I recently saw a Twitter post about a mass meditation happening in New York City, at Central Park. I thought it was such a neat idea, I re-tweeted with the quote: “This would be cool for Dayton to do!” Other Dayton residents thought it was a great idea too. Social media butterfly, Kayla Bradstreet, sent me a private message and encouraged me to organize this event. Knowing the fall equinox was coming up, it felt like a perfect time for such an event.

That’s how the ball started rolling, and in the process we were introduced to the Natural Path Meditation Center in Beavercreek. Bryan Suddith, who is running for Kettering City Council, made the connection for us. Everything fell into place once we connected with NPMC. The meditation trainers there, Anjali Mediratta Brannon and Uma Mullapudi, instantly were on board to help. When local yoga guru, Melissa Ledinsky, signed on to lead the optional yoga portion of the program, I knew this was meant to be!

How to go?

Dayton’s first Mass Meditation is happening 9/23, on the Fall Equinox

Wed, Sep. 23rd, 2015 – The Autumn Equinox

Courthouse Square, downtown Dayton, corner of 3rd and Main Streets

5:30pm – 6:00pm Free Yoga session (Please bring your own mat)

6:00pm – 7:00pm Mass Meditation (Please bring a chair, cushion, or blanket to sit on. If you don’t have a chair, read below on how you can reserve one.)

From 6-6:10: We will get everyone settled and get chairs to those who need them
From 6:10-6:20: We will give a short introduction and lead the audience in a guided relaxation and Heartfulness meditation experience
From 6:20-6:50: We will sit in silent meditation for 30 mintues
Namaste!

NOTE: We will sit for about a half hour of meditation so plan to be comfortable. Please bring minimal personal belongings, and remember a mat or blanket if you take part in the yoga session. A sunhat might be a good idea to bring as well. If you are unable to bring something to sit on, we can reserve a chair for you if you rsvp tomassmeditation.dayton@gmail.com. Street parking available as well as parking garages. Carpool if possible.

This event also observes International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21st. Although we are meditating a couple days later, our intention is to spread the idea of peace and love to our community.

Sweet bonus: Fronana will be on hand at 6:30pm with post-meditation treats for purchase!

If there is interest, we will hold weekly meditation sessions following the Mass Meditation at Tree of Life Community downtown at 1630 East Fifth Street on Tuesdays evenings at 7:30pm.

About the meditation:

The full schedule of meditation events planned for International Peace Week

Heartfulness is a simple practical way to experience the heart’s unlimited resources. It includes guided relaxation, and meditation techniques. Ongoing individual and group meditations are offered. We are a nonprofit organization and Heartfulness meditation is practiced in over 100 countries around the world. We are an associate NGO of the United Nations, sharing a similar mission in promoting peace and goodwill amongst humanity. All of our programs are free. We have a seven acre facility in Beavercreek devoted to meditation, but if there is interest, we will try and have weekly group meditations in Dayton following the mass meditation.

For more information on Heartfulness meditattion, please visit www.Heartfulness.org

If you want to experience Heartfulness meditation fully, it is suggested to receive three initial introductory meditation sessions, ideally on three consecutive days, to jump start your practice. All sessions are always offered free of charge. You can attend any of the following events for FREE!

All events below are FREE. All events below will be held at the Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. Except on Weds Sep. 23rd, Yoga & Mass Meditation is at Courthouse Square downtown Dayton

Sunday, Sep. 20th, 2015

We will kick off the week with

11:30am Free Family Yoga

12:30pm Heartfulness Meditation Introduction & Experience