Collective Liberation: A Sitting Group for Racialized Folks

This peer-led sitting group is created by and for *racialized folks to foster mutual support and understanding for those who identify as a racialized person and who find inspiration in the practice of Buddhism. We strive to provide an inclusive space that reflects intersectional experiences. It is open to all meditators regardless of experience. The group’s intention is to provide safety and belonging to meditate and explore contemplative practices. For more information please email here.

We meet the last Thursday of the month (in person at Wall Street Zendo) from 7:30–9:00 PM.

Fall 2025
When things seem to fall apart, on multiple scales, and when no thing seems to work how can embodied practices be pathways to collective care, healing and transformation?

Thich Nhat Hanh describes the Satipatthana Sutta (Four Foundations of Mindfulness) as practices for healing and transformation. We will explore this text by the historical Buddha along with some complimentary readings from:

• When No Thing Works: A Zen and Indigenous Perspective on Resilience, Shared Purpose, and Leadership in the Timeplace of Collapse by Norma Wong

• Decolonizing the Body: Healing, Body-Centered Practices for Women of Color to Reclaim Confidence, Dignity, and Self-Worth by Kelsey Blackwell

• ·Finding Refuge: Heart Work for Healing Grief by Michelle Cassandra Johnson 

• Embodied Activism: Engaging the Body to Cultivate Liberation, Justice and Authentic Connection by Rae Johnson  

To support the themes of reclaiming the wisdom of the body, collective care, healing and transformation in these precarious times.

Upcoming dates in Wall street zendo:

• September 25th

• October 30th

• November 27th

Our monthly sitting generally/typically includes:

o   Seated meditation

o   Walking meditation and/or stretching

o   A dharma reflection from a selected reading

o   A sharing circle

o   Community announcements

* In recognizing that “race” is a social construct, we are using the term “racialized person” or racialized group, instead of what may be considered less accurate terms such as “racial minority”, “visible minority”, “person of colour” or “non-White”. We are also mindful that, when it comes to “race” and the terms one uses to self-identify, using a broad term to describe a group is equally as challenging and there is no one-size-fits-all language.