by April Koester | Sep 11, 2025 | Classes, News
Proposed Topic for the October 2025 Study Group
As many of you know, we have enjoyed the benefits of an ongoing series of 8-week Dharma study groups for several years, and it is time to organize the next one. There have been several requests for a repeat of an excellent book, “Stepping Out of Self-deception”, by Rodney Smith, so we will again focus on it. During previous study groups, I have described the book as a series of chapters that invite repeated interested contemplation and discussion, so it is worth revisiting, even for those who have previously read it. I know of two well-respected committed meditators who gave themselves a year to read, contemplate, and discuss the contents.
For those of you who were in the most recent series of meetings, I regret not giving you “first dibs” on this series, as my email group addresses were lost when I had to transfer everything to the new computer, so this is a general announcement rather than in the past about the next series, which I plan to start on the weekend of October 11, ending the weekend of November 29. There are two options, Saturday or Sunday, from 3-4:30 PM, through Zoom meetings. The number of participants in each group is capped at 7, so if you want to participate, let me know which day you prefer via email, but understand that if attendance is low, the meetings will only occur on one of those days, and you may have to be more flexible if necessary. Don’t assume that because you were in the recent groups, that you are automatically in one of the next groups also—you must confirm the commitment via email, and include your phone number. I will respond to your email confirming your participation and send a document with more specific information about the group process and discussion trajectory.
My plan is to have a “mini-consultation” with every participant during each meeting. Circumstances may not allow that, but I will do my best to speak with each person. We can talk about a concept from the book or your meditation practice. I strongly encourage each person to commit to 45 minutes of meditation every day during the course—if that is challenging for you, that can be a fruitful opportunity to develop consistency of practice. Real success integrates the concepts we read or hear about with the direct experiential confirmation available through dedicated meditation practice.
As in previous groups, the fee for the series is recommended to be $160, payable to OIMG, either through the website or via check sent to me, Peter Carlson, 1818 Carrigan Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789. If you don’t have $160, pay what you can afford, knowing that this contribution is a core funding project for our Sangha’s activities. I am offering my facilitation services freely, as has been the case for a few years now.
Please contact me with any questions and email your commitments with your phone number ASAP in order to enroll even if I already have that information; I need the email address and phone number in case we need to reschedule a meeting.
I look forward to getting started with the meetings and I wish you well. Peter
For more information call 407 339-5444 or email peter@orlandoinsightmeditation.org
by April Koester | Aug 28, 2025 | Classes, News, Retreats
A basic Buddhist concept acknowledges that the mind is in a constant flow state, changing from moment to moment. This day of practice provides support for training the mind to more skillfully manage how these changes occur, interrupting unwholesome self-creating processes and building new processes that are more wholesome, through practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation. The retreat is suitable for beginning as well as more practiced meditation students.
Please bring your own lunch. There is a refrigerator and microwave on-site. A limited number of meditation cushions will be available; it is recommended that if you have your own, please bring it. There will also be chairs available.
The retreat will be led by Peter Carlson who has been teaching meditation for over 30 years. For more information about Peter, click here.
When: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Oneness Yoga Retreat Center located at 218 W. Lewis Road, Apopka, FL (not far from Kelly Park)
Fee: $60 to the Orlando Insight Meditation Group; the fee will be split evenly between OIMG and the retreat center. (NOTE: The teacher takes no fee. Those attending will have the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to him at the end of the day to express gratitude for the teaching and what was learned.)
For questions: please email April.
by Sharon Wright | Jul 24, 2023 | Classes
In addition to our weekly Sangha, we invite you to join the monthly LifeArt Meditation Group, offered on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
In these sessions we explore the habits of the mind and the structures of living that allow us to live with more presence, more clarity about what matters, and more capacity for being of benefit.
Meeting format:
- A short talk on developing skillful means for maintaining a satisfying meditation practice. The emphasis here is on how to address all manner of hindrances that damage our motivation or hobble our mental capacities to remain concentrated and focused.
- A 20-minute guided meditation designed to help you put into play the ideas addressed in the talk.
- A Q&A session to gain clarity and insight about the practice.
When: Second Tuesday of the month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Location: Zoom Meeting ID 867 2496 7080; Passcode:622152
Click here to join the zoom meeting.
Teacher: Lezlie Laws. Click here to contact Lezlie.
by Peter Carlson | Mar 17, 2020 | Classes, News
Sangha meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm and can be attended in person or via zoom.
The in person meetings are held at Peter Carlson’s home at 1818 Carrigan Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789. For those who haven’t been to the site, the house is the only one on the block with a sheet metal roof. Park on the street or in the driveway—please be considerate of the neighbor’s property. Walk to the left of the garage and through the gate in the chain link fence; the cottage in the back yard is where we meet.
We will meditate in silence from 7 to 7:45, then, after a break, the Dharma talk will begin.
There will be a small box near the front door for dana, the practice of donating to the teacher out of gratitude for the teaching. The contribution is not required, and the money will be used to maintain the building and pay for the Zoom subscription. There is a lending library of Dharma related books in the cottage that operates on a trust basis.
To attend meetings via zoom, use the information below:
Click here to join Zoom Meeting.
Meeting ID: 847 1472 3882
Passcode: 620329
Click here to add the zoom meeting information to your calendar: