Dallas Meditation Center is NOT a church, temple, or religious center. However, we do discuss those topics and more. Specifically, we affirm all people and offer refuge for all regardless of their traditions and beliefs.

The Awakening Heart Community is made for people of all ages and of varying experience at all levels of practice. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to practice. You don’t need to be anything—just a real human being. Everyone can practice because everyone can breathe. If you are new, or this is your first time doing something like this, we welcome you and we will all benefit from your presence. Don’t worry, there are no rules to break and nothing to do wrong. There is nothing to do! You are lucky to have what we call a ‘beginners mind’ and many of us work hard to cultivate our beginner’s mind. 

For the time we are together, we will give ourselves the gift of presence to stop and take care of ourselves. This time is our chance to stop running, to stop ‘doing’, to clear our minds, and to dwell in the present moment.  

There is nothing to do, nowhere to go; it is our opportunity to put down our projects, and our calendars, to let go of our worries, our fears, our deadlines, and just ‘be’. Be with your mind, be with your body, be with your ancestors, be truly here.

Our weekly gathering practices can include:
• Sitting Meditation
• Walking Meditation
• Mantra Chanting
• Simple Beautiful Ritual
• Enlightenment Teachings
• Sharing & Discussion
• Healing Prayer

We are invited to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that we can approach the hall with mindfulness and without hurry. Consequently, we all participate in the creation of our Sacred Practice Space. We will joyfully support the facilitator in setting up the hall.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring (or wear) socks to keep your toes warm. Layers may be helpful to your comfort.  You might like to bring your own water bottle and a journal if you like to take notes.<br/>

Our meditation hall has a hardwood floor and provides both chairs as well as mats and cushions. In addition, you are welcome to bring your own mat, cushion, or bench. Please note that we ask everyone to leave their street footwear in the lobby.

Every gathering is structured to be beginner-friendly, so come whenever works for you and let that session be a meditation course. Meditation is a practice, and—like riding a bicycle—practicing is the best way to learn. 

In addition, weekly life-enrichment classes offered to the community teach how to live a healthier and mindful life, enjoying peace and beauty. Check the website calendar for all dates, times, and information online.

You can get the Zoom link sent to you by going to dallasmeditationcenter.com/groups  or, you can watch this video and our Co-Director, Cornell Kinderknecht, will walk you through it. View Video

Yes, they certainly can. Any activity practiced with full mindfulness can be considered meditation. Specifically, yoga, tai chi, and other mindful movements are highly effective forms of practice. When walking or moving, we can learn to maintain continuous awareness of our breath and our steps.

According to medical research, these ancient movement styles combine slow movements with breathing exercises. Consequently, they are often called “moving meditation” and help enhance both physical and mental well-being.

We bring certified meditation teachers to your company, organization, or event — to decrease stress & burnout and to increase employee retention, happiness, teamwork & more! These meditation workshops will be a game-changer for each person who joins, whether they are new to meditation or experienced. 

Want to bring meditation to your company (online or in-person), but you’re not the decider? Connect us with your head of HR, wellness team, or manager. 

Workplace Mindfulness and Meditation ::: Read Article

Read more information about our services and book us.

We are located in the Arapaho Village shopping strip at the corner of Arapaho Road and Westshore Drive in Richardson, Texas. Specifically, please note that our main entrance and parking lot are located at the back of the complex. Consequently, it is easiest to enter the driveway off West Shore Drive, where you can see our entrance. We invite you to view our interactive Google map for detailed driving directions.

No registration is necessary unless specified. You can drop in and when you arrive, all are expected to check-in before entering the Meditation Hall. The few occasional events that require preregistration will be marked on our website and newsletter.

We only book meditation cushions, during this Covid-19 time,  when we have a Special event and have limited participation/seating. 

There are no stairs to enter the building or get around inside the building. There is a parking lot ramp, further down, but not at our door. We have unisex bathrooms. The main restroom has: grab bars, one can pull a wheelchair up to/under the sink, and there is room to turn a wheelchair around inside the bathroom and the space in the hallway in front of it. In the kitchen, one can pull a wheelchair under the sink. There are automatic light switches in the main bathroom and kitchen.

We are invited to turn off our cell phones or their ringers. If we need to leave them on in case of an emergency, we will put them on vibrate mode. If necessary, we will mindfully walk outside before taking the call so that the practitioners inside can continue to concentrate.

If someone has environmental sensitivities, they will let the facilitator know and we will refrain from burning incense or scented candles. 

A sangha gathering is not a time to suffer, so comfort is important. We are all encouraged to take responsibility for our well-being and to communicate our needs to the facilitator of the meeting with consideration for others.

Following the Buddhist tradition of generosity (dana), we invite contributions to support our sangha. This can include donating your time, volunteering, or making financial contributions. Specifically, any amount is joyfully accepted. These funds directly sustain our space, website, and technology.

Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your donations are tax-deductible. Consequently, your generosity directly supports our teachers, staff, and offerings.

You can support us in several ways:
• Donate online via our giving portal.
• Donate by phone by texting “Mindful” to 44321.
• Set up automatic monthly donations.
Additionally, check if your employer offers matching gifts to double your impact. As Thich Nhat Hanh reminded us, it is possible to live happily in the present moment.

These agreements help create a safe, harmonious space for heartfelt sharing. Specifically, they are mindful guidelines rather than rigid rules, designed to help us navigate the complexities of community practice. As a sangha, we cherish our community and take responsibility for our impact.

1. Arrive Gently: Please arrive and leave mindfully. We aim to keep our practice space accessible and uncluttered.
2. Honor Privacy: We respect confidentiality by not sharing others’ personal stories outside of the group.
3. Assume None, Be One: Avoid making assumptions about others’ identities. We invite the optional sharing of pronouns.
4. Dialogue Over Debate: Deep listening is our priority. We listen to understand and connect, rather than to respond.
5. Practice Consent: Participate in what feels comfortable. Always ask for permission before offering advice or physical touch.
6. Speak from the “I”: Focus on your own direct experiences and speak using “I” statements.
7. Practice “Both/And”: Substitute “and” for “but” to honor multiple perspectives and realities.
8. Intent vs. Impact: We take responsibility for the impact of our words, regardless of our intentions.
9. Refrain from Blame: Skillful feedback is welcome. We hold space for all emotions with tenderness.
10. Share the Space: If you speak often, practice mindful listening. If you tend to stay silent, consider sharing.

Acknowledgments and resources: Brooklyn Zen Center, East Bay Meditation Center, and Buddhist Peace Fellowship.