Mindfulness is growing in popularity these days, as more people become aware of the substantial research showing that a mindful approach to life can be an effective way to decrease stress, increase focus, improve personal connections, and understand and manage distressing mental, physical, and spiritual experiences. Mindfulness practices have resulted in positive outcomes for people dealing with symptoms of a variety of challenges: stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, and heart disease among them.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, an early practitioner and advocate for mindfulness in the U.S., defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” The ability to focus and direct one’s mind moment by moment is a foundational mindfulness skill available to every one of us with a desire to practice, and regular practice begins to carry over into activities of daily life in surprisingly helpful ways.
We invite you to explore this rich field of practice and study and the possible benefits for your own life, in an upcoming series at the Well. Using Jon Kabat-Zinn’s bestselling book, Mindfulness for Beginners (required text, available as a paper or e-book), we will engage in mindfulness practices to carry into our lives and share our experiences and reflections with each other.
This series, led by the Rev. Dr. Jan Trammell-Savin, will be of value to those new to mindfulness as well as those who have had some previous experience with its practices and philosophy.
Fridays, 10:30 am-12 pm: Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 28, Nov. 4
Cost: $125. Text required. Well Program Scholarships available. Questions? Call the Well office at 410-296-9355.
