What is mindfulness?
We use Jon Kabat-Zinn's definition:
"Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way:
on purpose,
in the present moment,
and non-judgmentally."
Mindfulness is the opposite of being on "auto-pilot." When we are mindful, we respond rather than react.
How do we train ourselves to be mindful, in the present moment?
One way is through meditation. By developing a daily habit (practice) of meditating, we learn to be watchful of our inner narratives and our feelings and bodily sensations. We learn to take a moment to decode the initial reaction, breath into it, and consider our response options.
Very often we befriend those parts of us that we have previously rejected, and develop new and lighter response sets to old triggers.
We invite you to join us in sitting meditation. We are currently offering 2 weekly groups. Our groups usually start with a 5- minute "getting present" guided meditation. Then one of the group members may offer a reading or a poem, or even a question that we will have a short time to discuss. We end with a 20-40 minute silent meditation. We do not charge for this & you need not have previous experience with meditation.
These are currently meeting:
Fridays, noon - 1pm
Wednesdays, 6-7:15 pm
The Institute is secular. These groups will utilize materials from various wisdom traditions, but no religion or tradition will be taught at our core programs.
