Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. Mindfulness meditation is a practice where we learn how to sit in embodied awareness. It is a practice that helps us learn to be at ease with life’s experiences as they unfold–with a quiet mind, an open heart, and a non-judging, receptive awareness of the reality of the moment.  Meditating is a process where we learn to live skillfully with a kindness to ourselves and others; it fosters inner stillness–even in the midst of chaos. This class includes instruction on how to meditate, work with common obstacles, and integrate mindfulness into daily life.

Class Times and Location:

Wednesday, 6  – 7:30 PM EDT
May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, & 26
Take the class in-person or online in the comfort of your home. In-person classes will take place in the Sanctuary at Allendale United Methodist Church. Sessions are recorded and electronically available for your later viewing and review.

Class Focus:

Meditation instruction, guided meditations, talks, and discussions. Participants are expected to devote a voluntary amount of time outside of class to meditate, integrate mindfulness into their daily life, and read from the text and handouts. Special attention will be given to being present with the breath, body, feelings/emotions, and thoughts/thinking. It is important to attend all sessions in the order presented as the content progresses from one class to the next. If you cannot attend a session, recordings of the sessions will be available for your review.

Reading Material:

This class is based on “Simply Being Present” by David Armbruster. There is no need to purchase this book, as those who participate in the class will receive chapters week by week electronically.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites and no prior experience is required. This class is designed for the beginner as well as those experienced wishing to reinvigorate their current meditation practice. You do not need to be a member of Allendale United Methodist Church (or any church) to attend. Whatever your race, ethnicity, economic situation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, background or belief, age or condition of ableness, whether single or partnered, you are welcome here.

Cost:

The class is freely offered. There is no charge. Participants are invited to give a free will, generosity offering (in meditation circles, this is known as “dana”) to the teacher and/or Allendale United Methodist Church.

Register:

About our Facilitator:

David Armbruster, Ph.D. David has been a teacher/facilitator at the high school, university and corporate levels. Since the 1980’s he has studied meditation with a number of teachers in the Soto Zen and Vipassana traditions as well as with Thich Nhat Hanh and Jon Kabit-Zinn (mindfulness-based stress reduction.) While working for 3M Company, David co-developed a mindfulness-based communications and team building program for 3M’s Information Technology Department. He also introduced meditation to 3M’s Employee Assistance program. In addition, David co-facilitated meditation sessions in Minnesota’s prison systems. Now retired, the past six years he taught meditation in upstate New York and western Vermont. David now lives in St. Petersburg, FL.