Tuesdays, Jan 16 – Mar 5, 6-8 pm

Location: Zoom

Register online or call 319-356-5220

Instructor: Christine Allen

Practicing mindfulness meditation, which involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and environment, has been shown to improve overall well-being. Mindfulness is being aware of what is happening as it’s happening in an open, nonjudgmental, accepting, and compassionate way. This awareness helps develop habits of mental well-being and resilience as we negotiate life’s joys and sorrows.

This class will promote the development (or deepening) of a personal practice of mindfulness meditation. Participants will learn formal mindfulness meditation practices including the body scan, mindful movement, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and compassion practices. Informal mindfulness activities will invite participants to adapt daily activities such as driving, eating, communication, etc. into mindful activities. This class encourages people to utilize internal resources to cultivate health, happiness, and self-compassion.

Participants will be encouraged to make a commitment to engage in mindfulness activities for 20-30 minutes a day outside of class time. Audio links and class readings will be provided through a class website. This can be accessed through computers or smart devices. As an opportunity for extended meditation practice, the class will also include a 3-hour mini-retreat at the Ned Ashton House in Iowa City on the morning of Saturday, Mar 2. The retreat will be offered in a hybrid format, so participants may choose to attend in-person or via Zoom.

Fee: $90; pay ICSC at registration (fee waived for participants in ICSC’s low-income membership program). This course is taught by Christine Allen as a fundraiser for the Senior Center.