Expanding Our Community Practice
At the close of our 2023 Summit: Giving Rise to a Mindful Community, dozens of attendees approached us and asked: Where can we practice? When are we meeting again?
There’s just something about coming together, seeing and sensing each other in person, that truly energizes and motivates a community. In fact, research suggests that when we practice mindfulness meditation as a group, it generates an actual sensation of warmth, calmness, or tranquility.
Specifically, group practice helps us:
develop a sense of belonging and connection;
support and motivate each other in our successes and continued practice; and
gain practical tips, perspective, and reassurance that struggle (or, suffering) is universal.
In short, we see that we are not alone.
We must acknowledge that this opportunity—to expand our group practice in Jackson—is possible precisely because so many people across our community are practicing mindfulness on their own, at home and in their busy workdays. We see you! You’re doing the Daily Acts Micro-Practices, you’re showing up to our Community Zoom Practice on Friday mornings (now three years running!), and you’re reading the science of why mindfulness may very well be the next public health revolution. Thank you!
It’s with great gratitude, then, that we are unveiling a year-long community training program in partnership with Teton County Library: Mindfulness Works, a Community Wellness Series. On the 2nd Tuesday of each month, September 12, 2023, through August 2024, from 9am to 10:00am, we’ll bring you:
A look at mindfulness science around a common challenge—navigating burn-out for example;
How-to tips and micro-practices you can use at home and work; and
An extended practice at the end (optional) for anyone who wants to experience the group effect of mindful commitment.
We’re honored and excited to feature Jackson’s own mindfulness trainers, including our founder, Sara Flitner. This program will also include the expertise of acclaimed mindfulness trainers and researchers from across the country, all of whom are watching what we accomplish here in Jackson, at the forefront of improving community health and well-being.
These are exciting times, and you—we—are making that feeling mutual.
Please join us! The Mindfulness Works Series starts this coming Tuesday, September 12.
