-
Chi Gong Foundations : Breath Presence and Vital Energy with Lili Gomez
Are you living in your head more than in your body?Current lifestyle has us rushing, worrying and overthinking — meanwhile we forget to breathe deeply. We forget that our bodies are not just vehicles for our minds, but living, intelligent systems that thrive on conscious attention. This Chi Gong class is designed to bring you…
-
Honoring Untold Stories.. Writing, Witnessing, and Illuminating our African-American past
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson launched “Negro History Week” in the 2nd week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Black History Month was later established in 1976. Woodson fervently believed that Black people should be proud of their heritage and that all Americans should understand the largely overlooked…
-
Peace: The Gift We Give Ourselves (+ Guided Meditation)
It’s no surprise that this is the season where many of us may carry around a little more tension, whether were conscious of this added pressure or not. The Newark Center for Meditative Culture (NCMC) offers this gentle reminder that “peace of mind” is the gift we can give to ourselves at any time. Today…
-
Latine Heritage Month Meditation (English & Espanol)
From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate Latine Heritage Month. This month is an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and strides of the Latine community in all facets of life. I want to acknowledge that some might feel conflicted regarding identifying terms that situate our identities and cultures into a monolith. Umbrella terms…
-
The Annual Report 2022: Newark Center for Meditative Culture
“In the following report Newark Center for Meditative Culture would like to share highlights of our victories in the past year, most notably the resilience we mustered to resume regular, in-person programming.” VIEW ANNUAL REPORT
-
The Dark & Light of Black Joy: The Role African-American History Plays
To help bring in and celebrate Black History Month we’ve asked NCMC board director Les Arthur, a former teacher of African-American history, to give us some of his reflections. Please join us in any of our programs this month to inspire your own reflections. The Dark & Light of Black Joy : The Role African-American History…
-
Nov 23 NEW MOON CEREMONY: Raising the vibration of love and healing in Newark
An experience of empowerment, meditation, and art making. Scheduled every new moon with different themes and emotional tropes worked through. Join us for these Monthly Ceremonies Downtown at The House at 2 Park Place, Newark NJ on the 2nd Floor. Register or Learn More Facilitator Kayla 11 Muldrow | Ages 16 years and older. Under…
-
Nov 19 FALL INNER CITY HIKE — Hoboken to Liberty State Park
The Static Sidewalks of Hoboken meet the Dynamic Nature of Liberty State Park Start in Newark 10AM. Register or Learn More Hike Leader: Kazi | Distance: Choice of 3 mi or 6 mi | Difficulty: Beginners | Fee: FREE | Age: Adults and Youths able to walk the distance (Youths 17 and younger must be…
-
Newark Center for Meditative Culture Awarded a $70,000 Grant from the Kataly Foundation
The funds will go toward the general operations of NCMC’s downtown Newark space and for freelance staff NEWARK, NJ (July 27, 2022) – The Newark Center for Meditative Culture (NCMC), a nonprofit that offers diverse, mindfulness programs to the greater Newark area, announced today that it was awarded a $70,000 grant from the Kataly Foundation, an…
-
Thrive at Five Party for NCMC’s 5th Anniversary to be held on Saturday, July 16th
Join us for a body, mind, spirit celebration! Creative expressive fun for adults and kids! Newark Center for Meditative Culture invites you, your family, and friends to attend our 5th Anniversary Celebration THRIVE PARTY and OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, July 16th from 12pm to 4pm. It will be held both OUTSIDE in our Rector St.…
-
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
Natural, Spiritual, and Social Success in the New Un-Normal A BIPOC Mindfulness Retreat Now Open to all Non-Local Attendees as well as Greater Newark People! June 17th-19th(Friday evening thru Sunday lunchtime)Register by June 10th Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center 1184 County Route 11, Craryville, NY 12521. Climate shifts, viral mutations, and social upheaval are proving to…
-
Wednesdays 7pm EST ONLINE in April: SELF-AWARENESS SELF-CARE SELF-HEALING — Power Tools for BIPOC Strategists, Activists, and Supporters
FREE ONLINE PROGRAM: Link to sign-up: https://ncmc-bipoc-power.eventbrite.com Co-facilitators: Kazi & JJavier Cruz | Dates: Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 | Time: 7:00pm to 8:00pm EST | Cost: FREE | Age: Adults 18 years and older | Guidelines: You must be a Person of Color or identify as such to attend. You must be…
-
New! Free Brick City Mindfulness Handbook
Free 24 page, full-color e-Handbook for all online and limited quantity paper Handbooks for qualifying Newark organizations and groups to distribute and use. Our intent in creating this handbook was to benefit individuals and families new to the practice of meditation and mindfulness. It will introduce you to the basic concepts, practices, tools, and tips…
-
Basic Reiki Workshops on Saturdays Nov. 13th and Dec. 18th at 1:30pm EST
These workshops are an opportunity to intentionally gather, share, and ask questions on Reiki and to receive a Reiki healing experience. Hybrid Attendance: Choose In-Person (limited distanced seating) or Online REGISTER NOW Guest Teacher Veronica Guevaras-Lovgren Workshop 1: Intro to Reiki and Healing Experience | Sat. Nov. 13th | 1:30 to 2:30pm EST | Participants…
-
Giving Freely: Dana, an earnest appeal
Greetings NCMC friends, In the spiritual and meditation domains, giving and generosity (also known as an ancient term of dana, pronounced daa·nuh) is considered a practice — even an art — that can be finely tuned and developed, partly through discipline, partly as maturing compassion. At NCMC, as a non-profit organization, we rely on the…
-
Third Saturdays: CREATIVITY AS A REMEDY — Free Basic Therapeutic Art, Meditation & Journaling Series
Six free stand-alone sessions for ages 10 through adults! Learn to use creativity as a tool to relax, reduce stress and get beyond the climate of fear. Self-exploration through movement, meditation, and color. Perfect for Individuals, Families, Groups — Children, Teens, Adults, and Seniors. View RECORDED Sessions on YouTube any time: https://bit.ly/3xpNT3T Uploaded a week…
-
Sunday, May 23 — Spring Urban HIKE: Iron & Brick meets FLOWER POWER
(Vaya al enlace de abajo para la traducción al español.) A free guided hike in the Ironbound Section of Newark NJ. Bring your sunniest disposition (or the hike will make it sunny!), wear your most colorful or flowery clothes, and let’s breath in some outdoor air together and make new friends! We’ll explore through body,…
-
24 Tips to Creating a Sacred Space: NCMC tip featured in Redfin article
Learn some simple steps to make an ordinary room your sacred space! NCMC was asked by Redfin to participate in their article Transformative Tips for Creating a Sacred Space in Your Home. Kazi then submitted a tip on the importance of choosing the right seat. Check out their informative article here. And by the way,…
-
RISE AND SHINE YOUR LIGHT DIVINE: 3-Part Online Learning Series starts Sunday, March 14th
Live online Sunday learning sessions with Kazi guiding you in Meditations, Movement, Messages, and Meals to put the Mojo in your Mornings. Register at ncmc-divine-light.eventbrite.com Teacher: Kazi | Dates: March 14, 21 & 28 | Time: 9am to 10am EST | Donation: $20 suggested for the series | Age: Adults (Youths welcome for free accompanied…
-
BE THE CHANGE: Meditation & Gentle Yoga Series
Focusing on the intention of creating positive change in lives to cultivate self-compassion in order to foster compassion toward others. Join in on any date and donate as you can! Youths free! Register at ncmc-yoga-meditation-change.eventbrite.com Sundays, February 7 & 14, March 7 & 14, 2021 | 2:00 to 3:00pm EST Instructor Ella Moncur This four…
-
Nov. 7 Newark IntraCity Urban Hike: Walk with us!
