Accept What Is

About This Class

In this approachable seated meditation, Brian Gallo guides practitioners through the foundational principle of accepting what is — welcoming thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and discomfort without suppression or indulgence. The class begins with posture and breath awareness, offering options for beginners (following the sensation at the nose or belly) and experienced sitters (tracing the full inhale-exhale cycle). A simple Zen mantra — "breathing in, breathing out" — anchors attention throughout, with extended periods of silence woven in. Brian draws on Suzuki Roshi's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind to reframe discomfort and frustration as valuable practice material rather than obstacles, challenging the culturally ingrained drive to always fix or change what is. As the session deepens toward the 20-minute mark, he invites students to notice growing inner space between sensation and response — between stimulus and reaction. The session closes with seven minutes of silent independent sitting, asking practitioners to let go even more fully. This class is ideal for those dealing with stress, anxiety, mental restlessness, or anyone seeking a grounded, no-frills introduction to mindfulness meditation.