There are countless resources for those wanting to learn more about mindfulness, including the following:
Mindful.org “Getting Started With Mindfulness”
Free Guided Meditations from UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC)
Apps – If you’re new to meditation, guided meditations can be a great place to start. Both the apps Insight Timer and Calm offer good 7 Day introductory courses.
Podcasts – There are many great podcasts on the subject of mindfulness. Three good ones are by Tara Brach, Dan Harris and Cory Muscara.
Classes – UCLA provides many different levels of online classes to support you in building and customizing your mindfulness practice.
Retreats – Participating in a mindfulness day-long or multi-day retreat is a great way to dive deeper into meditation and into yourself. UCLA offers occasional online mindfulness retreats. Spirit Rock Retreat Center in Northern California also offers many online offerings.
Thought-Provoking Short Talks – “Why Meditate?” (Shinzen Young); “How Meditation Can Reshape Our Brains” (Sara Lazar); “Want to be happier? Stay in the moment.” (Matt Killingsworth)
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the moment-by-moment process of non-judgmentally observing one’s physical, mental and emotional experiences. Put simply, the practicing of mindfulness is attention training. Mindfulness has increasing levels of scientific support as a means to reduce stress, improve attention and focus, boost the immune system, reduce emotional reactivity, and promote a general sense of health and well-being.
Among the many components of its curriculum for nonprofit leaders, Leading From Within (LFW) has always stressed mindfulness and self-reflection – in leadership, in communication, and in self-management. LFW uses mindfulness to support leaders to bring their most vibrant and effective presence to the many challenges inherent in leadership roles, and to guide their careers and their lives with greater intentionality and sustainability. As our minds are, our life becomes – so it is critical for each of us to attend to the quality of our minds.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this program or any of the resources noted above, please be in touch directly with Ken at ksaxon@silcom.com or Jennifer at jreitzconsulting@gmail.com.