New to Meditation
One Breath at a Time
BEGINNERS PROGRAMS
The teachings of the Buddha have an experiential emphasis. It is not a question of believing that practicing meditation is beneficial, but of actually trying it out and experiencing the results for oneself.
NYI offers meditation classes in NYC for those new to meditation as well as experienced meditators. We have weekly orientations and regularly scheduled courses and workshops that provide fundamental instruction in Insight Meditation. For beginners, emphasis is placed on the practices of sitting and walking meditation and developing mindfulness in daily life.
Upcoming Beginners’ Courses:
All current NYIMC programs appropriate or geared towards beginners.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses
Suggested Activities:
Attend an In-Person Community Meditation Gathering every Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm. See below for registration.
Sign up for NYI’s email updates
Attend ongoing sitting groups (see list here)
Begin a home meditation practice
Recommended Readings:
A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana
Upcoming Programs for Beginners
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In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Brian Simmons
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Gary Singer
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
Online: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Orientation
with Jon Aaron
Monday, June 2nd, 2025 from 12:00pm - 2:30pm ETIn this free MBSR session, we will explore mindfulness practices that are accessible to individuals of any background and experience level. It will also offer insight into reclaiming control over one's well-being, cultivating resilience, and embracing a life of mindful presence. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with David Grogan
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Orientation
with Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 from 9:30am - 12:00pmIn this free MBSR session, we will explore mindfulness practices that are accessible to individuals of any background and experience level. It will also offer insight into reclaiming control over one's well-being, cultivating resilience, and embracing a life of mindful presence. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
Online: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course
with Jon Aaron
Online Course: Mondays, June 16 – August 4, 2025 from 12:00 - 2:30pm ETOnline Daylong: Sunday, July 20, 2025 | 9:30am – 5:00pm ET
MBSR has helped thousands of people decrease the effects of stress in their lives, allowing them to reduce the symptoms of both physical and psychological problems, and to live their lives with more ease, vitality, and enjoyment. Find out more
In-Person: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course
with Elaine Retholtz
In-Person Course: Wednesdays, June 18th - August 6th, 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pmIn-Person Daylong: Sunday, July 20th, 2025 | 9:30am - 5:00pm
MBSR has helped thousands of people decrease the effects of stress in their lives, allowing them to reduce the symptoms of both physical and psychological problems, and to live their lives with more ease, vitality, and enjoyment. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Leslie Booker
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Gary Singer
Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Brian Simmons
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Lin Wang Gordon
Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Leslie Booker
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more
In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering
with David Grogan
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight now offers this series of in-person community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more