You’ll be guided to explore body, mind, and spirit by walking, seeing, listening, touching and movement meditation in both nature and city. REGISTER NOW Newark in Yin & Yang: The Static Sidewalks of Brick City meet the Dynamic Nature of Branch Brook Park Saturday, November 7, 2020 | 9am to 12pm | Lincoln Park to…
-
Sunday, Oct. 25th — NCMC’s First Annual Fundraiser: CELEBRATING SPIRIT & CULTURE
A VIRTUAL GATHERING (on Zoom) Sunday, October 25 1pm to 5pm ET Online Presenters: Ven. Kaboggoza Buddharakhita • Akua Ishangi • Richard Ford • Mfundishi Khalil Maasi • Rebecca Li • Shaka Georges • Mesha Allen • Kamilah Crawley • Raul “Gorras” Moris • NCMC Board and more. Join us for a live-emceed virtual fundraiser…
-
MIND, BRAIN & MEDITATION: Insights from the Nervous System — A Four-Part On-demand Online Workshop
A FOUR-PART ONLINE WORKSHOP ENROLL NOW Teacher: Cornelia Santschi, PhD On-demand access: Access for each video starts at 1pm each Thursday, October 1, 8, 15, and 22 on our YouTube Channel, available 24/7. Access to all videos will end on October 29. Length: 50 minute sessions Platform: NCMC YouTube Channel FEE SCALE Individual fee: $40 for…
-
Our New Sign is Up!
Our sign is finally put up in the front lawn of 2 Park Place that houses our Center! Some day soon we’ll be able to start in-person practice together again. Thank you to Newark Community Cycling Center for moving their sign and helping us to put up ours — certainly “sharing the road.”
-
Moyo Kazi QIGONG for Beginners: A Downtown Outdoor Workshop on Tuesday, October 13
VISITING TEACHERMfundishi Khalil Maasi Tuesday, October 13 (Rain date Oct. 20)3:00 to 4:30 pmChurch Back Lawn (608 Broad St.), across the street from NCMC (2 Park Place). ENROLL NOW NCMC is providing this beginners workshop in Newark to introduce the community to the gentle, powerful practice of Qigong that is especially helpful in this uniquely…
-
Tools for Wellness Month in August
To support your wellness plans for Wellness Month of August 2020 we put together an article Seven Dimensions of Wellness in a Nutshell. Corresponding to this we are offering a few complimentary tools to help you along your path to holistic wellness: 1. We’ve prepared a digital Wellness Month Calendar that you can either download…
-
The 7 Dimensions of Wellness in a Nutshell
August is Wellness Month and we’ve put together an overview of the 7 Dimensions of Wellness. Consider designing your own wellness program for August with good planning and a goal to sustain and build on it! We’ve also provided a fillable Wellness Month Calendar that you can print out to use and we created a…
-
Planning for August Wellness Month with The 7 Dimensions of Wellness
When we consider wellness we often think primarily of physical health. But wellness is much more than that. Wellness is the multi-dimensional development and maintenance of seven aspects of life — that of the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and vocational dimensions. Rather than being seen as separate entities, these seven aspects can be…
-
Yoga-Meditation Course: 7 Chakras — Meditation, Mantras & Movement
An online yoga-meditation course where we’ll talk about each chakra, meditate on it, and move through it. Beginner to intermediate students. Taught by ELLA MONCUR STARTS MONDAY, AUGUST 10TH OPTIONAL: Attend 4, 5, or 6 Sessions ENROLL NOW Dates Mondays, August 10, 17, 24, 31 & September 14, 21 Time 6:00pm to 7:00pm Platform: NCMC ZOOM…
-
31 New Video Teachings Ready for Your Viewing
In the past few months we’ve produced 31 videos to serve the community during social distancing. They include guided meditations, qigong, yoga, and mindfulness sessions ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Please check them out on NCMC’s YouTube Channel. (Shown, a silent video clip with teacher Ib’nallah Kazi from a couple years ago.)
