Most of us are experiencing a deep mental, emotional, and physical fatigue during these very strange times. On top of our usual daily stress, there are new stressors to juggle: fear of the virus, the loneliness of physical distancing from family and loved ones, figuring out childcare and schoolwork, computer fatigue from working from home, and the relentless stress felt by our frontline workforce. Learning how to metabolize this stress is key to well-being. Mindful movement is one of the many tools to increase resilience and simply give ourselves a much needed break.
The mind can race into the future or dwell in the past, but our bodies are always in the here and now. This session will focus on a series of brief body awareness practices that can ground us in the present moment. Being with our bodies, just as they are, can be a radical act
Acceptance can be a powerful and liberating practice, both while meditating, and in day to day life. It’s useful to discern the difference between acceptance and resignation, especially when we face challenges. This hour long session will include a short arriving meditation, a brief sharing on the qualities of acceptance, and then we will work
Based on the evidenced-based curriculum of Mindful Self Compassion, this 8-week experiential program for teens provides practices and tools to manage stress, increase feelings of happiness and well-being, and promote emotional resilience. In each weekly session, we will discuss concepts related to well-being and do a variety of practices, including seated mindfulness meditations, intentional movement, and creative projects.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a scientifically-based and effective program designed to cultivate self-kindness and improve well-being. It was developed by psychologists – Drs. Kristen Neff and Chris Germer. Research shows that self-compassion significantly enhances emotional well-being (less anxiety and depression), boosts resilience, happiness, harmonious relationships, and can even help maintain healthy lifestyles such as healthy eating and exercise.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is an 8-week evidence-based, highly participatory program. Research on MBSR consistently demonstrates positive outcomes for a wide variety of challenges including highly stressful work or family circumstances, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Attitudes of kindness, openness and patience provide a foundation for the practices of sustained focus, self-regulation and self-exploration with each week centering on a theme to support the individualized application of mindfulness to daily life.
