Introduction to Meditation at SAOR

Welcome to Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation 

Saturday 6-7 PM

Feb 1-22

In this group series we will be exploring mindfulness and compassion practices to support wellbeing. We will be meeting for 4 sessions, each 1 hour long. Each session will have a unique theme (see below).

Each session we will have a 10 min check-in, 20 min guided meditation, a dyad activity to dive into the weekly theme and a closing circle. You will get the most out of this group if you are able to do some regular daily practice between sessions. There will be suggestions on what you may be trying each week but you are welcome to find what works best for you at this time in your life and tailor the form and length of your practice accordingly. 

Please keep in mind that daily mindfulness practice has both aspects that are formal (set aside time for a specific practice period) and informal (bringing mindful awareness to an activity you would be doing anyways). Formal meditation practice can be challenging when depression or anxiety is strong. In these times, it may be helpful to try to be especially gentle with your expectations and adjust the length and type of practice to be more supportive. Sometimes mindful movement, awareness of the external senses and informal mindfulness of pleasant and soothing activities can be helpful. 

Please feel free to let me know about any challenges arising in practice so we can discuss possible strategies that are available. 

We have cushions, blankets and yoga mats so the only thing you need are comfortable clothes for sitting or lying down. You are welcome to choose the posture of your choice for the practices and modify or opt out of any that do not feel like a good fit for you. 

Feb 1  - Resistance  & Avoidance 

Feb 8  - Self-Expression and Self Compassion

Feb 15  - Expansion vs. Contraction

Feb 22 - Insight & Wisdom