-
Our First Grant Received: Funding of 33 Online Sessions
Newark Center for Meditative Culture (NCMC) received our very first grant as a 501c3 non-profit organization in early April from the Victoria Foundation Fund and the Thrive Neighborhood Initiative Fund in partnership with the Greater Newark LISC. Part of the funding was allocated to assist with online meditation workshops and sessions due to the covid19 emergency. A portion was to…
-
In the Face of the Pandemic and Social Injustice: Living in UNCERTAINTY with CLARITY & COMPASSION: • Dr. Rebecca Li • ONLINE Wed. June 3, 10, 17 7PM ET
A FREE 3-Part Practice Series on Zoom Guided Meditations and Dharma Talks including Q&A’s and Dialogue 3 STAND-ALONE SESSIONS: Choose as many sessions as you like. Good for beginning to intermediate meditators. ALL WELCOME. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://bit.ly/2BdNRUz WED. JUNE 3 • 7PM EST Part 1—Practicing in Uncertainty Guided meditation and talk on how to use…
-
Be Still Monday Zoom Sessions Continue: Enroll with Links Below
Mondays, May 18, June 1, and June 8: Enroll in as many FREE Zoom sessions as you like. You must register to access Meeting ID and Password: 10:00 AM Sessions ENROLL AT: https://bit.ly/3bf8MTp 5/11 Re-Connecting with the Natural World (Cornelia) 5/18 Taking a Pause for Deep Relaxation (Andrea) 6/1 Chair Yoga: You Are Creator of…
-
FREE ON YOUTUBE: Distance Practice Offerings in April
For Stress Resilience, Well-Being, and Practice Development (Includes a Spanish-Language Offering) Stress Resilience Meditation Series Postings on Wednesdays 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 A free series of four short talks with guided meditations (10 minutes each). Giving clear and concise advice, reflections, and effective simple-to-do meditations, teacher Kazi will emphasize the concerns of stress on health…
-
NEW! Free Personal Meditation Coaching • NEW! Weekly Online Practice Tips
NEW! FREE Personal Meditation Coaching by Email or Phone While physically unable to practice with us, if you feel a need for meditation and mindfulness coaching or guidance or simply have questions about your practice, just email us at info@newarkmeditation.org and we will connect you with the appropriate teacher for a phone or email interview.…
-
Breathing in Fearlessly, Breathing Out Love & Compassion
So many of us are currently on hold or going through our everyday motions not knowing what will be the “new normal.” We are all out on a limb. We can choose to be accepting and in this moment as it is, look ahead at the good that can be, and breath in fearlessly with…
-
We are closing our center to the public until further notice.
To support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 we are closing our center to the public until further notice. CURRENT PROGRAMS POSTPONED Monday Yoga with Ella Tuesday Meditation with Javier POTENTIALLY POSTPONED Wednesday Tai Chi with Shaka (3/25 start) Monday Yoga with Fadja (4/20 start) We will make decisions on rescheduling and starting…
-
Yoga for Creativity & Prosperity: 6 Week Course starts April 20th
Guest Instructor Fadja Robert-Carr (See bio at registration site) Limited Seating Up to 12 students. Level Beginning to Intermediate Dates Mondays, April 20 to June 01 (No class on May 25.) Time 6:00pm to 7:15pm Course Fee $60 paid in advance online. (Refunds only until 4/2.) Location 2 Park Place, Newark, NJ ENROLL ncmc-yoga-creativity.eventbrite.com Description…
-
Tai Chi & Qi Gong: A Path to Health & Wellness starts Wednesday, March 25
6-WEEK COURSE Visiting Teacher Shaka Georges (See bio at registration site.) Limited Space Up to 12 students. Dates Wednesdays, March 25 to April 29 (3/25,4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29) Time 6:30pm to 7:45pm Level Beginning to Intermediate Course Fee $60 paid in advance online. (Refund up to 4/28) Location NCMC, 2 Park Place, Newark, NJ…
-
REVIEW: A Day of Firsts — The First Retreat in Our First Home
ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd we held our first retreat in our first home at 2 Park Place. The topic was Community-Building with Clarity & Compassion. You can see from the faces of the students that it was a wonderful experience! It was fitting that Rebecca Li led the retreat as she has been supporting programs…
-
DAY-LONG RETREAT: Community Building with Clarity & Compassion
Led by teacher REBECCA LI with Kathryn Davis & Leslie. MEDITATION | MINDFULNESS | YOGA | QIGONG | DHARMA TALK | DISCUSSION | VEGGIE LUNCH Sunday, February 23, 2020 Newark Center for Meditative Culture, 2 Park Place, Newark, NJ REGISTER NOW! (Link will take you to Eventbrite.) Choose Full or Half Day Participation: Full-day: 10:00am-4:30pm…
-
Check out the Curriculum to the 7 Chakras Course that starts on March 9th
LIMITED SPACE: Up to 12 students, so register soon! REGISTER NOW ON EVENTBRITE
-
6-Week Meditation, Mantras & Movement Course starts March 9
Enroll Now! Guest Instructor Ella MoncurDates Mondays, March 9 to April 13 (3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13)Time 6:00pm to 7:15pmLocation NCMC, 2 Park Place, Newark, NJ (9 steps up)Course Fee $60 paid in advance online. (Refunds only until 3/8.)Level Beginning to IntermediateSupplies Yoga mats are provided. Bring a closed water bottle. No need to…
-
Listen to a short interview about NCMC
On February 7, 2020 the co-founder and chair of Newark Center of Meditative Culture, Marcie Barth, was interviewed by Kathryn Davis, host of the Heart of Mind program on Free Speech Radio WBAI 99.5FM in New York. The interview gives in a nutshell the work of NCMC. 9 MINUTE LISTEN
-
Our grateful Donation Box, wrapped warmly in African mud cloth, kindly donated to us by a Newark artisan in 2013. Want to donate?
Consider donating directly in the Box at 2 Park Place in Newark NJ.Or DONATE NOW online through PayPal/Credit Card through button below. Any size donation is needed and appreciated. You can also donate by check and remit to: Newark Center for Meditative, PO Box 182, Newark, NJ 07101. Please let us know that your donation…
-
New! Weekly SANGHA SITTING for serious meditators starts Tuesday January 14th
45 MINUTE SELF-PRACTICE FOR SERIOUS MEDITATORS Ongoing Tuesdays | 5:30pm to 6:15pm | 2 Park Place, Newark, NJ What is firmly rooted cannot be pulled out. ― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching We are forming a self-practice, leaderless meditation group especially for maturing meditators who can silently practice meditation for a solid 45 minutes without…
-
Tuesday Meditation & Mindful Movement Classes start up again on January 7th
Tuesdays 6:30pm to 7:45pm2 Park Place, Newark NJ 10-Week Series: January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 3, 10.Come as you can. Family friendly. In these classes you will learn and practice from teacher J. Javier Cruz assisted by Jennifer Becher both meditation and mindfulness along with mindful movement and how…
-
Wishing our community a Happy and Healthy New Year!
