Mindfulness

“Embracing the full catastrophe of the human condition is part of waking up to our lives, and living the lives that are ours to live.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

As Jon Kabat-Zinn suggests, our lives can sometimes feel like a catastrophe – particularly in these fast-paced and uncertain times. We may find ourselves struggling against the current, wishing for things to be more like our preferred version of reality. In our struggle, we may also sometimes lose touch with the magical richness of life.

MBSR, the course Kabat-Zinn developed, is intended to help us transform our relationship to life, by working with both the unpleasant (stress, pain, difficult emotions) and the pleasant, seeing it all as the fabric of our experience in each moment. A variety of practices (meditation, mindful movement, mindful eating, compassion) are introduced to help us open to greater awareness, compassion, and fulfillment in our lives.

The course consists of eight Sunday evening sessions, as well as a full-day silent retreat. An emphasis is placed on the shared group experience, and on integrating the practice into one’s life in a way that will be sustainable upon completion of the eight weeks, and in a fashion that feels right for each individual.

Courses run one or two times per year. Find out more about the next MBSR course here, or, if you would like a taste of mindfulness in the great outdoors, join me for the next Contemplative Walk event.