Mindfulness, News & Updates Feb. 23, 2020 #63

Mindfulness, News & Updates
Feb. 23, 2020 #63

Three things I thought were worth sharing this week!
Denise Dempsey, M.Ed.
Mindfulness Educator

Mindful Viewing
Through my teaching I have come to find that many meditators think duration is of supreme importance. This view can lead to discouragement when meditation practice isn't happening. Like with exercise, sometimes regularity and frequency can have a greater benefit than sporadic longer or more intense practice. In A Common Misconception About Meditation (1:47), Patrick Rhone beautifully shares an example of his simple practice for us. Check it out!

Watch >>

Mindful Reading
The term mindful inquiry tends to confuses meditators who enjoy the benefits of focused attention. I frequently hear the question: "If I want to quiet my mind, why would I intentionally think about my experience during meditation?" Here's an example of how mindful inquiry works. If we are continually distracted by something unpleasant, we might mindfully inquire, "In what way is this actually unpleasant for me in this moment? Sensations? Emotions? Impulses? Thoughts? By simply inviting close attention, we can experience how these experiences are not permanent conditions as well as other insights. Even amidst discomfort we can find equanimity or clarity that may also carry over into daily life. Here's an article on applying this to anxiety by one of my greatest mentors, Bob Stahl, in Mindful Magazine.

Read >>

Take a break...
This meditation was offered as part of the Morning Instructions (23:00) in the midst of a monthlong retreat at Spirit Rock. Led by longtime meditation teacher James Baraz, it is a tranquil meditation practice focused very simple on finding our way through the breath. I enjoyed how the peacefulness of its location carries over into the meditation. I hope you will too.

Meditate >>

 SPRING 2020  CLASSES 
Taught by Denise Dempsey, M.Ed.
Sign Ups Have Started for the Spring 2020 MBSR Class!
Whether you need stress relief or want to address the impact of chronic health issues, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program offers both meditation training and home assignments that help you bring the practice into daily life. $375 for eight classes, a supportive teacher and group, plus a daylong retreat. Davis: Starting Wed. 4/1/20 6:45-9:15 p.m. Sacramento: Starting Thurs. 4/2/20 6-8:30 p.m. Enrollment Form   Pay   2020 Flyer   Class details 
MBSR Alumni Program Underway (Come drop in!)
Davis: One hour to learn, grow and nurture your practice! Each class will have a guiding theme for added focus and inspiration and a 30 minute guided meditation. Alumni Join Us! Wednesdays now through March 11th. 5:30-6:30  More info
Coaching by Denise Dempsey Sessions can be for a series of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction training, Tiny Habits® coaching, or a personal learning plan for delving more deeply into meditation, mindfulness, and self-care. More info
Mindfulness for Anxiety - Drop In - The first Thursday of the month. (Sutter Davis Patients) More info
 

The Peace of Wild Things
By Wendell Berry
 
When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
 
I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
 
And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. 
 
Full Poem with normal formatting

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