-
It’s Giving Tuesday! Give and Get in Reciprocity
GIVING TUESDAY…Donate Now Just Added: It’s not too late to donate to support our precious meditation community and get a gift in return! We’re extending this offering to you through Tuesday, December 10th. There’s five options to choose from or simply donate to show that you care about NCMC’s service to the community! GIVING TUESDAY…Donate Now
-
Why meditate? … Why tie your shoes?
Like many things we do regularly, as monotonous as they might appear, there is always a purpose. We choose good purposes and bad purposes. To develop mindfulness and meditation can open your eyes to what is truly in front of you and help you to make good choices. It is proven to reduce stress and…
-
Why Do Tai-chi? … Why totter?
We often totter with our bodies as well as in our minds. This flowing, ancient movement practice can provide balance and equilibrium to both. It gently brings energy up and grounds us in the moment releasing us from our distracted selves. Tai-chi can be applied anywhere — from behind your desk to how you turn…
-
A pin drop was Audible as they meditated..
In the afternoon of October 10th on World Mental Health Day, NCMC provided a meditation workshop for Audible in Newark. Facilitating this program for about 20 employees were Javier Cruz and Andrea Lee of NCMC. Javier provided guided meditation in mindfulness of body, breath, and mental states, while Andrea made the program introduction and led…
-
Tai-Chi Classes with Shaka: 6-Week Fall Series begins Wednesday, November 13th
2 Park Place | Newark, NJWednesdays, 6:30 to 7:20pmNovember 13th 2019 to January 8th 2020 Teacher: Shaka Georges In this six-week series, you will be taught the Tai-Chi Yang short form and qi-gong exercises. It’s a gentle, healing, and easy-to-learn movement practice that you can develop to skillfully use the theory in your daily…
-
Meditation & Mindful Movement Classes: 10-Week Series
Tuesdays 6:30pm to 7:45pm2 Park Place, Newark NJ In this 10-week series you will learn and practice with J. Javier Cruz and Jennifer Becher both meditation and mindfulness along with mindful movement and how to integrate the practice into your daily life to bring less stress and more love and peace into it. Family friendly.…
-
Cancelled: FROM KNEELING TO SELF-HEALING
An experiential day retreat exploring the revolutionary path of Self Healing via Self Knowing Sunday, November 10th | 10am to 4pmAttend Full or Half Day | Open to Men and Youth 14+Index Art Center, 237 Washington Street, Newark NJ Limited Seating. Register at ncmc-mens-retreat.eventbrite.com The day will consist of a short talk on the critical importance of men incorporating Self-Healing…
-
BIG NEWS! Our First Home!
We’re excited to announce that Newark Center for Meditative Culture is leasing a space in Downtown Newark as our community center for both weekly and unique programming. Starting yesterday, October 1st, NCMC is located at: 2 Park PlaceNewark, NJ 07102 It’s a central convenient location on the corner of Broad Street and Park Place and we’re looking so…
-
Free 10-Week Fall Meditation with Mindful Movement Classes: Traducciones en español • Translations in Spanish as necessary.
10-Week Fall Series: Thursdays, Sep. 12 thru Nov. 14. An after-work meditation and mindful movement group. Starts Thursday evening 5:30-7:00pm. Free fall session meditation and mindful movement classes led by J. Javier Cruz. Practice meditation and mindfulness to integrate less stress, and more love and peace into your daily life. Feel free coming late if necessary! Family friendly. Held at 317…
-
Free Six-Week Fall Tai-Chi Series in Military Park
Join us for another free six-week series of Tai-Chi Classes using the Yang short form and qi-gong exercises with Shaka Georges, visiting teacher with NCMC. Gentle, healing, and easy-to-learn movement practice. No registration required, join as you can. Weather permitting on the Meditation Lawn on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Sep 11 through Oct 16. | A free program of…
-
Tai-Chi with NCMC in Military Park to begin September 11th
Join us in September for another free six-week series of Tai-Chi Classes using the Yang short form and qi-gong exercises with Shaka Georges, visiting teacher with NCMC. Gentle, healing, and easy-to-learn movement practice. No registration required, join as you can. (Shaka’s class will also run for 6 weeks in the fall.) Weather permitting on the Meditation Lawn on…
-
Conscientious Cooperative Living and the Environment is First Topic of Deep Ecology II Interviews
WATCH NOW: An interview with Abe Gruswitz of Our Community on the cooperative housing movement and it’s benefits for our environment. These Deep Ecology II interviews with guest presenters, experts in their fields, are hosted by Ib’nallah S. Kazi throughout August 2019 and will be posted on NCMCs YouTube channel and other social media. This…
-
Newark Center for Meditative Culture invites you to attend: EMBODIED MINDFULNESS
A Half-Day Retreat Sunday, August 11, 2019 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Index Art Center, 237 Washington St., First Floor Gallery, Newark NJ Co-teachers Cornelia Santschi and J. Javier Cruz To attend go to: ncmc-summer-retreat.eventbrite.com Suggested donations: $20 adult, students 18 or older $15, pre-arranged volunteers* $10, youths 12-17 free. We live our lives embodied, yet can…
-
Deep Ecology II: Webinar Interview Series throughout August
These interviews with guest presenters, experts in their fields, will be hosted by Ib’nallah S. Kazi throughout August on Facebook or YouTube online and on-demand. This is a continuing program based on our Deep Ecology I lectures in 2017. More details to come. | A free program of Newark Center for Meditative Culture in conjunction…
-
August 11th: Embodied Mindfulness — A Half-Day Retreat
August 11, 2019 | 1:00pm to 5:00pm Index Art Center, 237 Washington Street, First Floor Gallery Co-teachers Cornelia Santschi and J. Javier Cruz LIMITED SPACE! Registration begins on July 1, 9am at ncmc-summer-retreat.eventbrite.com. Suggested Donations: Adults: $20 Teens 12-17: Free (accompanied by adult) Students w/ID 18+: $15 Pre-arranged Volunteers: $10 (see contact info below) We…
-
Coming in July: NCMC at the first Newark Veg Fest
• We’re excited to be one of the sponsors of the free Newark Urban Veg Fest to be held on Saturday July 27th from noon to 5pm in Military Park. Look for us there — we’ll be doing some mindful eating meditation and practice demos and instructing in basic meditation that can help you make…
-
Summer Outdoor Meditation & Mindful Movement Course Continues. Join in Anytime!
