Here is a collection on the most frequently asked questions about specifics on meditation in Lund, about the mindfulness we are doing in Lund, our gatherings and much more. Hope you find what you are looking for here, otherwise you can always contact us.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is to be aware of the present moment, without valuing or judging what you experience. Mindfulness is about experiencing things as they are. Mindfulness replaces denial and distortions with the clarity in acceptance, which leads to wisdom, better choices, and a more joyful experience of life.
To try out mindfulness you can do something as simple as focusing on your breath, how does it feel right now to breathe? How much of that experience can you allow yourself to experience? For more info see Mindfulness.
What is meditation?
Meditation is a word that describe many different forms of practices. They all have to do with experiencing and exploring reality in some way, shape or form. It is often to do with becoming aware of the present moment. Although many have the notion that you have to sit on a pillow to do meditation, that is only a small part of it, meditation can be done at any moment; you just need to direct your attention on what you are experiencing and that is meditation. Here are examples of some meditation we do.
What is a sangha?
Sangha literally means "community". When we in Wake Up Lund gather to perform meditations, we gather in a group, or as we like to call it a Sangha. You are most welcome to one of out gatherings.
Do I need any prior experience to attend?
Nope, you do not need any prior experience in either meditation or mindfulness. You are welcomed as you are, in the precise point in life you are on.
Do i need to be a Buddhist or Spiritual?
Nope. You do not have to be a Buddhist or spiritual (in fact most of our members do not see themselves as Buddhists). You just need to have an open mind, and be able to respect that other people might believe in ways that are different from you.
Why is wake up only for people under 40:ish?
Wake Up is a global way of gathering people and practicing mindfulness. There is an age restriction for people between 18-40:ish years old, this is to support younger people to gather in a community more easily. If you are over 40:ish years old there are other sanghas that are open to anyone regardless of age, check them out under Links.
What happens during the meetups?
Out most common meetup is our weekly meditation gatherings. During these we usually have: a Check in / Weather rapport, a Mindful meditation, Various mindful activity, and a Dharma sharing. For more information concerning what these entail please check out the weekly meditation event information.
Why are you at Liberiet?
We used to alternate locations between people who would graciously open up their homes for the Sangha, as we have grown so has out need for a space to gather. We are fortunately to have the opportunity to rent a local at Liberiet near the cathedral in Lund. Even though the building belongs to the Swedish church, our activities (and many other ones who are hosted there) have no affiliation with the church, it is just a convenient, beautiful and accessible space for us to practice in.
Do i need to share?
During the weekly meditation meetup you will be presented with the opportunity to share something that is on your heart or mind. You do not have to share if you don not feel like it, you do what feels right for you.
does it cost anything?
You can join three times for free to try out if these gathering and this community is for you. Afterwards we ask for a small membership fee, in order to cover the ongoing costs of renting the space. We are a volunteer led community with the aim of supporting peoples' development of their own mindfulness, and that is a gift that should be shared with the world, not locked behind a pay wall, so the amount you pay for the membership can be chosen by you.
Do i need to bring my own meditation cushion?
There are usually cushions available at the location. Although, if you do have a favorite cushion then you are welcome to bring it with you.
Are the meetups open to people with disabilities?
Yes. Although it is always best to get in touch with us first to let us know if you have any special needs and how we can accommodate them. We aim to be an inclusive community in any way that we can. Note that the local at Liberiet is unfortunately missing a wheelchair stair assist.
Do you offer retreats?
Yes, we have arranged retreats before (retreat for 2023) and would like to do so again. Although our most common activity is the weekly meditation.
Who was Thich Nhat Hanh?
You might have seen the name Thich Nhat Hanh on this website. Thich Nhat Hanh was a spiritual leader, poet and peace activist. He started Plum Village which Wake Up has its roots in. For more information click here.
Why are you in Lund?
Wake Up Lund started in Lund, mostly because the people organizing the meetups live in or near Lund. However, anyone is welcome, you do not have to live in Lund to attend. As Lund is close to many other places in Skåne it can be quite simple to join the mindfulness meditation from Malmö, Helsingborg, Hässleholm or any other place.
