What is Mindfulness and why is it so popular these days?

Mindfulness is being aware of your present moment. You are simply observing the moment in which you find yourself, without judgment. There is no other purpose than being awake and aware of that moment.

I believe our society is starving for stillness, aching for a less frantic way of being. As we move faster and faster, we sometimes get out of balance and feel as sense of disconnection. Right now there seems to be a collective sense that something big is “out of order.” Mindfulness allows us to regain our balance and re-connect to our original Inner Wisdom.

What is the difference between formal and informal mindfulness?

Formal practice involves learning to sit still and be quiet, paying attention only to our sitting and breathing. We are both relaxed and alert, noticing without judgment whatever arises moment to moment.

Informal mindfulness practice is how we pay attention to our daily activities. If we are eating lunch, we are aware that we are eating lunch. If we are driving, we are aware of driving. If we are worrying, we are aware of worrying. If we are walking outdoors,
we are aware of the sounds, fragrances and colors that surround us as we walk. We know our feet are touching the earth. It’s about paying closer attention to each moment we live.

With practice we come to experience these two forms as a seamless flow of conscious attention. It is possible to experience a vibrant meditative life, even in the so-called “real world”.

What kind of Meditation will I learn?

Mindfulness meditation is simply being with what is. Sometimes it is called Insight Meditation because, when we quiet ourselves, we often get insights into our situation. Mindfulness is also sometimes referred to as Vipassana, an ancient term for mindful awareness.

Students in The School of Mindful Living classes enter into meditation through learning and practicing Mindfulness of the Body. When we truly pay attention to the exquisite intelligence of our bodies, we begin to access our natural healing abilities. Through the body we access our original Inner Wisdom, which leads to greater integration and wholeness.

I am not very flexible. Do I need to sit cross-legged in the classes?

No. People of all ages, sizes and shapes can practice meditation. In the introductory class we sit in chairs, relax on the floor and move about. No special clothing or equipment is necessary. It is best to dress comfortably and casually.

Returning students always have the option of sitting in chairs or on a meditation cushion.

NOTE: Please respect the sensitivities of others by avoiding all scented/fragrant products in class. We no do not use incense in classes for the same reason.

How will Mindfulness help me?

Being mindful can allow us to have LESS: isolation, self-loathing, anxiety, confusion, separation, rage, self-deception, harsh judgment and suffering.

Being mindful can allow us MORE: clarity, creativity, insight, meaning, well-being, kindness, balance, connection, joy and compassion.

Is there homework with the classes? Are there tests?

Yes, while the weekly homework is optional, skills are learned more easily when attention is paid to the homework practice. There are no tests!

Will mindfulness conflict with my religious beliefs?

No. All spiritual traditions I have studied honor periods of silence, especially silence devoted to quieting the mind so the call of one’s soul can be heard. Mindfulness does not interfere with this. It may, in fact, enhance one’s spiritual awakening.

I work evenings. Are there daytime classes?

Group classes are offered during late afternoons and early evenings. Yes, an individual can schedule a class series during the day. I recommend taking the classes with a friend, partner or co-worker whenever possible.

If you create a group, I can arrange to teach a daytime class series at your location or mine. We can choose a time that works for almost everyone.

Could our whole family sign up for your classes?

Yes, something wonderful happens when a family shares a mindful life-style.

Even young children can participate in simple, focused mindful activities and moments set aside for quietness. The whole family benefits from practicing mindful speech and deep listening. Care is taken to learn to resolve conflicts, however small.

I don’t think I could ever get a “blank mind.” Could I learn to meditate?

Mindfulness is not about “zoning out.” Our continual stream of thought seldom stops. However, with practice, we slow down our thinking and become less attached to our personal thoughts and stories.

Mindfulness is NOT about sedation. It IS about waking up.

I have been told by my doctor to learn to relax. Would your class help me learn to relax? How long would it take to learn this?

Yes. Learning deep relaxation is a vital aspect of mindfulness training. When we are truly relaxed and awake, we notice our state of being. We notice where in our body we might be carrying tension or when we might be holding our breath. Once we notice these things, we can learn to release them and enjoy total relaxation.

Each student comes to mindfulness in various stages of ripeness. The time it takes to learn to relax is usually not very long. It’s regular practice that makes the difference.

I am already in therapy dealing with emotional issues. Would learning mindfulness interfere with my therapy?

No. Many therapists have referred clients to me and have reported that those clients progress more quickly in therapy after learning mindfulness skills. There have been very few exceptions to this. Still, it is a good idea to check with your therapist before beginning mindfulness or any other kind of meditation.

I am uncomfortable in groups. Can I just learn this one-to-one with a teacher?

Yes. In the beginning, some people do best with private lessons. Once her/his practice is established, however, the value of a partner or group can’t be underestimated. To sustain a mindfulness practice one needs the modeling, support and encouragement of at least one other person.
Transformation does not happen in isolation.

I have heard that meditation can be good for me but I am already overwhelmed with so many other things. Is this just one more thing for my “to do” list?

Developing a Mindfulness Practice, including periods of meditation, can be a great gift, especially when one is overwhelmed. Through the practice of mindfulness we begin to notice our habits of thought and behavior. We give ourselves a chance to notice the true sources of our feeling of overwhelm. Once we become aware, we can make more conscious choices. This is a wonderful gift we can give ourselves and it is one of those “gifts that keep on giving.”

Once I’ve decided to meditate, how do I explain it to my family and friends?

Usually I recommend that a student say nothing special about their mindfulness practice. After all, what do we expect will happen? How could we articulate the experience of our gradual awakening? Over time, our family and friends may notice subtle changes. Perhaps we will be a little less judgmental, maybe a little more kind. We might look and feel more content. Certainly we will be paying more attention to everything, including our friends. Who knows what may evolve from the commitment to live a more mindful life?
Let your being and your actions speak for themselves.

What is Body-Mind-Spirit Integration? What can I expect from a private meeting?

When we find ourselves focused only on the material world or our personal thoughts and stories, we often lose connection to our spiritual dimension. When we are out of balance, when we are no longer listening to our Inner Wisdom, stress seems to manifest in many forms. The call of the soul is persistent even when the noise of life is terrible.

I believe people heal themselves. Everyone has a core of Inner Wisdom, an original Wholeness that can be reclaimed. My role is to bear witness to the stress and suffering caused by the disconnection from our own goodness and to encourage a return to the original Wholeness already present in each person. It takes courage to turn inside, to look deeply and to remember why we came into being. It is my great honor to facilitate the return to Wholeness, to witness transformation and to support healing on many levels.

How do I pay for the classes? Do you accept checks?

To keep costs as low as possible, I no longer do monthly billing or accept credit card payments. Students pay for the classes or meetings at the time of registration or at the first meeting. I accept cash, local checks and money orders. Partial scholarships are often available for those in real need.

Where do the classes meet?

Most classes meet in the University City area of San Diego, off Highway 52, between freeways 5 and 805. A map with directions is provided upon registration.

Locations for classes and workshops with Affiliate Teachers vary. Each teacher will provide students with directions to their location.

It is often possible for me to teach at your location. Please call if you’d like to consider this option.

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