A free ten-week series of basic Meditation with Mindful Movement Classes taught by Cornelia Santschi, an insight meditation teacher. Assisting with the class individually will be Andrea Lee and Ihsaan Muhammad. No need to register, come as you can, but it’s always best to come to most since it will be continual learning. Family friendly —…
-
Get into the Flow with Spring Tai-Chi: Two more classes til Summer Break!
A free six-week series of Tai-Chi Classes using the Yang short form and qi-gong exercises with Shaka Georges, visiting teacher with NCMC. Gentle, healing, and easy-to-learn movement practice. No registration required, join as you can. (Shaka’s class will also run for 6 weeks in the fall.) Weather permitting on the Meditation Lawn on Wednesdays from…
-
Ironbound Meditation Group Continues
Our ongoing after-work Ironbound meditation group — feel comfortable coming late if you can’t make it by 5:30. These Meditation with Mindful Movement Classes are taught by J. Javier Cruz and assisted by Jennifer Becher. Classes held at the ICC Family Success Center in the Wellness Room at 317 Elm Street, Newark, NJ from 5:30 to 7:00pm.…
-
EARTH STRONG
A Stoem by Mesha Allen “Somebody told me it’s the end of the world and that’s just for some, peace to the dead, strength to the chosen… Quicksand millennium, quicksand millennium…” Like The Roots, I rose From the Ground Up; my branches spreading wide and bark growing thick. My leaves grow healthy and the chlorophyll in them becomes a…
-
Move That Chi on May 5th!
Spend the Cinco de Mayo afternoon doing a little African-Asian-American mindfulness! HALF DAY WORKSHOP Mindfulness, Meditation, & Martial Movement Taught by Khalil Maasi with assistance by Andrea Lee Sunday, May 5th, 2019 | 1:00pm to 5:00pm Index Art Center, 237 Washington St., First Floor, Newark, NJ This donation-based workshop is appropriate for all people and…
-
Spring Youth Hike in Palisades Park
Led by Kazi with Friends Saturday, May 4th, 2019 | 10:00am to 3:00pm Palisades Interstate Park, Fort Lee, NJ Limited Group Size: Sign up soon! This is a free program geared toward youths aged 12-18. Individual adults, families, and youth/student groups (up to 7 youths per chaperone) are welcome. Join us for a day of…
-
REVIEW: Ladies First – From Superwoman to Self-Care
By Andrea Lee This weekend’s Women’s Retreat was a multi-generational gathering of nearly 50 women of diverse backgrounds and from all different walks of life. The retreat was mindfully and lovingly guided by five women who are leaders in their own fields. We kicked off the retreat with a moving spoken word opening by TaNisha…
-
SPECIAL APPEAL: We need your immediate help to secure our first rental space!
Donate Now on GoFundMe Dear Friends of NCMC, We are appealing to you for your immediate help at this turning point in our development as a center and in our efficacy in building a much-needed meditation community in Newark, NJ. The goal of Newark Center for Meditative Culture (NCMC) is to develop integrated and broad…
-
You are invited to attend: MINDFULNESS, MEDITATION & MARTIAL MOVEMENT thru African-Asian-American Fusion HALF-DAY WORKSHOP
ATTEND EVENT Sunday, May 5, 2019 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Index Art Center, 237 Washington Street, First Floor Gallery, Newark, NJ Taught by Khalil Maasi assisted by Andrea Lee LIMITED SPACE! Suggested donation of $25 adults/$15 students 18 or older. Youths 12-17 come free. This workshop is appropriate for all people and of…
-
Review: February 24th Retreat
The Art of Seeing and Bringing it Home Teachers Rebecca Li and Shaka Georges guided once again an engaging retreat for NCMC — expecially important since the majority of the students were beginners. The students asked excellent questions during the Q&A’s. The reflections got personal and the students empathized, connected, and learn from each other…
-
Women! Drop Your Cape for the Day on March 31st!
Ladies First: From Superwoman to Self-care It’s a wonderful line-up for the day. You can register for full-day or part-day. Here’s a quick listing of bio-notes of your presenters: Mandara Parashakti Akiwumi is a trauma informed, evidence-based pastoral and spiritual counselor, wellness coach, and equity, diversity, and inclusion trainer. She is certified in mindfulness, yoga,…
-
A Walk That Feeds Newark
Pictured above: Bhikkhu Bodhi (left), founder of Buddhist Global Relief with Jennifer and Shaka of Newark Center for Meditative Culture. This past November, NCMC participated in a Walk to Feed the Hungry event hosted by Buddha Path of Montclair. Representing us at the walk were Jennifer Becher and Shaka Georges. At our suggestion 10% of…
-
The Power of Meditative Culture
By Ib’nallah S. Kazi Often in our day-to-day lives our awareness is consumed by the task of maintaining our private and social faces. Much of the data we receive from our environment, from other humans and our own emotional and intuitive signals go ignored. One of the precious benefits of maintaining a meditation practice is…
-
View a Silent Time Capsule from Our Last Winter Retreat
https://www.facebook.com/NewarkCenterforMeditativeCulture/videos/2029277817153394/ Don’t miss NCMC’s upcoming winter retreat with teachers Rebecca Li and Shaka Georges to be held at Index Art Center on Feb 24, 2019! Registration starts soon! Video gift by Darryl Jackson, 2018.
