Drop-In Thursdays Week 1

In the first of six drop-in sessions for Everyday Mindfulness course members, we began this week by examining the concept of mindfulness. 

In essence, mindfulness is a form of attention training. Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn, often described as the Godfather of mindfulness, explains that it is a particular way of paying attention: On purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally (with kindness to yourself).

In these chaotic times, living alongside hope and ongoing anxiety, it’s worth considering how mindfulness might be able to help us navigate emotionally choppy waters.

In the session this week, I shared some thoughts from mindfulness teacher Barry Boyce who encapsulates the essence of the practice when he explains the following:

“The practices of mindfulness are not magic talismans that transform you upon touch. They are ingredients that get added to all the other parts of our life. And one of the nice things about mindfulness is that in bringing attention to details and to changes within us and around us, it complements so many other habits and disciplines in our lives, such as nutrition, exercise, relationships, gardening, art, craft, and all kinds of skills we learn in order to thrive within our lives.”

To Listen to Edited Highlights From Week 1, simply click the link.

To sign up for the 8-week course, click here.