Vipassana, or mindfulness meditation, was first taught by the Buddha 2,500 years ago. In this style of meditation, widespread today in Southeast Asia and increasingly popular in the West, one learns to watch what arises without judgment or reaction.

In so doing, the mind can become clear and steady, and we begin to see things as they really are, without the distortion of our hopes, fears and confusion. Some apply mindfulness to reduce stress and control pain, and many find the practice a help with daily life, but the Buddha's purpose was clear: this way of seeing leads to freedom from suffering.

Coastside Vipassana meets at the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel on Wednesday evenings, for meditation and a dhamma talk from a visiting teacher. Everyone is welcome--the merely curious, the earnest beginner, or the dedicated practitioner.

Blue Blanket Improv presents a laugh-out-loud, high-energy, fun-for-the-whole-family comedy theater experience unparalleled on the coast! Bring a friend or several and enjoy a night of laughs.

Performing in outdoor venues around the Bay Area -- from beaches to parks to anywhere they can hang their eponymous blanket -- Blue Blanket Improv is committed to inspiring laughter in others, bringing theater to those who might not attend otherwise, and giving back to the community.

Cetrella Bistro and Cafe has been named to the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants list for the past four years running.

If the Bistro menu is beyond your budget, try dropping into the bar for a drink and live jazz music, presented every Friday and Saturday night. A bar menu featuring small plates, wood oven pizzas, and a few entrees is also available.

Come see and select a wide variety of flowers and flowering plants that are all grown on the San Mateo County coastside at this monthly market, held the third Saturday of the month (excluding October).

Market themes, entertainment, and demonstrations are held throughout the day.

Neighboring the Pillar Point Harbor, Sam's Chowder House is one of Half Moon Bay's most picturesque bars and seafood restaurants. This beachside restaurant boasts beautiful ocean views, from both the dining room and spacious outdoor patios.

The restaurant's menu prices are honestly a bit steep, but for the cost of a beer or cocktail at the open-air "South Beach Bar," you can stop in on a Friday night and take in some live local jazz and guitar music. Grab some fresh, shellfish appetizers to share at the chilled seafood bar adjacent, and lounge in Adirondack chairs while soaking up the seaside sunset.

Open 365 days a year, the Old Princeton Landing is Princeton-by-the-Sea's nightspot for live music, dancing, and pool. Artists of all stripes -- from rock-a-billy bands to hip-hop artists -- take to the stage on Friday and Saturday nights, often with a minimal cover change.

Every Sunday night, the Stan Erhart Band leads a cover fee-free, professional-level Blues Open Jam session with musicians from all over the Bay Area.

So, if you're feeling down, scrape up enough change for a bottle of beer and head down to the Old Princeton Landing to chase your blues away.

Every third Saturday between April and December, several art galleries in Half Moon Bay stay open until 8pm to invite visitors to experience the coastal arts scene.

The participating galleries offer artist receptions, demonstrations, music, and light refreshments during the walk. Most galleries are gathered on Main Street, making for an easy stroll through Half Moon Bay's picturesque downtown.

Download a map at http://www.socogallery.com/artwalk01.html.

The Coastside Farmers Market offers an abundance of locally grown and/or produced vegetables, fruits, organic products, gourmet cheese, herbs, seafood, organic coffee, desserts, and wines, available right from the people who produce them.

This is the perfect spot to sample the coastside's agricultural bounty, grab fixings for a picnic, or stock up on groceries for your hostel stay.

The Coastside Farmers Market offers an abundance of locally grown and/or produced vegetables, fruits, organic products, gourmet cheese, herbs, seafood, organic coffee, desserts, and wines, available right from the people who produce them.

This is the perfect spot to sample the coastside's agricultural bounty, grab fixings for a picnic, or stock up on groceries for your hostel stay.

The Farmers Market is held on Saturdays in Half Moon Bay, and on Wednesdays in Pacifica.