Welcome to Insight Western Mass (IWM)
Formerly known as Insight PV
AFFINITY GROUPS
All IWM Affinity Groups will be held via Zoom until further notice.*
Insight Western Mass offers a variety of Affinity Groups for community members with specific needs to get to know and support each other as Dharma Friends. These groups of people with similarities help create a welcoming space for those who might not always feel welcome when entering a new community. It is our intention to welcome a diverse group of practitioners and hope you will find refuge here. Zoom links are below or at our homepage. (Sangha of Service and Advocacy uses a different Zoom link - see below.)
Parents Practice and Discussion Group
Fourth Sundays, 7:30-8:45pm
This group is currently on hold, as of May 2021.
A time to gather with other parents, practice together, share, and support each other in our practice and our parenting. The group will have a rotating facilitator. The Zoom link is below or can always be found on our homepage and within the calendar event.
The next Family Gathering at IWM is to be determined. We'll read stories, sing, do mindfulness exercises, and weather permitting, might head outside to enjoy nature. Our family gatherings are casual and relaxed, with a flexible slate of activities that we adjust to meet the needs of the moment. Healthy snacks will be provided. No fee, opportunity to give dana to IWM.
Fourth Sundays, 7:30-8:45pm
This group is currently on hold, as of May 2021.
A time to gather with other parents, practice together, share, and support each other in our practice and our parenting. The group will have a rotating facilitator. The Zoom link is below or can always be found on our homepage and within the calendar event.
The next Family Gathering at IWM is to be determined. We'll read stories, sing, do mindfulness exercises, and weather permitting, might head outside to enjoy nature. Our family gatherings are casual and relaxed, with a flexible slate of activities that we adjust to meet the needs of the moment. Healthy snacks will be provided. No fee, opportunity to give dana to IWM.
Queer & Trans Practice Group
This group is currently on hold.
Usually takes place on Third Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Come and enjoy an evening of mindfulness and sharing with other queer and trans people. We usually meditate for about 30 minutes, and then have a kind and confidential sharing circle. Friends/partners/allies welcome.
This group uses the regular IWM Zoom link. Use the button below or the link in the calendar event on our homepage.
This group is currently on hold.
Usually takes place on Third Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Come and enjoy an evening of mindfulness and sharing with other queer and trans people. We usually meditate for about 30 minutes, and then have a kind and confidential sharing circle. Friends/partners/allies welcome.
This group uses the regular IWM Zoom link. Use the button below or the link in the calendar event on our homepage.
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
Monthly offering
The Sangha of Service and Advocacy: An Offering of Insight World Aid supported by Insight Western Mass
As of July 2021 onward, this group is not currently scheduled to meet.
Previously met on first Sundays, 4:00-4:45pm ET. Various teachers.
Opportunity for dana. Insight World Aid gratefully accept any gifts you can make.
This offering does not use IWM's Zoom link (see below).
On the first Sunday of each month, from 4-5:00 pm ET, dharma leaders will engage in a discussion, followed by a short meditation, focused on our commitment as dharma practitioners to service and advocacy. Topics will touch on how the dharma encourages, supports, and sustains us in advocating for social justice, equity, and human rights.
During each discussion, a guest leader and social change advocate will respond to the following questions:
The Sangha of Service and Advocacy: An Offering of Insight World Aid supported by Insight Western Mass
As of July 2021 onward, this group is not currently scheduled to meet.
Previously met on first Sundays, 4:00-4:45pm ET. Various teachers.
Opportunity for dana. Insight World Aid gratefully accept any gifts you can make.
This offering does not use IWM's Zoom link (see below).
On the first Sunday of each month, from 4-5:00 pm ET, dharma leaders will engage in a discussion, followed by a short meditation, focused on our commitment as dharma practitioners to service and advocacy. Topics will touch on how the dharma encourages, supports, and sustains us in advocating for social justice, equity, and human rights.
During each discussion, a guest leader and social change advocate will respond to the following questions:
- What motivates your dharma or meditation practice?
- How does your dharma or meditation practice motivate your service or advocacy work?
- How has dharma or meditation practice opened you to greater freedom of mind and heart, or contributed to the effectiveness of your service or advocacy?
Recovery Dharma
This group is currently on hold.
Previously met on Fridays; 7:00 - 8:00pm
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Recovery Dharma is a community of people who are using the practices of Mindfulness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Generosity to heal the pain and suffering that addiction has caused in their lives and/or the lives of loved ones. No prior experience with meditation required.
IWM is proud to host this independent group.
This group is currently on hold.
Previously met on Fridays; 7:00 - 8:00pm
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Recovery Dharma is a community of people who are using the practices of Mindfulness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Generosity to heal the pain and suffering that addiction has caused in their lives and/or the lives of loved ones. No prior experience with meditation required.
IWM is proud to host this independent group.
Young Adult Sitting
This monthly group is currently on hold.
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Thanks to all who were part of this over the years!
This monthly group is currently on hold.
Opportunity to practice dana (generosity)
Thanks to all who were part of this over the years!