Mindfulness Based Meditation

MINDFULNESS BASED MEDITATION

Mindfulness-based meditation is a contemplative practice. It cultivates innate human capabilities of relaxation, concentration, lovingkindness and the ability to connect to the flow of experience with non-reactive inner strength and honesty.

This 6-week series is based on a program called MIEA and is a structured training developed by professors at Duke University. It is a skill-based and practical nuts-and-bolts program that focuses on a series of meditation instructions which are simple, accessible and effective. And, of course, it has an app. The unique element of this app is that after each guided meditation students write reflections which are linked to the teacher’s email. The teacher can then respond to participants experience and give unique, timely suggestions. This impacts deeply on students’ motivation and progress. The MIEA program consists of four classes, while this series adds two more to deepen and integrate the healing and transformative elements of mindfulness-based meditation.

Research shows that participants gain more from the class if they:

* Practice a daily 10-minute guided meditation using the phone app.

*Write brief reflections on these meditations which are emailed to the teacher so she can respond privately and promptly to comments and questions.

*Practice a daily mindfulness activity. This is practicing mindfulness while engaging in an ordinary activity such as brushing your teeth.

*A daily gratitude practice.

A book is available that parallels the course. This book, “The Mindful Twenty-Something” by Holly Rogers can be very supportive. Reading this book is not required but is highly recommend.

Please join if you are interested in finding peace, truth and healing through brave and honest exploration of your own experience. No meditation experience is necessary.

Joan Wilkins, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist. She has been a mindfulness practitioner for over 20 years, attending retreats at Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, Forest Refuge, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and Southern Dharma.

When: September 11, 18, 25, October 9, 16, 23 from 6:30-8:00 PM

Where:  In The Therapy Room at 18 Springs

Cost: This program is offered on a sliding scale.  It is customary in this tradition that teachers do not accept payment for sharing spiritual wisdom. Joan will be donating the total fees collected to 18 Springs. 

If you find the Equity 1 fee for this program cost prohibitive, we invite you to apply to the 18 Springs Access Fund HERE.