Mindfulness Meditation

What it is:

Mindfulness is the practice of cultivating a clear and kind attention to what’s present. Sounds simple–and it is, but, as you may already know, it’s not always easy. Because of this, it’s helpful to work with a teacher who connects with your needs. My approach is to bring tenderness, curiosity, and a whole lot of good will and humor to my teaching.

Want to try it out? Here’s a short mindfulness of the breath practice:

Research indicates that practitioners of mindfulness meditation have reported decreases in depression, anxiety, and illness-related distress. (This has also been true for me!)
In studies using biological markers to assess efficacy, mindfulness practitioners have demonstrated decreases in cortisol (the “stress hormone”), increases in immune response, and decreases in cellular aging.
As psychologist, Donald Hebb told us, “Neurons that fire together, wire together.” This means we have the opportunity to change the physical structure of our brains through repetition, so when we practice mindfulness, our brains become more accustomed to reacting with space and clarity–even under duress.

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing.” – Annie Dillard

For me, the most important reason to learn and practice mindfulness is that when we don’t, we miss life–not only the many moments of joy, but also the precious opportunities to grieve and to heal.

This six-week live online course provides beginners with an overview of mindfulness meditation—what it is, why it is helpful, and how to do it.
Each 75-minute class will include a short talk, multiple guided meditation practices, sharing, and a question-and-answer period.
Topics covered include:
- Sitting and walking meditation
- Awakening presence in the body
- Working with thoughts and emotions
- Lovingkindness practice
- Mindfulness in daily life
Though stemming from Theravada Buddhism, this class is non-religious, and draws from various wisdom traditions.

This four-week live online course offers students various mindfulness practices that are particularly suited to easing stress and strengthening self-care.
Each 75-minute class will include a short talk, guided meditation practice, and a question-and-answer period.
Topics covered include:
- Coming into loving presence by slowing down
- Compassion for the self and others
- RAIN (a practice for working with challenging emotions)
- Gentle gratitude (for when you don’t feel the least bit grateful!)

This four-week live online course offers students an opportunity to discover new, freeing perspectives on illness and suffering.
Each 75-minute class will include a short talk, guided meditation practice, and a question-and-answer period.
Topics covered include:
- Releasing the personal nature of suffering
- Recognizing how acknowledging impermanence can serve our wellbeing
- Allowing/Embracing imperfection for a more joyful life

This four-week live online course offers students the opportunity to explore ways of increasing their senses of connection and joy.
Each 75-minute class will include a short talk, guided meditation practice, and a question-and-answer period.
Topics covered include:
- Loving ourselves through difficulty (Lovingkindness)
- Caring for others without overwhelm (Compassion)
- Engaging joy to improve wellbeing
- Cultivating equanimity amid distress, delight, and everything in between

Working with Pain
Dancing with the Five Hindrances in Practice and in Life
Interested in having me teach your group? Contact me for more information.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact me to discuss developing a course that suits your group’s needs.