Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Service Description

This workshop is an experiential introduction to mindfulness meditation, as originally introduced, developed and taught by John Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School Offered October 24, 2018 (7:00 to 9:00 pm) Learning to meditate in the mindfulness tradition involves developing the ability to observe what is happening within us (thoughts, sensations, etc.) - to observe with kindness and refrain from judging. In learning the to focus we can distance ourselves from interfering thoughts and create more space, thus allowing a feeling of greater freedom and reduced pressure. This space permits us to recognize more clearly where we actually are in any given moment and to make wiser choices about our behaviours. Research has shown that the majority of our thoughts involve some form of ruminating over the past, or anxiously anticipating or imagining unpleasant or worrisome things in the future. Mindfulness training facilitates awareness of this and allows us to gently bring ourselves back to the present moment - the only one that we can influence and enjoy. Among the multiple scientifically supported benefits of mindfulness meditation are: the reduction of stress and depression; improved sleep; decreased emotional reactivity; increased compassion; improvement of cognitive functions; strengthened memory; improvement of metabolic syndrome; and reduction of the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Come discover the potential calm within the storm.