Community Practice
Community Sitting Practice
A community mindfulness meditation format — Hope & Truth Ministry
This format is designed for a gathered community of any size — in a sanctuary, a studio, or any open space arranged with yoga mats, cushions, or chairs. It requires no prior meditation experience and asks only that participants come willing to be still.
A bell or singing bowl serves as the voice of the practice: calling the group to silence, marking the readings, and closing each sitting.
Posture
Posture matters in mindful meditation — not because perfection is required, but because the body and the mind support each other. A grounded, upright seat allows the breath to move freely and the attention to settle.
Sit either comfortably cross-legged on a folded blanket or meditation cushion, or in a chair with both feet flat on the floor. Allow the hips to be level or slightly elevated so the lower back is not strained.
Sit fully upright — not rigid, but tall. Imagine the vertebrae gently stacking upon one another, each one resting on the one below, the spine rising naturally without forcing. The shoulders settle back and down. The chin drops very slightly so the back of the neck is long.
Rest the hands on the knees or in the lap. Close the eyes gently, or soften the gaze toward the floor a few feet ahead.
Once settled, bring the full attention to the breath — not to control it, but simply to feel it arrive and depart. The breath is the anchor. Return to it whenever the mind wanders.
A Format
- I
Opening Bell
A bell or chime is rung to open the session. All comes to quiet — phones silenced, conversation set aside. Participants settle into their seats, find their posture, and close their eyes.
Sit together in stillness for 20 minutes (ish).
- II
Mindful Reading and Short Discussion
After the first sitting, a brief reading is offered into the space — a poem, a passage from wisdom literature, or a short reflection. A brief, open discussion may follow — reflections on the reading or the sitting are welcome, though silence is equally so.
This interlude takes a few minutes. Keep it unhurried; the second bell will gather everyone back.
- III
Second Bell — Second Sitting
A second bell invites all to return to stillness. Settle back into posture and sit together for another 20 minutes (ish).
- IV
Closing Bell
A final bell closes the practice. Participants may take their time returning to the room and exiting.
Gifts
Gifting (dana) may be mentioned gently — a word at the welcome or a note in the program — but it is not expected and should never feel like an obligation. A bowl or box placed quietly near the exit is enough. Those moved to give may do so; those who are not need should not feel compelled.
Notes for Facilitators
- A singing bowl, a hand bell, or a simple chime all work well. The tone should be clear and allowed to fully fade before the sitting begins.
- Readings should be short — one to three minutes. Poetry, psalms, short prose or wisdom passages from any tradition are appropriate. These ought to move people to contemplation - perhaps deeper meditation practice.
- The space need not be elaborate, but should be safe and comfortable. It is possible to arrange participants in a circle — or in organic rows as this supports a sense of shared practice and allows everyone to see the facilitator(s). Mats or cushions on the floor are ideal; chairs are equally welcome and should always be available for those who need them.
- Some instruction or explanation may be given (especially for the newcomers) at the start along with a brief welcome and a description of the format. The bell does the rest. People may stay for the entire session or only a part. When a sitting begins, however, people should plan to stay for the whole sitting. Then, the room is to be quiet and preferably dark. Late arrivals should be aware prior to entry that the room should be kept quiet and avoid disrupting people. It is appropriate that shoes are removed and placed in a joining room.
For more contemplative practices, visit the Meditations page. For additional worship and resource materials, see Publications.
© Tony E Hansen / Hope and Truth Ministry. Free to use and adapt with attribution. Terms of use →