-
Relaxing Into Clarity and Flow: A DAYLONG WINTER RETREAT Guided by Rebecca Li & Shaka Georges
Sunday, February 24, 2019 | 10:00am to 4:00pm | Index Art Center, 237 Washington St., Newark, NJ Registration coming soon so save the date! Fee-based Adult $20/$30, Volunteers and Students $15, Kids Free You will enjoy a heart and body warming day of winter practice in semi-silence with a like-minded soul group. Your retreat will…
-
A New Year’s Message for our NCMC Friends
Dear NCMC Friends, AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS NEW YEAR we want to take a moment of your time to let you know how much your support means to us. Without the support of our NCMC Friends — whether participating virtually in social media or physically at the programs — we couldn’t have provided the…
-
Gift Certificates Now Available for a Winter Retreat Day with Rebecca Li & Shaka Georges
Give the Gift of Clarity and Flow Sunday, February 24th, 2019 | 10:00am to 4:00pm | Index Art Center, 237 Washington Street, Newark, NJ The recipient of this $30 gift certificate will receive a full-day pass to the winter meditation retreat day with Newark Center for Meditative Culture. They’ll enjoy a day out of the…
-
IRONBOUND Meditation Classes with Movement
Traducciones al español y al portugués. | Traduções para espanhol e português. Thursday Evenings | 5:30-7:00pm | ICC Family Success Center, The Wellness Room, 317 Elm Street, Newark, NJ In these on-going weekly meditation classes with NCMC teacher J. Javier Cruz and assistant instructor Jennifer Becher you will learn basic meditation and how to apply…
-
Thanks Giving Reflections from the Indigenous Culture of America
NCMC wishes you a day of abundance or simplicity — and thanksgiving — for clear water, good food, and Mother Earth to sit on! WITH ONE MIND Greetings to the Natural World! The Earth Mother We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She…
-
Overview of our Newark IntraCity Park Hike
Capturing the Spirit of Autumn It was a spectacular day on Saturday, November 10th for a hike through a 5.5 mile stretch of Newark NJ. The weather was a bit chilly, sunny, and breezy so we were bundled up. This was Newark Center for Meditative Culture’s first such program, though we have done shorter nature…
-
Change of Season — Change of Body, Mind, and Spirit
To all things there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and…
-
Mujeres de Meditación: Una Primera Clase Exitosa
El 2 de octubre, J. Javier Cruz, profesor del Centro de Cultura Meditativa de Newark, impartió un Taller de Salud Mental y Meditación para algunos miembros del personal de Ironbound Community Corporation. Alrededor de 13 mujeres trabajadoras que hablaban solo español asistieron. La mayoría sintió que no podían durar más de media hora, pero duraron…
-
MILITARY PARK: Free Fall Tai-Chi in the Park
Wednesdays, Sep. 12 – Oct. 17 5:30 to 6:30pm Meditation Lawn in Military Park A six-week series (weather permitting) of tai-chi and qi-gong taught by visiting teacher with NCMC, Shaka Georges, for his second summer with us. Gentle, healing, and easy-to-learn movement practice. No need to register, come as you can. A free community service…
-
IRONBOUND: Free Fall Meditation Class Series in The Wellness Room
Thursdays, 5:30-7:00pm ICC Family Success Center The Wellness Room 317 Elm Street Newark, NJ In these on-going weekly meditation classes with NCMC instructor J. Javier Cruz and assistant Jennifer Becher you will learn basic meditation and how to apply mindfulness in daily life to live with more ease, more joy, and less stress. Sessions include…
-
SAVE THE DATE! Free Newark IntraCity Park Hike with Kazi and Keyana
SAVE THE DATE! Join us for our first hike through Newark — mindfulness in urban nature — walking softly with co-leaders Ib’nallah S. Kazi and Keyana Jones. It will go through several city parks. Details to come, but plans are to start in the morning and go into the afternoon. A free NCMC program in…
-
A great start for our Fall Session of Free Meditation Classes in the Ironbound
New Location, New Time, New Day! Thursdays, September 13 – November 15 | 5:30-7:00pm | ICC Family Success Center, The Wellness Room, 317 Elm Street, Newark, NJ Above: On September 20th, we had three english-speaking students and one spanish-only and our meditation circle was ready to go. Mindful moments of students practicing walking and sitting…
-
REVIEW: NCMC People of Color Retreat with Bhante Kaboggoza Buddharakkhita
We wanted to share a few glowing comments and lessons learned through our people of color retreat that we held on Sunday, September 9th. The retreat packed a variety of methods in exploring how to cultivate wisdom and compassion to heal our community. Naturally, Bhante took the lead in meditation and dharma talks, but he…
-
Weathering Our Mind Storms
By Marcie Barth As we watch the weather storms Tropical Storm Isaac, Hurricane Helene, and the incredibly threatening Hurricane Florence, we can use the parallels of our mind storms. If we’re mindful-and-aware, these mind storms clue us in to their coming. When we catch ourselves in the middle of a mind storm we realize we…
-
September 8-9: Farm Meditation, Book Signing, and People of Color Retreat
With Bhante Kaboggoza Buddharakkhita of Uganda SOWING SEEDS OF PEACE Farm Meditation • Dharma Talk • Farm-to-Table Lunch Saturday Sep. 8 | 11:30am to 1:30pm Free: Donations welcome Rabbit Hole Farm Newark RSVP | Details: Keven/Arelis at rabbitholefarmnewark@gmail.com PLANTING SEEDS OF DHAMMA Book-Signing • Meditation • Talk • Vendors Saturday Sep. 8 | 7:00pm to…
-
First Books to be Published by NCMC
Planting Dhamma Seeds and Sowing Seeds of Peace We’re excited to announce that Newark Center for Meditative Culture (NCMC) is now a book publisher. We are publishing two books by Bhante Kaboggoza Buddharakkhita who will be teaching with NCMC on Saturday and Sunday, September 8th and 9th. The books to be published are Planting Dhamma…
-
People of Color Full-Day Retreat with Bhante Buddharakkhita of Uganda
Cultivating Compassion & Wisdom to Heal Our Communities A DONATION-BASED MEDITATION PROGRAM. $30 suggested or as you can, greater or smaller.* Sunday, September 9, 2018 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM EDT Early Learning Center | Atrium Room 1 New York Avenue | Second Floor Newark, NJ REGISTER NOW: ncmc-poc-retreat.eventbrite.com Led by Ugandan Buddhist monk, Bhante…
-
Urban Nature Bathing
Re-Naturing Ourselves and Our Children: The Tree vs. The Screen The japanese have a practice called shinrin-yoku, translated to forest-bathing, that simply put means taking the forest in through our senses. To just be in nature, with no particular aim, can bridge the gap beween us and the natural world that we are…
-
The Art of Kindful Mindfulness in the Family
A Report on our Museum Workshop In the late afternoon of June 8th, Newark Center for Meditative Culture gave Family Mindfulness Workshops during the Early Childhood Night at the Newark Museum. We were delighted to have been invited to share our expertise. Our Family Kindful-Mindful Team included Cornelia Santschi PhD, a neuropsychologist, who led…
-
Introduction to Meditation Medicine 1.0
A Free Online Course • Practice at Your Own Pace One of the very first practices of meditation, if not the first, is Attention to the Breath. Learn how and why. OVERVIEW: The purpose of this course taught by Ib’nallah S. Kazi is to help you move beyond settling for the explanation of meditation, into…
-
We’re Out in the Community!
