"Upward Facing Dog" is a backbend that strengthens the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, promotes flexibility in the spine, stretches the abdomen, and opens the chest. Breathe in . . .
March is upon us, and so is the wind! Lot's going on this month. Did you know mindfulness makes us more productive? Read the article "Too Busy to Meditate?" below to find out why. Graduate Theresa Girard - a creative and productive artist, shares her reflections on how mindfulness has enriched her work. See her award-winning art on display March 1st at The Brooks Commons Club, and all month at the Bonita Springs Art League.
Wednesday afternoons I'll be teaching a four-week program entitled "Mindfulness for Health and Well-Being" for patients at the Southwest Institute for Cardiac Fitness & Treatment (SWICFT). Also, the free guided outdoor meditations under the Pavilion at The Brooks Commons Club will continue on Tuesday mornings at 10:30. In addition I'll present two free introductory talks on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)(links at left) in preparation for the Spring cycle of MBSR classes beginning March 14 & 15. Space is limited to 10 per class, and the morning and evening classes are filling up, so don't wait to register - MBSR won't be offered again until the Fall.
The Wednesday evening and Friday afternoon Graduates Classes will begin a new 8-week series beginning March 6 and March 8, respectively. (Links at left) Consider joining in to refresh your practice.
Too Busy to Meditate? Read This. . .
Research Shows Meditation Makes You More Productive
In his blog for the Harvard Business Review, Peter Bregman discusses what research is demonstrating - that meditation makes you more productive. How? By increasing your capacity to resist distracting urges. Read more . . .
by Theresa Girard, Artist and Mindfulness Practitioner
Serenity T. Girard 36X48 Acrylic & Pastel
Mindfulness came to me in a newspaper ad. The thought of committing to an 8 week program while in Florida originally seemed daunting to me. I was certainly searching for some answers after experiencing a period of "disconnect" We all have ideas on to how best approach this type of spiritual famine. Being present seems like such a simple thing. I soon learned that it would become the most significant life skill that I would learn.
As a professional contemporary artist, the angst of life was always more intense and something of a muse. The practice of the present surprisingly allowed me to be "with" the work, and truly be in the process of creating my art. I have been happier with my work, and more at ease to take chances in a positive way.
If I never painted another painting, I will be a better person for mindfulness practice. I believe I have been significantly present in my relationships with others and mostly with myself. Thank you for this gift.
