Insight Meditation Community of Bloomington-Normal

04/01/2026

Have you ever asked yourself whether Buddhists believe in a creator god? 🌿
In Theravada Buddhism, the answer is no. The Buddha taught that fear and uncertainty gave rise to the idea of gods, and instead emphasized self-understanding and compassion. Buddhism is non-theistic: it focuses on personal responsibility, ethics, and meditation rather than divine intervention. Curious how this perspective can complement your spiritual views? Tap the link to find out!

👉 Buddhanet – Do Buddhist Believe in God?

03/31/2026

🧘 Looking for an easy way to strengthen your relationship?
Research from the University of Georgia suggests that mindfulness practices make couples feel more confident and connected. When partners slow down, breathe and pay attention, both people benefit. Mindfulness is a learnable skill—meditation, gratitude and mindful breathing all help. Curious to try? 🔗 Explore the study in UGA Today:

A new UGA study suggests that staying in the moment can help couples tackle challenges together and improve their relationship.

03/30/2026

Sangha Practice Meeting — Tonight at 6:30pm (Zoom)

Join us this evening for a spacious and grounding time of shared practice. We’ll settle in together for approximately 45 minutes of silent sitting meditation, followed by about 15 minutes of optional moving meditation. We’ll close with time for optional sharing and discussion for anyone who would like to reflect together.

Tonight’s meeting will be led by Dirk Wethington, who has been practicing with IMCBN since our very first gathering. It’s truly an honor and a delight to practice with him, and to be supported by the steady presence he brings to our sangha.

You’re welcome just as you are—whether you’re continuing your practice or simply arriving as you can.

Use this link to join our meetings.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86336406842

03/29/2026

☀️ Start Your Morning with Meditation

Looking for a simple, supportive way to build a consistent meditation practice?
Join our Weekday Morning Meditation Group (8:30–9:00 a.m.)—a gentle way to begin your day with presence and care.

Each session includes:
• Brief check-ins and intention setting
• 20 minutes of silent meditation
• Optional walking or moving meditation
• Time to share reflections or wish others well before closing

Practicing with others can help meditation feel more natural and sustainable over time. Many people also notice benefits like reduced stress, clearer focus, and greater emotional balance.

Karen Renski will be hosting these meetings through April 10th.
Karen has been practicing with our sangha for some time and brings a warmth and openness that is truly inspiring to be in the company of.

If your mornings allow, you’re warmly invited to join us.

🕣 When: Weekdays, 8:30–9:00 a.m.
📍 Where: Zoom
👉https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71366744466?pwd=abL2u5bqjd4L4xKsyaMzI5CTd48JTF.1

03/29/2026

We're really happy to share that a few members of our community will be stepping in to lead some of our upcoming meetings 😊

✨ Tomorrow (March 30th, 6:30pm CT on Zoom)
Dirk Wethington will be leading our sangha practice meeting
Join here: https://www.insightblono.com/sangha

🌅 Morning meditations (through April 10th)
Karen Renski will be guiding our weekday sits
Join here: https://www.insightblono.com/morning-meditation

📖 April 6th
Margaret Boehle will be leading our book meeting (same sangha link above)

All three have been practicing with us for some time now, and you’ve likely already felt their presence—steady, warm, and genuine. It feels really meaningful to share leadership in this way and continue growing as a peer-led sangha.

If you’ve been meaning to join, this is a beautiful time to come sit with us 💛

03/29/2026

☀️ Start Your Morning with Meditation

Looking for a way to build a consistent meditation practice?
Join our Weekday Morning Meditation Group (8:30–9:00 a.m.).

Each session includes:
• Brief check-ins and intention setting
• 20 minutes of silent meditation
• Optional walking or moving meditation
• Time to share reflections or wish others well before closing

Practicing with others can help make meditation easier to sustain and more meaningful over time. Research shows regular meditation can support reduced stress, improved focus, and greater emotional balance.

If you’re available in the mornings and would like a supportive way to begin your day, we invite you to join us.

🕣 When: Weekdays, 8:30–9:00 a.m.
📍 Where: Zoom
👉 https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71366744466?pwd=abL2u5bqjd4L4xKsyaMzI5CTd48JTF.1

03/24/2026

Did you know your friends might be your best medicine?
Studies show that the quality of our relationships—not cholesterol or wealth—best predicts happiness and longevity. Feeling lonely can harm health as much as smoking, while friendly chats with neighbors brighten our mood. Having even one dependable person to call at 2 a.m. can buffer stress. Investing in friendships and family ties is both emotionally and physically restorative.

👉 Read more in the Harvard Gazette.

Harvard Study of Adult Development director details what research says about value of relationships to physical and mental health.

03/23/2026

Tonight at 6:30pm CT, we host our Dharma Sharing Discussion Circle.
This meeting is a gentle, open space for sharing the wisdom that arises from our own hearts and minds. After we practice mindfulness meditation together, this wisdom often becomes more accessible, clearer, and easier to speak about what is there for you. This circle is held in a judgment-free spirit, rooted in warmth, honesty, and deep listening. You are welcome exactly as you are, and we truly hope you’ll join us.

Use this link to join our meetings.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86336406842

03/23/2026

Hi friends 👋

Just a quick update about our morning meditation group:

We will not be holding our usual morning meditation this Monday or Wednesday this week, as Ryan (who typically facilitates) is unavailable those days.

Ryan will also be on silent retreat from March 30 – April 10, and during that time we’re exploring ways to continue offering the group while he’s away.

We’ll share updates as plans come together—please stay tuned here on our page.

Thanks for your understanding, and wishing you a steady and supportive practice in the meantime 🙏

03/18/2026

Ever wondered if Buddhism is a religion, a philosophy, or both? 🧘‍♂️ Buddhism is a global faith with a rich history and a practical approach to ending suffering through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Theravada Buddhism focuses on personal practice, emphasizing meditation, ethical living, and insight over blind belief. Whether you see it as a spiritual path or a philosophy, it offers tools to enhance compassion and clarity. Want to explore how Buddhism can fit into your life? Click the link to learn more!

👉 [PBS – Basics of Buddhism](https://www.pbs.org/edens/thailand/buddhism.htm)

HomeA Bounty of LifeTravel ThailandHistory of the JewelScreen SaverWeb ResourcesAbout the FilmCreditsPurchase VideoPBS Online

03/17/2026

Meditation Tip – Mindfulness of Breathing 🌬️

You don’t need to control the breath — just feel it as it moves in and out. Even a few mindful breaths can shift your day. Research consistently shows mindful breathing calms the nervous system and supports focus.
🔗 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-23727-z

Where do you feel the breath most clearly?

03/16/2026

Join us tonight at 6:30pm on Zoom, for our sangha gathering where we’ll watch a recorded YouTube Dharma talk: Leslie Booker – “Wise Livelihood”, offered through the Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville. In this heartfelt teaching, Leslie explores the intersection of Dharma, embodied wisdom, and liberation, inviting us to reflect on how our work and daily lives can support a deeper culture of belonging and shared care.
We’ll view the recording together (watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYxtcklUMuI&t=3306s), followed by group discussion and shared reflections.

Use this link to join our meetings.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86336406842