Introduction to Mindfulness Series May

Mindfulness is the cultivation of non-judgmental awareness in which each thought, feeling, and sensation that arises is acknowledged and accepted just as it is. This kind and steady attention is often radically different from the way we tend to function in the world but is key to well-being and happiness in life. Mindfulness transforms how we relate to events and experiences, with ourselves, others, and the world around us. It creates a more spacious way of being in the world, that is wise and kind, less reactive. That spacious awareness allows us to look deeper into the nature of phenomena and the reality of what we are and to remember our true nature.

This is a 4-week mindfulness meditation program that will explore:

- What is Mindfulness?

- Mindfulness of body and breath

- Mindfulness of emotions

- Mindfulness of thoughts

Each session builds on the other. It includes a check-in, a talk, guided practice, and time for Q&A.

Class Dates: 4 Mondays, May 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 1 PM to 3 PM CST at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago.

Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.

This class has a minimum of two students, if the minimum is not met students will be transferred to the next month’s class.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

- Skills to improve moment-to-moment attention

- The importance of taking a pause

- Ways of inquiring into what is happening in body, heart and mind

- How to meet the moment with greater presence and clarity to make conscious choices

- Build a capacity to cope with challenging situations

- Cultivate kindness, compassion, and well-being

- Skillful ways to live a more conscious and meaningful life

- Cultivate a sense of curiosity about life, the universe, and the human experience

Daily home practice assignments will be offered via email and encouraged.

CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS CAN LEAD TO:

- Freedom from stress and anxiety, worry and anger

- Decreased reactivity

- Increased resilience

- Become more conscious, focused, and diligent

- Relaxing into who we are as a human being

- Experience a greater sense of aliveness, connection, and appreciation for life

- Gain a deeper understanding of life, the nature of reality, and our true self

WHO CAN JOIN?

Anyone with a curiosity about mindfulness. Suitable for beginners with little or no experience and those who would like to jump-start their meditation practice.

Please note, Mindfulness meditation, education, training and practices are not substitutes for medical or mental health treatment. Participants who are working with a health professional are encouraged to consult with them about the advisability of incorporating mindfulness practices before class as well as appropriate modifications relevant to their unique circumstances. Participants are encouraged to also reach out privately to the teacher with any questions.

For any questions, please contact Veronique at moonstonesanctuary@gmail.com

About the teacher:

Veronique has been practicing various traditional forms of meditation for 15 years in Europe, Japan, and the US. These mainly include Zen, Insight, Mantra, and Mindfulness meditation practices. Veronique is currently completing the two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. Aside from meditation, Veronique teaches Usui Reiki Ryoho at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago and Yogaview in Wilmette. For more information, please visit her website www.moonstonesanctuary.com