Stillness Groups

Stillness Groups are opportunities to sit quietly with others. We strengthen our practice through community. Sitting tall and softly we find dignity, sanity, and compassion. A quiet satisfaction begins to pervade our lives. We invite everyone: all religious and political persuasions, all practice backgrounds (or lack thereof), ethnicities and races, people of every sort possible. Sit on the floor or sit in a chair; and what you do with your mind is nobody else's business.

Come sit with us!

Just sitting very quietly, erect and wakeful, we feel calmer and more at ease. We understand things more clearly, and our appreciations and empathies grow. Sitting with others greatly enhances this experience. Stillness Groups provide regular opportunities to do just that
What to expect: Sitting sessions last one hour. Participants usually sit on chairs, though some prefer floor cushions. They face one another in a circle. A session is divided into three 15 minute periods of sitting. After the first and second periods, participants walk single file clockwise once around the room to stretch their legs and refresh their wakefulness. One sitter, often the person who has organized the group, keeps time and signals the beginning and ending of periods with a bell or clap of hands. Participants should feel free to lie down or leave early as desired. Before and after the session participants have an opportunity to socialize or ask one another for help with difficulties they may be having with their practice.
Stillness Groups:

Are non-religious, but often enrich the devotional experience of those who are religious
Expect absolute confidentiality regarding anything said among participants.
Do not require special abilities like sitting cross-legged, or shutting down thoughts.
Are suitable for almost everyone, including sufferers of PTSD, bi-polar disorder, addictions, grief, anxiety …
Do not involve trance states or other non-normal mental experiences or attempt to explain the experiences of participants through any belief system.
Have no hierarchy of authority, although some participants volunteer to organize groups or keep time.
Charge no fees and ask for no donations.
Are not intended as formal, professionally led support groups.
Have no expectations or requirements for those involved; no vows or commitments.

Come sit with us!

Testimonials:

"I have participated in a variety of sessions with the “Stillness Group” since this past summer outdoors at Madison Park, indoors at Body and Soul, and for the Autumnal Equinox gathering outside at the Mines of Spain. All sessions brought a sense of community, inclusivity, and rejuvenation for me. Very powerful and worthwhile experience for mindful self-healing." M.A.

"I’ve been sitting with the Dubuque Stillness Group sittings from the start. The simplicity attracted me – and the routine keeps me on track to continue this important practice in my life. Sometimes my sitting can be its challenge for my body and sometimes my brain is on overdrive. Yet, the results are worth all the effort – rather than instant gratification – it is more subtle, more lasting, more peaceful. No expectations – all I have to do is show up … it only costs me my time." K.R.

"The practice of sitting quietly every day has been a very, very important part of my life for 50 years. Sometimes it's still a struggle though and I'm really grateful that there is an opportunity like Stillness Groups every week to get the support that others give by just being there so quiet. I can't explain it. It just helps a lot. And afterwards, everyone is so friendly and at ease." J.W.

Current Stillness Groups:

Platteville Stillness Group

Rountree Gallery

120 W. Main St., Platteville, WI

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm.

Dubuque Stillness Group

Body and Soul Wellness Center and Spa
2728 Asbury Rd.
Dubuque, IA 52001

Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15 pm

For more information: Join our Facebook group, "Tri-state Stillness Groups" or contact by jeffwright72@gmail.com.

Come sit with us!