What’s This Mindfulness Stuff All About? at Prairiewoods (in person)

Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 15, 4:30–6 p.m.

Just what is “mindfulness” and how might it be of use? These gentle evenings at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha) with Ann Jackson, PBVM, will review brief aspects of mindfulness and self-compassion and offer reflective invitations to pay attention to where in the body we may hold struggle, joy, loss, anger, hope, contentment, denial, courage, tenacity ... Mindful meditation practices help us to sense shifts that occur within and assist us to make choices for a healthier life. Mindfully spending time in nature prevents health problems such as stress, depression and anxiety, and it improves our resilience and interpersonal relationships. This will be our third series, and there's so much more to learn! Maybe you’ve participated in a past series or perhaps you are attending for the first time. Either way, you’re invited to join this learning community of mindfulness practitioners. Come explore together various mindfulness activities and walk away each week with mindful practices to use in your everyday life. Themes for each session include what is mindfulness and exploring mindfulness through walking, standing and gesturing (Oct. 15); mindful speaking and listening (Oct. 22); mindfully cultivating kindness amid grief (Oct. 29) and mindfully moving through the persistence of resistance (Nov. 5). Come once a week for four weeks to explore and begin to establish a practice of mindfulness. Ann Jackson, PBVM, Prairiewoods’ coordinator of spiritual services is currently studying mindfulness meditation with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Ann enjoys cultivating open, safe space for people new to mindfulness to explore walking, sitting and resting practices that allow their experience of meditation to be the teacher. The cost is $75 for the four-week (Tuesdays, Oct. 15–Nov. 5). For more information or to register, contact Prairiewoods at www.Prairiewoods.org or 319-395-6700.