Common ground Meditation center

The building is beautiful, clean, and spacious, and the atmosphere is warm and open. Unlike many meditation centers, there is no fee, and all classes are offered by donation in the spirit of generosity. The instructors here are truly more interested in helping people learn and spreading the practice of meditation than they are in profiting off of it.

Walking into the simple, beautiful space I know I am in the right place for community, meditation practice and connection. The center practices generosity and freely offers all programs. I am able to give back in so many personal ways. I donate my time, talent and treasure and feel blessed to do so. In this next year may all your past karma be met with wisdom and kindness; May your understanding, intentions and actions be guided by wisdom and kindness; May your awareness bring what is periphery into view and with it relief from the hazards of blindness and indulgence. In this next year may you be safe and protected in all ways. May you tend to what is before you with care and may you rest in the resulting joy.

I attend the Sunday morning meditation regularly. I love the meditation itself. However, I've noticed politics are making their way into the teaching afterwards. Especially this last Sunday with a guest teacher, where it got pretty out of hand with the added participation of the group. I think efforts should be made to keep politics out of the teaching. Politics are the very last thing I want to hear about at a meditation session.

One of the best decisions I ever made was taking an Intro to Meditation Class at Common Ground. The quality of my life dramatically improved beginning in 2005. I am more grounded and more skillful at negotiating life's inevitable ups and downs. I have also met some wonderful people of varied backgrounds and rediscovered old friends. The community is rich in the best sense of that term and growing. Special interest groups gives individuals an opportunity to deepen their experience of community. I know many people think of Buddhism as a religion, but it is more accurately "a science of the mind". Our community is made of people with Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Atheist orientations, to name a few. I am amazed that such a place exist. Like most human creations, we are not perfect, but we reflect upon our experiences and try to learn from life's lessons.

Common Ground is a beautiful meditation center for both dedicated practitioners and those just getting started with meditation. The guiding teacher Mark Nunberg is a sincere teacher and super talented at articulating the seemingly complex and paradoxical teachings of the Buddha. Mark was my first mindfulness meditation teacher (I learned meditation first in yoga) and I could not have asked for better instruction. From my experience, Mark does a really good job at meeting people where they’re at and offering useful practice suggestions. A few months ago I went on a 2 week Jhana retreat with Leigh Brasington and Mary Aubry. I was very pleased at how skillful my practice was during that retreat. I saw so clearly how all the years of practice and instruction had culminated in a beautiful way. The center has personally made an unquantifiable impact on my own life since I first attended in January 2015. I have learned much about how to move through the world with less stress and more ease; how to show up in crazy situations with a fearless heart; and how to face the suffering within my own heart and the hearts of others. Before CG, I never had a spiritual center or a spiritual teacher that could be an anchor for understanding and opening to the way things are. Part of this was because the spiritual stuff I was aware of costed money and in my early 20s I was completely broke. All the offerings at the center are freely given which is a crazy and incredible gift to any and all seeking to live with more peace, ease, and freedom both for themselves and also the benefit of all beings. Much love to Mark, Wynne, and everyone who has and will contribute to the center.

Here’s what you need to know... if you go on Sunday morning, arrive early to get a spot. They close the doors if the room fills up. Small parking lot and street parking available. You’ll need to remove your shoes as you enter. The meditation room is on the main level. The lower level does not have handicap accessibility. The center takes donations of cash and has a kiosk for credit cards as well. The meditation room was arranged with cushions for floor sitting and chairs along the sides of the room. There is water and tea available and time to fellowship afterwards. There is a children’s program as well so kids are welcome. The bulletin boards and newsletter list many other cool programs including yoga and retreats available. I enjoyed the 10:30 session which included guided mindfulness meditation and reflection from the leader. It was a wonderful way to connect with myself and the present moment. Very welcoming and peaceful.

An amazing meditation center. The first one I've stepped foot in and have been grateful for it. Lots of support groups including the mindfulness and depression, people of color, and millennial support group. I'd recommend this inviting and comfortable center to those new to mindfulness or someone that has practiced for years.

Peaceful, compassionate people and location. They offer opportunities for you to sit and meditate. Other times there are classes available and when the weather's nice, you can sit quietly outside in the garden. This place is a vortex of positive, healing energy for me.

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit if you ever get to Minnesota. They have yoga classes, meditation classes, and several support groups to support you in your meditation. They even have half and full day retreats to deepen your practice. The place operates debt free through donations and an host of big hearted volunteers. All of this is offered freely. They also have a sitting group for people of color on the first and third Thursday evening of each month. This places makes the Minneapolis one of the best cities in the United States.

Many of us who practice mindfulness daily were brought to the path because of deep suffering and trauma. The proliferation of thoughts deepens suffering. Becoming curious and aware of our thought patterns brings peace, healing and happiness. This can be done alone, but a community (sangha) like Common Ground is rare and sacred. The energy that fills the meditation hall is something I wish all beings can experience.