Exploring Mindfulness
“To participate in the dance of life is a wonder beyond words.”
—Joanna Macy
Overview
Exploring Mindfulness is 12-week introductory meditation workshop. Participants will examine the fundamentals of mindful attention through the lens of both ancient contemplative practices and contemporary science. Background readings will bolster the understanding of weekly themes, but the learning process will be primarily experiential. Guided meditations, interactive science-based inquiries and brief interludes of mindful movement in class will be supplemented with a variety of home practices designed to help make mindfulness an integral aspect of daily life. The workshop will provide participants with the tools to:
- Develop and sustain a life-affirming meditative practice
- Bring a sense of wonder to the workings of the mind
- Respond more effectively to stress
- Cope with physical and emotional pain
- Approach life with more composure, understanding and joy
- Be present and appreciate the simple pleasures of everyday life
Curriculum
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Week 1—Meditation is not what you think
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Week 2—Slow down, you’re moving too fast
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Week 3—Every breath is a gift of life
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Week 4—The wisdom of the body
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Week 5—The mind’s magic playbook
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Week 6—Five spectral obstacles to meditation
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Week 7—You are not your pain
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Week 8—Love what is, whether you like it or not
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Week 9—Don’t believe everything you think
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Week 10—Unseating the Inner Critic
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Week 11—The power of boundless goodwill
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Week 12—Trying not to try