Introduction to Mindfulness

Program Description: 

Welcome to our Introduction to Mindfulness program, a transformative journey towards inner peace and well-being.

In this weekly program, you'll embark on a profound exploration of mindfulness, guided by a blend of practices, self-reflection exercises, and enriching discussions. Our goal is simple: to equip you with the tools to reduce stress, cultivate focused attention, and establish a deeper connection with yourself.

Through guided practices and short lectures, you'll learn to harness the power of your breath and body to calm the mind and regulate the nervous system. Each session offers a supportive environment for personal growth and exploration, where participants of all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners, are welcomed and valued.

Central to our program is the encouragement to develop a daily mindfulness practice, tailored to your unique needs and preferences. With the support of our class sessions and available recordings, you'll be empowered to integrate mindfulness into your daily life, fostering a sense of balance and resilience.

We invite you to commit to attending all four classes, embracing the opportunity to journey at your own pace and comfort level. Whether you're seeking to embark on your mindfulness journey or deepen your existing practice, our Introduction to Mindfulness program sets the stage for transformative growth.

Join us on this empowering path towards greater well-being and self-discovery. All are welcome and encouraged to embark on this enriching journey together. And for those considering further exploration, this program serves as an ideal pre-course before to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

Are you ready to embark on your mindfulness journey? Let's begin.

Learning Outcomes:

• What mindfulness is, and what it isn't

• How to practice mindfulness meditation

• Proper meditation postures and techniques

• Learning to develop focused attention 

• Mindfulness attitudes including self-compassion, acceptance, non-judgement, and non-striving

• Calming & stress reduction strategies

• How patterns and habits develop in our brains

• Self-care and how to best support our practice / lives

• Suggestions & options for next steps in moving forward

Class Structure:

• 4 total classes

• Class meets 1x / week for 4 weeks

• Each class is 1.5 hours long

• 6 hours of total class instruction time (approximate)

• Lesson & homework handouts provided for each class

• Guided recordings for at home practice provided

• Online resource materials

• In-person or virtual (no hybrid)

• Open to all experience levels

Class Notes:

• Attend in any attire (comfortable clothing encouraged) 

• Participants will be mostly sitting during class.  All activities can be adapted to your own comfort level and ability.

• Participants should bring water, pen, & notebook. (Optional: small blanket, personal cushion, yoga mat, etc.)

• Participants will be encouraged to develop a daily at home practice with provided recordings

Potential Benefits of Mindfulness

•  Reduce stress, anxiety, & depression

•  Improve physical health & well-being

•  Improve cognition & mental stamina

•  Improve awareness & emotional state

•  Increased attention & creativity

•  Increased job satisfaction & enhanced performance

•  Increased sense of connection to self and others