Want to save money and avoid crowds this Black Friday? Instead of shopping, try finding a moment of stillness at the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center (MZMC)’s “Blank Friday” event on Nov. 29.
Back for its 10th year, Blank Friday provides an opportunity for Minnesotans to dip their toes into the world of mindfulness and meditation. The free open house event, held at MZMC’s South Minneapolis facility from noon-4 p.m., will feature two one-hour introductory classes in the center’s main hall.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zen Meditation Center
“Our daily lives and routines have been upended during the COVID pandemic, and many people are using this time to find new perspectives as they rebuild and restructure their approach to life,” says Ted O’Toole, head teacher at MZMC, in a statement. “On the day of the year that has become most associated with American consumerism and shopping, we’d like to offer people a respite and alternative that they can practice every day of their busy lives.”
While Blank Friday is tailored towards beginners, experienced meditators seeking a moment of zen are welcome in the meditation room, where 20-minute sittings will take place every 30 minutes between noon and 3:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zen Meditation Center
“A growing body of evidence shows meditation has a range of benefits for all types of people—not just for insomnia and anxiety sufferers, but for anyone interested in health and wellness,” says O’Toole.
Founded in 1972 by Japanese teacher Dainin Katagiri, MZMC was the first zen meditation center in the Midwest. It promotes a style of meditation that encourages joyful, compassionate, altruistic living, with a mission of creating a welcoming space for people to embody Buddhist teachings and joyfully serve the wider community. Following the Buddhist tradition of dana, or giving, MZMC offers all programming on a donation-only basis.
For more information about Blank Friday, visit MZMC’s website.
Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, 3343 E. Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Minneapolis
