Welcome to Insight Western Mass (IWM)
Formerly known as Insight PV
AFFINITY GROUPS
Affinity groups, sometimes called caucuses or interest groups, are a group of individuals that share a common identity or interest. Before the pandemic, Insight Western Mass offered a variety of affinity groups for community members with specific concerns to get to know and support each other as Dharma Friends. These groups can help create a welcoming space for those who might not always feel welcome when entering a new community.
Before the pandemic, we offered the following groups, which happened in person at the center: Parents, Queer/Trans, Chronic illness/disability, BIPOC, and Young Adults.
In addition to the Queer/Trans/LGBTQIA2S+ group, which is already scheduled to start up again (see below), we would like to re-start as many of these as we can, and are reaching out to people who are still involved in the sangha who used to attend or host some of them. If you would be interested in attending and/or holding space for one of these groups, please email us at leadership@insightwma.org.
Before the pandemic, we offered the following groups, which happened in person at the center: Parents, Queer/Trans, Chronic illness/disability, BIPOC, and Young Adults.
In addition to the Queer/Trans/LGBTQIA2S+ group, which is already scheduled to start up again (see below), we would like to re-start as many of these as we can, and are reaching out to people who are still involved in the sangha who used to attend or host some of them. If you would be interested in attending and/or holding space for one of these groups, please email us at leadership@insightwma.org.
Queer & Trans Practice Group
Fourth Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
All LGBTQIA2S+ identities are welcome! We will practice together and have time for discussion and building community. 4th Thursdays from 7:15-8:45. Please check our offerings page to see if our next meeting is held in-person, hybrid, or via Zoom only. For more information write to: bernadinem@insightwma.org.
For those attending via Zoom: this group uses the regular IWM Zoom link. Use the button below or the link on our offerings page.
Fourth Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
All LGBTQIA2S+ identities are welcome! We will practice together and have time for discussion and building community. 4th Thursdays from 7:15-8:45. Please check our offerings page to see if our next meeting is held in-person, hybrid, or via Zoom only. For more information write to: bernadinem@insightwma.org.
For those attending via Zoom: this group uses the regular IWM Zoom link. Use the button below or the link on our offerings page.
BIPOC Practice Group
Our first meeting will be held on Friday, October 20, 7:00-8:30pm; in-person at IWM. Our time will be split between meditation practice, book discussion, and socializing. The book we will be reading together is What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula. We will discuss Chapters 1 & 2 at our first meeting. For more information write to: leadership@insightwma.org.
Our first meeting will be held on Friday, October 20, 7:00-8:30pm; in-person at IWM. Our time will be split between meditation practice, book discussion, and socializing. The book we will be reading together is What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula. We will discuss Chapters 1 & 2 at our first meeting. For more information write to: leadership@insightwma.org.
Parents & Families Sangha
Currently on hold - watch for updates on upcoming gatherings.
Currently on hold - watch for updates on upcoming gatherings.
Chronic Illness Dharma Group via Zoom
This group is currently on hold.
Previously met on fourth Thursdays unless otherwise specified; 7:00 - 8:45pm.
This drop-in group is for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities who would like to practice the dharma together. We will meditate for 30 minutes, followed by a dharma discussion. Friends/partners/allies welcome. Email general@insightwma.org with questions.
This group meets via Zoom.
Once we're in person again: IWM has assistive listening devices and a fragrance-free space policy. IWM and Eastworks are wheelchair accessible. The closest elevator is at the West Entrance.
* Due to holidays
This group is currently on hold.
Previously met on fourth Thursdays unless otherwise specified; 7:00 - 8:45pm.
This drop-in group is for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities who would like to practice the dharma together. We will meditate for 30 minutes, followed by a dharma discussion. Friends/partners/allies welcome. Email general@insightwma.org with questions.
This group meets via Zoom.
Once we're in person again: IWM has assistive listening devices and a fragrance-free space policy. IWM and Eastworks are wheelchair accessible. The closest elevator is at the West Entrance.
* Due to holidays