
free weekly secular meditation & YOGA
WE WILL BE BACK IN 2026
Letter from the Founder
Thank you for being part of this community for nearly three years. Holding this space, free, inclusive, and without agenda—has been one of the most healing chapters of my life. As someone who never (proudly) quite fit the mold, I created this offering as a quiet rebellion: a place to breathe, connect, and just be.
Not for profit. Not for performance. Just for presence.
As I pause to realign behind the scenes, we’ll take a break, returning renewed in 2026. In the meantime, I leave you with a personal reflection, shared with care.
With gratitude,
Maria Perez
RYT 200 & Meditation Lead
my Truisms
Inspired by the work of Jenny Holzer
By Maria Perez
These are my truisms, written in 2016, inspired by Jenny Holzer. I used to read them nightly, a quiet ritual to make space for myself in a loud world. Some faded over time, softened by hope, lost in naivety. But the ones that stayed sharp helped me find my way back, to myself, to those I love.
I don’t often share my writing nor I consider myself to be a writer, but tonight, I am sharing these thoughts, just in case something here lands where it’s needed.
More often than not, people help others not out of kindness, but because of how it makes them look. Don’t do that yourself.
Gatekeeping is the death of society.
Drinking alcohol is stupid.
Smoking cigarettes is stupid.
Being grateful doesn’t mean you owe your loyalty to someone else’s ego.
People will always want to be the main (and only) character—even in your own story.
Don’t look for support where you can’t find it.
Exercise.
Eat healthy.
There is something insidiously sad about being loved without being seen.
Call your parents once a week, at least.
People fall apart.
Privilege clouds judgement.
Education and curiosity allow understanding and social mobility. It doesn’t need erasing—it needs fixing.
Social media is a mask.
Keep most realities to yourself.
In adulthood, politeness matters more than feelings or truth. You can’t change that.
If you feel you need to dim your light, chances are you’re in the wrong crowd.
Money is absolutely necessary—and more than okay to want—but it’s not the only measure of success.
Being with the wrong people affects your health, mood, finances, career, and spirit. Choose wisely.
People don’t really care about anyone’s real issues.
People don’t tolerate real vulnerability—it’s a mirror they don’t want to face.
Don’t be 100% honest.
Help people, then let go. Protect your energy.
The world doesn’t owe you shit.
Stay silently true to yourself.
“The norm” or “socially accepted” does not mean fair, real, or trustworthy. You don’t have to participate.
Keep faith that by doing this, things will get better, and you’ll see your family and friends again.
Contrary to popular belief, the spiritual and the scientific go hand in hand.
Say what’s polite, but silently—and relentlessly—fight for what’s real.
#truisms #hardtruths #life
ABOUT THE FOUNDRY
The Foundry is a self-sustaining center of creativity and collaboration in the Kendall Square neighborhood offering the Cambridge community opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Organizers have selected the space as the bridge between the initiative and the community. The Foundry is not a direct organizer of this event. To learn more about the facilities, see the website below.
FAQs
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No, these events are free. The dance studio has a capacity of 49 people. Please use the registration form to save your spot.
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It’s up to you, yoga mats will be available for those who wish to use them but feel free to bring your own props. No space for storage is available for these so you should take what you bring in.
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No previous meditation experience is necessary - all are welcome to attend and participate in a way that feels comfortable for them.
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Masks are optional but we ask you to please be respectful of your peer’s personal space.
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Yes, this event is open to all. Just make sure to use the sign up form for each attendee.
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If you wish to connect further with your meditation peers, meet us right after meditation for coffee/tea at Tatte Bakery at 318 Third St, Cambridge, MA 02142. (Each party responsible for covering the cost of their coffee/snacks, Tatte bakery will serve as aa a meeting spot but is not related to the Foundry or the organizing parties for this meditation event, no place to sit are a guaranteed and attendance is optional)
ABOUT THEINITIATIVE
Free, inclusive secular meditation sessions serving the Cambridge community and aimed at helping people start their weekend feeling refreshed and connected. These series are 100% free and are NOT affiliated with any particular religion or ideology. By taking the time to meditate together, we hope to create a sense of community and connectedness that extends beyond the event itself.
This free meditation space was born from that understanding, a desire to offer something inclusive, accessible, and free of dogma in a very transformative period of my life. Too often, meditation spaces are cost-prohibitive or tied to rigid ideologies. I wanted to create something different: a place for human connection without agenda. A space to simply breathe, reflect, and exist: together.
Registration to the sessions will resume in 2026
Meet the Team
We all have a deeply personal path that took us here…. Meet the team behind the Cambridge Meditation Group
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RYT 200 & Meditation Lead
I have always been committed to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in all areas of my life. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I realized how motivation through the collective can be an incredibly powerful force for moving forward, especially in the recovery from challenging situations, whatever they might be. We have all been there…I have a background in community development & education with my work at El Planeta Media, Harvard Business Publishing, Harvard PGME at Medical School and edX. At some point I sold homes too :)
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After working in tech for 10 years, I burned out and felt it physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s been a long journey getting myself healthy again and yoga has been a key part of it for me. During my yoga teacher training, I began to meditate more consistently and found a new passion in guiding meditations.
Contact US
maria@cambridgemeditationgroup.com