Recent Appearances April 10 Presenters Javier Cruz and Jennifer Becher led a Pre-lunch Parent/Teachers Meditation & Mindfulness Session at Technology High School. It turned out to be a small group, but sometimes that’s good for the students as they get more direct and personal attention. May 9 Presenter Kamilah Crawley led a pre-program guided micro-meditation…
-
Part 1.4: Self-Healing Meditation Medicine
Introduction to Meditation Medicine Course Part 4 of 4 Lessons The purpose of this course is to help you move beyond settling for the explanation of meditation, into the experience of meditation and a consistent practice. Meditation is something that you have to practice and make a part of your life. You will come to understand…
-
Part 1.3: Curative Meditation Medicine
Introduction to Meditation Medicine Course Part 3 of 4 Lessons The purpose of this course is to help you move beyond settling for the explanation of meditation, into the experience of meditation and a consistent practice. Meditation is something that you have to practice and make a part of your life. You will come to understand…
-
Part 1.2: Preventive Meditation Medicine
Introduction to Meditation Medicine Course Part 2 of 4 Lessons The purpose of this course is to help you move beyond settling for the explanation of meditation, into the experience of meditation and a consistent practice. Meditation is something that you have to practice and make a part of your life. You will come to understand…
-
Part 1.1: Meditation is Medicine
Introduction to Meditation Medicine Course Part 1 of 4 Lessons The purpose of this course is to help you move beyond settling for the explanation of meditation, into the experience of meditation and a consistent practice. Meditation is something that you have to practice and make a part of your life. You will come to understand…
-
Learn how to make meditation a part of your life in a simple four-part lesson!
Introduction to Meditation Medicine 1.0 — Course Description A Course of The Spirit-Centered Life held in conjunction with Newark Center for Meditative Culture. Teacher: Ib’nallah S. Kazi (Go to bio.) “The experience proceeds and is more important than the explanation.” — Old African Proverb A Message from the Teacher If you have started to read…
-
Spring Tai-Chi in Military Park
Wednesdays, May 16 – June 20 5:30 to 6:30pm Meditation Lawn in Military Park (just north of/next to park office) A six-week series (weather permitting) of tai-chi and qi-gong taught by visiting teacher with NCMC, Shaka Georges, for his second summer with us. Gentle, healing, and easy-to-learn movement practice. No need to register, come as…
-
CULTIVATING INSIGHT & INSTINCT: A Daylong Retreat
OPTIONAL DAY-LONG OR PART-DAY PARTICIPATION (morning or afternoon session) Sunday, May 20, 2018 10:00am to 4:00pm Early Learning Center, 1 New York Ave. (absolutely no walk-ins/no calls please) Meditation teachers Ib’nallah S. Kazi and Cornelia Santschi will lead this donation-based NCMC program. (Bios on Leadership Page of website.) This retreat will help the community to…
-
Part 3: Curative Meditation Medicine now available to Members on the Meditation Medicine Study Group on Facebook
FACEBOOK STUDY GROUP: Meditation Medicine 4-Part Lesson with Kazi — Free Introductory Series Tuesday Evenings Beginning April 3, 10, 17, 24* 7:00pm EST | 4:00pm PST *Access to recorded sessions if you can’t join us live. This 4-part lesson is exclusive to Meditation Medicine Study Group Members and will be held on Tuesday evenings, April…
-
Part 2: Preventative Meditation Medicine now available to Members on the Meditation Medicine Study Group on Facebook
FACEBOOK STUDY GROUP: Meditation Medicine 4-Part Lesson with Kazi — Free Introductory Series Tuesday Evenings Beginning April 3, 10, 17, 24* 7:00pm EST | 4:00pm PST *Access to recorded sessions if you can’t join us live. This 4-part lesson is exclusive to Meditation Medicine Study Group Members and will be held on Tuesday evenings, April…
-
Part 1: Meditation is Medicine now available to Members on the Meditation Medicine Study Group on Facebook
You can still get your first dose of PART 1: Meditation is Medicine with Kazi of The Spirit-Centered Life, a study group held in conjunction with Newark Center for Meditative Culture. It’s easy, just become a member with your kindred spirits at the Meditation Medicine Study Group to access recorded talks, videos, discussion forum, and…
-
DOWNTOWN: Mindful Meditation Workshop In Four Parts
Sundays, April 15, April 22, April 29, and May 6 Starts at 10:30am I’m So Yoga Newark, 1186 Raymond Boulevard A peaceful way to start your Sundays. Learn and practice the basics of meditation and mindfulness. It’s a workshop appropriate for simply the curious, beginners, and intermediate meditators. Experienced? You’re welcome to come and brush…
-
IRONBOUND: Spring Meditation Classes Begin for English-speaking and Spanish-speaking Groups
Hispanohablante — Clases de meditación y atención plena para principiantes Serie de 8 clases Miércoles, 4 de abril – 23 de mayo 5:30 a 6:30pm Early Learning Center, 1 New York Ave. (no walk-ins) Aprenda prácticas básicas de meditación y atención plena con Newark Center for Meditative Culture (NCMC) que pueden ayudarlo a reducir el…
-
Sit Down to Rise Up: Today, April 4th, 2018 is National Day of Action for Stephon Clark. Demand justice.
