In a Buddhist mindfulness practice, we can learn to sit with our emotions or body sensations in a non-judging, self-compassionate way. This series is for anyone who is wanting new tools to practice meditation in a psychology informed way.

In this four week series, we will explore empowering trauma sensitive meditation practices by modern popular practitioners Tara Brach and Dr. Kristen Neff

Week 1: we will learn about tapping into the unique language of our nervous system through the lens of Steven Porge’s polyvagal theory. This information can support our ability stay in tune with our level of arousal so we safely practice meditation by staying within the present moment.

We will practice making empowering and safe choices for ourselves while within a meditation practice by learning tools that we can use to support us exploring the present moment with curiosity and non-judgement.

Week 2: We will practice developing a sense of Metta (Loving Kindness) by reading and practicing meditation exercises from Kristen Neff’s Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook. Participants will be encouraged to practice making choices that empower their sense of safety as an act of Loving Kindness for themselves. Participants will be able to choose between writing, drawing or sitting during each meditation practice.

Week 3: our exploration and study on Loving Kindness will continue by reading and practicing a sense of Loving Kindness towards ourselves through the exercises in Dr. Kristen Neff’s book, “Mindful Self-Compassion.” Participants will practice making empowering choices within each practice that meet the needs of their nervous system and their personal sense of safety.

Week 4: We will explore meditation exercises around self-compassion in Tara Brach new book “Radical Self-Compassion.” As a group, we will read excerpts from her book and practice cultivating a deeper sense of self-compassion through a meditation using her practice of R.A.I.N....

R—Recognize What’s Going On
A—Allow the Experience to be There, Just as It Is
I—Investigate with Interest and Care
N—Nurture with Self-Compassion
Participants will be able to choose between writing, drawing or sitting during each meditation practice as we practice RAIN together.

Each week our session will last 90 minutes.
The first 30-45 minutes will be a lecture/group reading followed by the last 45 minutes we will explore meditation practices in small groups or together.

Required Texts:

Radical Self-Compassion by Tara Brach
https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Compassion-Learning-Yourself-Practice/dp/0525522816/ref=nodl_

Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Dr. Kristen Neff

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1462526780/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NjVlEbRK6EKA0

Facilitator: Julie Johnson

Cost: $10 Online Drop In, Class Card, Unlimited Monthly

Sign up here