Coming in March
Pause. Breathe. Reconnect.
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. But what if you could pause, breathe, and reconnect—even for just a little while? The M & M Circle offers a space to slow down, cultivate mindfulness, and experience the power of meditation in a welcoming, inclusive community. No labels, no pressure—just a shared commitment to presence, reflection, and inner peace.
About M & M
M & M: Mindfulness and Meditation Circle is a welcoming online space for those seeking stillness, clarity, and deeper connection. Mindfulness and meditation are universal human practices that can benefit anyone, regardless of background or belief. While some elements of our gatherings draw inspiration from Buddhist traditions, the M & M Circle itself remains non-sectarian, non-religious, and non-dogmatic—open to all who wish to explore mindfulness in a supportive community.
Though meditation is often seen as a solitary practice, there is profound strength in meditating together—even in an online space. Practicing in a group creates a shared energy that deepens focus, strengthens commitment, and fosters a sense of connection, reminding us that we are not alone on this journey.
We meet online every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on Meetup via Zoom for 30 minutes of unguided meditation, followed by a Metta (Loving-Kindness) Prayer and an opportunity to dedicate our practice to a loved one, a cause, or the world at large.
To join the M & M Circle and sign up for our online meetings, click on the Meetup.com logo below:
Our Mission
M & M: Mindfulness and Meditation Circle is dedicated to cultivating inner peace and spiritual awareness through both formal meditation and the practice of mindfulness in daily life. Our approach is free from religious or ideological constraints and grounded in everyday practice. While we encourage regular seated meditation, we also promote mindfulness throughout the day—whether walking, eating, driving, working, or engaging in conversation. Small moments of awareness transform routine activities into opportunities for clarity, compassion, and presence.
Mindfulness vs. Meditation: What’s the Difference?
Meditation is the formal practice of focusing the mind, whether through breath awareness, mantra recitation, or visualization. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is a state of awareness that extends into daily life—the art of being fully present in each moment without distraction or judgment.
Similarities & How We Practice Them
Both mindfulness and meditation train the mind to cultivate peace and insight. In our sessions, we practice by sitting in silent, unguided meditation, allowing thoughts to settle naturally. Outside of formal practice, we encourage mindfulness in everyday moments—pausing before speaking, fully savoring a meal, or listening deeply to another person. Through this, we bridge the gap between meditation on the cushion and awareness in daily life.
The Power of Metta: What is Loving-Kindness?
Metta, or loving-kindness, is the practice of wishing happiness, peace, and well-being for all beings—including ourselves. It is one of the Four Brahmaviharas (Divine Abodes) in Buddhist tradition, alongside compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. Scientific studies show that Metta meditation reduces stress, increases positive emotions, and enhances social connectedness.
During each session, we conclude with a Metta Prayer, sending thoughts of goodwill outward. Practicing Metta in daily life can be as simple as offering a kind word, silently wishing peace for a stranger, or responding to anger with patience. These small acts ripple outward, transforming both ourselves and the world.
The Importance of Dedication & Offering
In Mahayana Buddhism, the practice of dedicating merit is a profound act of generosity and interconnection. At the end of each meditation, we offer the benefits of our practice not just for ourselves, but for all beings—echoing the Bodhisattva ideal of working for the liberation of all.
Historically, great spiritual teachers like Shantideva have emphasized dedication as a way to dissolve ego and cultivate boundless compassion. Even for those new to Buddhism, this practice serves as a reminder that our personal growth is inseparable from the well-being of the world. By dedicating our meditation, we reinforce our intention to live with greater love and wisdom.
The Uposatha Tradition & Full Moon Practice
Uposatha is an ancient Buddhist observance day, dating back to the time of the Buddha. Traditionally, monks and lay practitioners gathered on full moons to renew their commitment to ethical conduct, deepen their meditation, and study the Dharma – the teachings and path. This was a time of spiritual cleansing—letting go of past unwholesome actions and setting fresh intentions.
In our group, we honor this tradition by gathering on each full moon for a special meditation session, aligning our practice with the cycles of nature. Since we live in North America, we also recognize the indigenous and colonial names for each full moon, blending ancient wisdom with the seasonal rhythms of our land.
Full Moon Names & 2025 Meeting Dates
Each full moon carries a name rich in symbolism, drawn from indigenous and colonial traditions. By meditating on these nights, we attune ourselves to the natural world and the wisdom of those who came before us.
January 13 – Wolf Moon (Named for the howling of hungry wolves in winter.)
February 12 – Snow Moon (Honors the heavy snows of the season.)
March 14 – Worm Moon (Marks the emergence of earthworms as the ground thaws.)
April 12 – Pink Moon (Named for the blooming of wild pink phlox flowers.)
May 12 – Flower Moon (Celebrates the full bloom of spring flowers.)
June 10 – Strawberry Moon (Marks the ripening of strawberries for harvest.)
July 10 – Buck Moon (Coincides with new antler growth in male deer.)
August 9 – Sturgeon Moon (Named for the abundance of sturgeon in lakes.)
September 7 – Corn Moon (Aligns with the corn harvest season.)
October 7 – Hunter’s Moon (Signifies the time for hunting and preparing for winter.)
November 5 – Beaver Moon (Marks the time beavers build their winter dams.)
December 5 – Cold Moon (Named for the onset of winter’s deep chill.)
By aligning our meditation practice with these cycles, we connect with both tradition and the natural rhythms of life.
Join Us & Deepen Your Practice!
Whether you seek stillness, insight, or a deeper sense of connection, we invite you to join our community. Through mindfulness and meditation, we cultivate peace within ourselves and in the world—one breath at a time.
Awaken to each moment, awaken to your life.
To join the Circle and sign up for our online meetings, click on the Meetup.com logo below: