Yet in our culture there is an increase tendency toward stress and personal dissatisfaction. The good news is that practices in mindful awareness have the ability to change the way we view and engage with the world.
I periodically offer a variety of class series and workshops intended to lay the foundations of mindfulness for adults. Through skillfully designed mindfulness training and practice, students tap into their innate potential to experience life with greater awareness, compassion and lasting fulfillment. If you are interested in any of the series below, please email me at contemplative.ed@gmail.com. Or visit the Maitri Center website for the latest offerings.
What would it be like to experience a greater of sense of ease, resiliency and balance in life?
Throughout this interactive workshop series, we will explore various forms of meditation, gentle movement, and other contemplative practices to enhance everyday experiences with greater awareness, compassion and gratitude. This course is for anyone who wishes to learn practical techniques for managing stress and nourishing overall wellbeing, whether you are new to mindfulness or would like a refresher. Adults & mature teens 18+.
You will learn fundamental skills in mindfulness including:
· Essential skills in various forms of mindfulness meditation, gentle movement & other contemplative practices
· How to work with overactive thinking
· Techniques for meeting and navigating strong emotions
· Practices that cultivate positive states of mind like gratitude, kindness, joy & compassion
· The role mindfulness plays in communication and interaction
· Support for developing formal & informal mindfulness practices in daily life
Mindful Parenting is the practice of intentionally bringing purposeful awareness to everyday parenting situations in order to deepen the parent-child connection and cultivate harmony amid the often-unpredictable demands of family life.
Mindful Parenting is designed to engage parents in formal mindfulness practices, interactive discussions, and meaningful topics relevant to raising children of all ages. This 6-week course provides parents the tools and resources for developing positive relationships within the home through a relaxed, stable and clear way of being.
"I think any educational opportunities provided that can strengthen the overall wellbeing of individuals, serves to strengthen and benefit our community as a whole." Participant, Mindful Parenting series
"I am learning to pause, and appreciate and recognize each of my children as the unique, perfect, and autonomous individuals that they are. I also understand that the practice and application of mindfulness is forever changing and evolving as is everything in life, moment to moment. Accepting this and releasing unrealistic and unattainable expectations of myself and others is an ongoing process, but through the practice of mindfulness it can become a part of my personal way of being and existing in this world." Participant, Mindful Parenting series
"I've learned that [mindfulness] is so much more than just breathing and tuning out from the world, but rather, it is a tuning in, not only to myself but to others." Participant, Mindfulness for Older Adults
"[Kelly] is so gentle, encouraging, and wise!" Participant, Mindfulness for Older Adults
"Learning that bringing your attention back to your anchor without judging IS the practice was a big deal. It made me see that I can do this." Participant, Mindfulness for Older Adults
"I have read a good deal in the past... listened to CDs, practiced at home, and participated in mindfulness classes before. This was the best...You have a wonderful way (your voice, your style, your presence). Thank you!" Participant, Mindfulness for Older Adults
"You are an excellent teacher, Kelly! I learned so many techniques, and all of your activities clearly illustrated and brought to light the [practices] we were working on." Participant, Beginning Mindfulness series
"I would recommend this class to others. I believe mindfulness is a valuable practice and Kelly is a great teacher." Participant, Beginning Mindfulness series
"I have learned a lot of good techniques to use to be mindful. Before this class, I did not stop to pay attention to my body and life experiences." Participant, Beginning Mindfulness series
"I have gained the ability to take control of my emotions in stressful situations." Participant, Beginning Mindfulness series
"Kelly did a wonderful job. I have taken a class through [a medical facility]--Kelly did a better job and cost a lot less!" Participant, Beginning Mindfulness series
"The 8-week Continuing Series has vastly improved my understanding and usefulness of the practice. I use [mindfulness] daily now and was not before." Participant, Continuing Mindfulness series
"Though I haven't integrated into daily life as frequently as I hope at this point, the simple techniques have provided a platform for me to begin. For example, the phrase cards were something I put in visible places as a reminder to practice. Most importantly I have been able to be more aware of my words and actions when handling situations with my kids, and already feel a positive result." Participant, Mindful Parenting series
"I am more observant of my child and less reactive. I am more aware of my feelings and responses to my child's behavior." Participant, Mindful Parenting series
"Fun. Enlightening. Helpful. Expanded beyond a meditation-only concept to varied applications and practices of mindfulness. Just keep doing what you're doing." Participant, Continuing Mindfulness series