-
Meditation Medicine 4-Week Study Group with Kazi: Free Introductory Series
Join us for a free four-part lesson online in simple to apply instruction in the physical, functional and mental mechanics of meditation practice: Recorded Meditations | Live Talks | Discussion Forum | Consultation Tuesday Evenings Beginning April 3rd 7:00 pm EST | 4:00 pm PST (24 hours to access LIVE sessions if you can’t join…
-
Letting Go and Loving
A Special Loving-kindness Meditation Class on Valentine’s Day (with “Heart of Wisdom” Valentine Art Session) Wednesday, February 14, 2018 6:00 to 7:30pm Early Learning Center, 1 New York Ave., Newark (no walk-ins) (Traducción en español a continuación.) How do we let go of those we love, but at the same time love them? How do…
-
Taking Root in Black History Month
“What is firmly rooted cannot be pulled out.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching By Ib’nallah S. Kazi During Black History Month, we retrace our historical steps. We learn where we came from and how it is we came to find ourselves in the present situation. Thus, when we reach a crossroad (a decisive moment…
-
Relaxing into Clarity: A Daylong Meditation & Mindfulness Retreat on February 25th
Optional Part-Day Participation Sunday, February 25, 2018 10:00am to 4:00pm Venue: Index Art Center, 237 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102 ALL MUST REGISTER! Go to registration form. Spend the day with Newark Center for Meditative Culture relaxing into your body and mind to cultivate clarity, taught by guest meditation and dharma teachers Rebecca Li and…
-
One Brick at a Time
The beginning of a new year has become the traditional time to evaluate our lives. So let’s do it! And let’s use a brick as our multi-purpose metaphor. As a starting point, we’ll take this well-known quote by actor Will Smith: “You don’t set out to build a wall. You don’t say ‘I’m going to…
-
Meditación y Atención Plena en el Ironbound: Clases bilingües para principiantes | Meditation & Mindfulness in the Ironbound: Bilingual Classes for Beginners
Miércoles, 24 de Enero al 28 de Marzo, 6:00 to 7:30pm NCMC comenzaren una serie de tres meses de invierno de clases de meditación para principiantes para personas que hablan inglés y español* que viven en Newark y el área de Newark. Será impartido por J. Javier Cruz con otros instructores de NCMC. Esta serie…
-
A Beautiful Wintry Mix is Forecast!
1. THE REMIX Changes to Board of Directors Over the first several years of our existence as an informal initiative, Arelís Hernandez and Keven Porter have quietly and consistently supported our mission. Arelís supported us with with her abundant energy and clear decision-making, knowledge of community organizing, skills with youth, and of course, her delicious…
-
It’s Time to Play…“Where’s. My. Mind?!”
A Free Game for Kids to Adults Start Tonight or When Your Mind is Ready! During the holiday busy-ness, our minds scatter, our minds digress, our minds stress! But also, our minds can go overboard with joy and giddiness that result in post-holiday mind crashes. So let’s play (drum roll) Where’s. My. Mind? — a…
-
Super Moon Sunday — Sensitize, Synchronize, Salutate!
If the forecast holds out, we’ll be able to observe the Super Moon, the biggest brightest full moon of the year, on December 3 that is followed a day later by the lunar perigee —the moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit. There are many myths regarding the power of the full moon. Perhaps…
-
REFLECTION: An Empty Bowl on Our Table
Most of us here in the States will have some sort of Thanksgiving celebration or special meal tomorrow, but then again, many will not. Many of us love the day, but many dread it. There are so many reasons for both these extremes — loving families, dysfunctional families, lack of family, delicious food, tryptophan stasis,…
-
Suggested Holiday Practices for Thanks Giving
As our Group Meditations are temporarily postponed, let’s meditate together from our respective homes even though we’re apart. We start at 7:00pm. Choose a 15-20 minute guided meditation or we’ve suggested some. Or practice silently. You can end your session then or continue on with mindful stretches, readings, chants — whatever works for you! We…
-
Review: A Sunday Full of Truth and Healing
Meditation IS Medicine On Sunday, November 12th, Teacher Kazi opened the People of Color Retreat with a presentation on the meaning and background of Ancestral Meditation Medicine and what it means for us culturally and connectively today. Throughout the day he gently and masterfully guided us in meditation medicine through modes of sitting, standing, walking,…
-
Choosing to Nurture or Neglect Our Minds
We have a choice to neglect or nurture our minds. To nurture our minds takes a little discipline — the practice of meditation and mindfulness can help to etch good qualities and impartiality into our minds through positive reinforcement and developing intimacy with ourselves. We begin to see the connections between our brain, mind, heart,…
-
People of Color & Allies Retreat: Our Return to Ancestral Meditation Medicine
Teacher: Ib’nallah S. Kazi Instructors: J. Javier Cruz & Andrea Lee Presenters: Mesha Allen & Muta Morton Sunday, November 12 | 10:00am to 5:00pm EST (Optional Part-day participation) Index Art Center, 237 Washington St. | 2nd Floor, Stairs Only Donation-based fee: $20 suggested/$15 student | Vegan Lunch Included Limited seating 30 students. Register Now with…
-
Dropping Mechanics for Dynamics and Healing on the Way
Many of us know Tai Chi (supreme ultimate) is a healing form of exercise often done by seniors. Others might know it as a precursor to the more extreme martial arts. It can be practiced in both these ways. But with Tai Chi and Qi Gong (life energy cultivation) we can also practice in the…
Got any book recommendations?