All Scheduled Dates

This course has passed but all are invited to join our Community Meditation Sit, Tuesday November 12, 4:00pm-5:00pm.

Course Type

Brief Learning Series

 

Course Length

3 hours

QUESTIONS?

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Learners who complete this course will receive a certificate of completion from the Academy.

 

 

Introduction to Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

DESCRIPTION

Meditation is an ancient, evidence-based tool that any of us can use to develop our capacities for attention, learning, care, and connection. Yet, it can be difficult to know how or where to start. This introductory course allows you to explore and experience meditation for yourself in a supportive environment, led by an experienced meditation teacher. Learners will be guided through four different postures, with an opportunity to ask questions about your practice.

This course will explore the root causes and physiological and psychological impacts of stress, along with ways meditation can help heal. We will discuss meditation as a secular and supportive practice to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve interpersonal relationships and overall wellness.

This introductory course draws from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a ground-breaking and time-tested, scientifically researched program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 for the University of Massachusetts Medical School. MBSR has been proven to be effective in managing pain and decreasing stress.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participants will learn:

  • How to respond to stressful situations instead of reacting
  • Caring mindfulness practices that can be integrated into daily life

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is an experiential workshop with time allotted to practice meditation in four different postures: standing, sitting, walking, and laying down. We will learn about how stress lives in the body and its physiological impact as well as identify easy to do daily practices of mindfulness and staying present.

ELIGIBILITY

This course is open to staff of any non-profit community organization or government agency that delivers social services in NYC.

Following this course, learners are also invited to a virtual community meditation sit on Tuesday, November 12 from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Register here.

No prior meditation experience is needed. This course is open to those coming to meditation for the first time, as well as experienced meditators.

INSTRUCTORS