In the midst of our fast-paced, tech-driven world, more people are seeking spaces to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves and each other. In Venice, Florida, two community-centered meditation groups are making this possible. The Tergar Meditation Group and the Blue Lotus Buddhist Meditation Center offer locals not only paths to personal wellness but also a shared sense of purpose and connection. Here, mindfulness isn’t a solitary practice—it’s a community movement.
Tergar Meditation Group: Inner Peace Without Borders
Held every Monday from 4:00–5:30 PM, the Tergar Meditation Group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and belief systems. Whether you’re brand new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, these sessions are structured to be inclusive and transformative. Rooted in the Joy of Living teachings by Buddhist teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Tergar’s sessions feature a combination of:
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Guided meditation
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Practical mindfulness techniques
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Reflective group discussions
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Book studies that deepen self-awareness
One of the standout aspects of Tergar is its non-dogmatic approach. There’s no need to subscribe to a particular faith or tradition—just an openness to personal growth. The emphasis on compassion, presence, and balance resonates with busy professionals, retirees, and parents alike.
Participants often leave with tools they can immediately apply—like breathing techniques for high-stress moments or loving-kindness meditations to help foster better relationships at home. For many in Venice, this Monday session has become a grounding ritual, a time to reset emotionally and mentally for the week ahead.
Blue Lotus Buddhist Meditation Center: Building Connection Through Shared Practice
At 344 Shamrock Boulevard, the Blue Lotus Buddhist Meditation Center offers a slightly different—but equally impactful—experience. As a nonprofit and volunteer-run center, Blue Lotus operates from the heart, embodying the idea that healing happens through community.
What makes Blue Lotus stand out:
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Hybrid attendance options: In-person and Zoom
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Consistent weekly sessions
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Run entirely by volunteers
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Welcoming atmosphere for all levels
This flexibility has been a game-changer for those navigating busy family lives, careers, or mobility challenges. Whether you’re attending a group meditation in the community house or tuning in from your living room, the warmth and support of this group is unmistakable.
But it’s not just about the meditation. It’s about the people sitting next to you—or across the Zoom screen—sharing in your journey. From spontaneous conversations to volunteer efforts, friendships form easily here. Blue Lotus has quietly grown into a pillar of emotional wellness in Venice, proving that mental and spiritual health flourish when nurtured within a community.
Wellness Beyond the Cushion
Both Tergar and Blue Lotus are doing something remarkable—they’re redefining what wellness looks like in modern life. It’s not about perfection. It’s not about gurus. It’s about showing up, tuning in, and being there for yourself and others.
Whether you need a quiet space to breathe or a group of kind-hearted people to grow with, these two centers offer meaningful ways to find balance and belonging right here in Venice.
