Social Groups
Connect with other Zen practitioners
Join us
Get involved and take part in something special.
Our social circles provide opportunities to meet other practitioners engaged in mindfulness activities.
Some circles are open only to members. To explore membership options, visit membership page.
Online Only
Every Friday morning from 8-9 AM CST
Poetry Circle
Need to include a description
Circle Steward is Mark Gelula.
Online Only
Second Monday of the month at 8 AM
Earth Steward Circle
This circle explores ways to address global warming through practical, down-to-earth, doable actions.
Circle Steward is not yet determined.
Online Only
First Month of the Month at 7 PM
Open Heart Circle
An intimate group that has heartfelt discussions about the many differences in our world and the way in which we can open our hearts to others.
Currently, this circle is only open to ZLMC Members.
Circle Stewards are Diane Bejcek and Jacquelyn Weiner-O’Shea.
In-Person
Four Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm
Kinship Circle
This circle helps support Sangha members, meet some of their communal needs and helping members connect. Circle is open to ZLMC Members only.
If you’d like to be added to the email list for upcoming meetings, contact Co-Stewards Chris DuSell or Kelly Good.
In-Person and Online
Fourth Monday of the month from 7–8:30 PM
Stitching Sutra Circle
Everyone is welcome to this circle; no experience is necessary to create fabric art for good causes.
Circle Steward is Robin Sheerer
Online Only
Third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM CST.
Interfaith Circle
The group explores the relationship between our Zen studies and our religion, faith, and philosophy of birth, heritage, and choice.
Circle Steward is Ken Hillman.
Online Only
Second Monday of each month at 7:30-9:00 PM CST
Parenting as Practice Circle
This circle supports and connects parents and caregivers of children of all ages as we explore family life as practice, and is facilitated by Kathy Dull and Karleen Manchanda.
Currently this circle is open to those who have completed Mindfulness and the Art of Imperfect Parenting or Meditation for Everyone. To join the group, or to have other mindfulness and meditation training considered, please contact the Group Stewards, Kathy Dull and Karleen Manchanda, through this form.
In-Person and Online
Monday, Oct. 20 @ 6 pm
Samadhi Reading Circle
This circle is an opportunity to share and focus together on what we care about.
Circle Steward is Skye Jigen Lavin
Online only
Friday, Nov. 7 @ 1:00 pm
Social Action Circle
The purpose of the social action circle is to bring together a group of like-minded people to work in areas of social action within the broader Chicago community and elsewhere.
There are 5 objectives for the circle:
The circle will involve itself with current social issues
Members of circle will monitor national and social needs as they arise.
Member will make themselves familiear with current news and other sources of information.
The circle will seek to work with other organizations.
Members will actively participate in marches, rallies, protests and street retreat.
Circle Stewards are Mark Gelula and Jackie Popp.
In-Person and Online
Last Monday of the month from 12–1 PM
People of Color Circle
Fostering a sense of community and comradery for those who identify as people of color.
Circle Steward is Roshi June Tanoue .