Tuesdays, 5:15-6pm
$15 drop in, $50/month
Perfect for the first-time meditator, or for those who have tried to meditate and feel like they’ve “failed.” Cheryl provides a new guided meditation each week, providing a distraction that leads away from mind chatter and into a place of relaxation. Through this class, you’ll learn the physical and emotional benefits of a meditation practice, as well as a number of “mini-meditation” techniques that can be easily incorporated into your busy day.
Drop-ins must call in advance to reserve a place. Space is limited. 541-330-0334
Tentative Schedule:
OCTOBER: Mindfulness vs. Monsters
Monster: (n) “an imaginary creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening.” Our thoughts can
seem like monsters, “large, ugly, and frightening”, until you turn on the light of awareness and see that
they are just things that, by themselves, are not a threat. The emotional energy and the story we give
thoughts is what can make them scary and make us stressed out, anxious, angry, or fearful. Bringing a
mindful presence to the present moment can eliminate monster thinking and promote health and
healing.
NOVEMBER: The Benefits of Gratitude
The practice of being grateful is a great way to improve your life, not just at Thanksgiving, but daily.
According to Psychology Today, there are “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude.” Mindfully
focusing on the things in your life that you’re grateful for instead of the things that worry, disgust, or anger you, is a way to improve physical and emotional health, relationships, improve sleep and self-esteem, increase empathy and reduce aggression.
DECEMBER: Letting Go, Letting Be
As we approach the end of the year it’s important to let the past stay in the past, and to let what is – be.
Arguing with the way things are is exhausting and useless. That’s not to say you can’t work to change
things, it’s just that by being aware of things – as they are, not how you would like them to be – gives
you more energy and creativity to create positive change.
2018
JANUARY: Beginner’s Mind
What better time than a new year to practice using a “beginner’s mind,” one that hasn’t been disillusioned by the past, or pessimistic about the future. A beginner’s mind is open, curious, non-judgmental, and not concerned with a specific outcome. Bringing a beginner’s mind to challenges, and activities can open worlds of possibility and understanding.
FEBRUARY: Loving-kindness
Practicing loving kindness toward ourselves, our loved ones and even people we have difficulty with
promotes compassion and understanding, healing, and empathy. We tend to be pretty hard on
ourselves and can be critical and judgmental of others unless there’s an opening to love for all. We can
begin to understand and accept that we are one.
