. Wear loose clothing. Free and open to all.
Book Read and Further Discussion or Practice
Mondays | 5:50 - 6:30 p.m.
Family of God Church
327 5th Ave S.E., East Grand Forks, MN
An informal discussion following the sitting. Visit the resources page for current and previous books as well as selected resources on the meditation practice. Free and open to all.
Lotus Center Weekend Retreats
The Lotus Meditation Center may offer non-residential day or weekend retreat experiences. Group leaders or Guest instructors provide teaching and concentrated practice to registrants. Scholarships are always available. Visit the listing of upcoming and previous retreats.
Lotus Center Beginning Classes
Generally scheduled once a year, a several week beginner session is useful for those who are new to meditation and for those who already have a practice as a refresher course. Topics explored are awareness of the body, awareness of feelings, awareness of thoughts and mindfulness in everyday life. The breath is the primary object of meditation for the beginner class. There is also walking and eating meditation practices. For other learning opportunities, visit resources.