Schedule

Our main weekly gathering, in person and on Zoom. 30 minutes of zazen (silent seated meditation), followed by walking meditation, then a Dharma talk and discussion on Zen teachings.

Recommended for anyone coming to practice with us for the first time. A great chance for us to get to know each other. We will introduce you to the space, our zendo etiquette, and give you some zazen (seated meditation) instructions as needed.

Join us for outdoor meditation at Baker Park! Facilitated by Zen & the Arts member, Andrew Ellis, an informal gathering each Wednesday morning.

WHERE: Baker Park: 50 Riverside Circle, Naples , FL. Once you park, walk up the stairs towards the big grass field. Head to the right, and we’ll meet at the big concrete circle .

BRING: You may need any of the following: meditation cushion, hat, sunglasses, bug spray, SPF, water bottle.

CONTACT: Andrew Ellis, (508) 524-5301, ellisjunior@gmail.com

This is an opportunity to meet individually with the teacher to discuss your meditation practice. How are you working on your cushion? How is your practice functioning in your daily life? You may decide to take up koan practice with Laurie, or discuss other matters related to Zen practice. You can email, call or text Laurie to schedule time (15 -20 minutes) within the 5-7pm blocks. Email practice@zenartsflorida.com. Call or text (239) 961-2491. It’s recommended to sit a period of zazen prior to your meeting to settle in. Zoom in using our regular link above. Free for members. By donation for non-members.

Collier Seminole State Park: 20200 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34114
Free for Members
Suggested donation for nonmembers: $40/day
Camping: $22 per site per night. (2 tents per site)
Entrance fee for the park: $5 per car

Join us for a Zen experience in nature! Collier-Seminole Park is just a 30 minute drive from central Naples. We will sink deeply into the quiet of nature with the support of sangha. Our time will include seated and walking meditation, a Dharma talk and discussion, and time to rest or explore on your own. The main practice day will be Sunday, Nov. 22nd. You’ll have the option to camp Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday night. Or you can just come for the day on Sunday. Details and Registration Below.

For this retreat, we’ll be working with the poetry of Ikkyu, 15th cent. Japanese Zen Master and Poet. A couple of examples:

the mind is exactly this tree that grass
without thought or feeling both disappear

don’t worry please please how many times do I have to say it
there’s no way not to be who you are and where

Friday (optional schedule for campers)
4 to 6pm, Arrival and camp set up
6 to 7pm, Dinner
7 to 9pm, Optional zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation) Entering Noble Silence.

Saturday (optional schedule for campers)
8 to 10am, Zazen and kinhin
10 to noon, Air boat ride? TBD
12 to 1, Lunch
1 to 2pm, Rest
2 to 4pm, Zazen and kinhin (will include 30 minute silent walk)
4 to 6pm, Time on your own
6 to 7pm, Dinner
7 to 9pm, Bonfire and/or evening walk (Noble Silence lifted)

Sunday (Main Practice Day)
Optional morning block:
8 to 9:30am, Optional zazen and kinhin
9:30 to 10am, Break in silence

Late morning block:
10am, Welcome and Introduction
10:30-12, Zazen and kinhin (will include a 30 minute walk)
12 to 1:15, Lunch and rest in silence (Bring a bag lunch.)

Afternoon block:
1:15 to 2pm, Time on your own, or Yoga Nidra (guided meditation, practiced lying down. Bring a yoga mat or blanket.)
2 to 3pm, Zazen and kinhin
3 to 4pm, Dharma Talk and Discussion (noble silence lifted)

Evening block:
4 to 6pm, Silent Break, time on your own
6 to 7pm, Dinner on your own
7 to 9pm, Bonfire and/or evening walk. Noble Silence lifted.

Monday (optional schedule for campers)
8 to 9am, Zazen and kinhin
9 to 9:30, Long silent walk
9:30 to 10:30am, Break down camp
10:30 to 11am, Closing Circle

You are welcome to attend any or all blocks. Please don’t come or go during blocks of meditation. (Wait for breaks.)

We will be in Noble Silence for most of this retreat. We refrain from speaking, eye contact, touching, and any other form of communication. This offers an opportunity to go deeply into your own body-mind and the natural world around you. If important questions or concerns do arise, please go directly to Laurie.

PLEASE BRING:
food, water, cushion or chair for meditation, yoga mat or blanket for yoga nidra practice, easy on/off shoes that are comfortable for walking, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, bug spray, a journal or notebook.
Campers, in addition to the list above, please bring any gear that you will need. We can also coordinate and share gear. Here’s REI’s checklist. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html

Free for Zen & the Arts Members. Suggested donation, $40/day for nonmembers. Use the “One Time Donation” button here. Thank you!

Following our regular Sunday morning meeting. In person at our regular location (no Zoom option).
Free for members, by donation for non-members.

Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper, is a fun and mindful art practice. We begin with a blank square of paper, and fold by fold, our creations come to life in our hands. Zen teachings will inspire the models we fold. Creations may include animals, flowers, boxes, and more. All materials provided. You’ll go home with several origami creations to share or gift! No previous experience required.