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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Online: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Orientation
with Jon Aaron
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 9:00pm ETIn this free online 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 10th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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: Young Adult Town Hall Gathering
with Leslie Booker, Brian Simmons, and Kathy Rollo Ferrara
Sunday, June 14th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETFor those ages 18–34, we warmly invite you to join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and shared reflection about contemplative practice, community, and the future of young adult Dharma at New York Insight Meditation Center. Find out more
Online: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course
with Jon Aaron
Online Course: Tuesdays, June 16th - August 4th, 2026 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm ETOnline Daylong: Saturday, July 18th, 2026 from 9:30am – 5:00pm ET
This eight-week course 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 Brian Simmons
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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, June 24th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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 Lani Miller
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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 8th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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 15th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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 22nd, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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 29th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ETNew York Insight offers this series of in-person and online 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: 31 Days of Practice with New York Insight
with Joseph Goldstein, Mark Epstein, JoAnna Hardy, Jeff Warren, Dawn Mauricio, Martin Aylward, Narayan Helen Liebenson, Devin Berry, Fleet Maull, Yong Oh, Shanté Paradigm Smalls, Tenku Ruff, David Nichtern, Rashid Hughes, nico hase, Cara Lai, Leslie Booker, and many more!
Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 31st, 2026Join us for a full month of inspiration, growth, and community through daily practice videos and weekly live sessions with renowned meditation teachers. Find out more