Q. What is The Peace Practice?

A. The Peace Practice is a group of people who nurture inner peace and peaceful relations with others by developing simple habits to reduce stress, refresh the spirit, and communicate effectively.

 

Q. Why is it called a practice?

 

 

The organization is based on the premise that making peace a reality requires more than bumper stickers and holiday songs about “peace on earth.” To achieve success in promoting a culture of peace, the members acknowledge that peace must be viewed as a practice of developing habitual behavior patterns that contribute to respect, cooperation and friendship between people. 

 

 

Q. What activities does The Peace Practice offer?

 

A. Activities at The Peace Practice address three main objectives: to reflect, refresh, and reach out. The practice of meditation encourages members to reflect and become more aware by nurturing the habit of mindful living and various types of meditation sessions are offered (see the link for Activities Schedule on the menu). Other activities that help refresh the spirit and provide stress relief include yoga classes, chanting, Learn to Knit, Laughter Yoga and social events. And finally, events such as our Sun Magazine discussion group, Movie Night, spirituality DVD series, and outreach activities (i.e. participation in the Adopt-A-Street program, and annual benefit yard sale) help members reach out to help others, create a better community, and learn and share ideas.

Q. How is the meditation done? Do I have to sit on the floor?

A. Meditation is done in many ways, and at The Peace Practice there is no rigid adherence to any particular tradition. The Silent Meditation sessions follow a routine of seated meditation--members simply sit still, in silence, and focus on their breathing to clear and calm the mind. And members have their choice of sitting in chairs or on floor cushions, so no, it is not necessary to sit on the floor!

 

 

Q. What exactly is mindfulness?

 

A. Mindfulness can be described most simply as conscious awareness in the present moment. Author Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D, and founder of the world-renowned Stress Reduction Clinic in Boston, Massachusets, defines it as “moment-to-moment  awareness…cultivated by purposefully paying attention to things we ordinarily never give a moment’s thought to. It is a systematic approach to developing new kinds of control and wisdom in our lives, based on our inner capacities for relaxation, paying attention, awareness, and insight.” (From Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness) By gradually developing a more mindful awareness of the present moment, we develop the capacity and insight to better understand and monitor our lives and ourselves.

 

 

Q. Is mindfulness some kind of religion?

 

A. No, not at all. Many of the basic principles of mindfulness are probably practiced in some form or other within most religions, but the development of a meditation practice does not require any connection whatsoever to any religious tradition. 

 

 

Q. Where is The Peace Practice located?

 

A. The center is located at 3200 Memorial Avenue in Lynchburg, VA, near Lynchburg College.

 

 

Q.  How do I become a member, and what does it cost?

 

A. To join The Peace Practice, members pay a low monthly or annual membership fees that start at only $10 for an adult. For complete details, see the Membership link on the menu.