As we find ourselves at the intersection of a multitude of global catastrophes the suffering of the world becomes even more clear and difficult to ignore. Over the last year in particular we have all suffered a great deal, directly or indirectly, from a stream of stressful and anxiety-provoking events. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, a share that has been largely consistent, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019.”

How do we work with the mental and emotional challenges of these stressful times? It may feel daunting to start a new meditation practice or maintain an existing one even when things are going great in our lives. During turbulent times it can be even more difficult to really get in touch with our deeper selves and feel that spiritual connection. The purpose of this course is to provide the much needed support and guidance both for beginners looking to start a new practice and experienced meditators wishing to deepen their existing practice. Combining the latest neuroscience research with guided meditation instructions, readings, journaling and discussion, Daniel and Melinda will bring the path to life with this simple yet powerful set of practices, from cultivating emotional resilience to invoking a sense of the sacred in everyday life.

Teachers

About the Instructors

Melinda Rothouse, Ph.D. - Melinda is a professional creativity, leadership, and career coach, consultant, educator, and facilitator based in Austin, Texas. She is a long time meditation practitioner and mindfulness educator, and leads contemplative arts and photography workshops and retreats both in the US and internationally. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with a Specialization in Creativity Studies from Saybrook University, as well as Master’s degrees in religious studies and performance studies.

Daniel Whiteside - Daniel is a meditation teacher and devoted practitioner, mathematics educator, and small business owner in Austin, Texas. His teaching style is integral, combining the best contemplative practices available across traditions with influences from educational psychology, neuroscience and adult development. Daniel is a Level 2 Unified Mindfulness coach, has been to retreats in the Zen and Mahamudra styles of meditation, and completed training programs with several leading teachers in North America.

Coaching Calls

When you register for Cultivating Mindfulness in Turbulent Times, in addition to the six class sessions you'll also have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one coaching call with Melinda or Daniel. You'll be asked during the first two weeks of classto sign up from a list of available times. This will allow you an opportunity to get direct feedback and personalized practice instruction from the teacher.