An Introduction to Mindful Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment in a relaxed, non-judgmental way. Instead of pushing thoughts away, you observe them with curiosity while resting your awareness on your breath. Mindfulness can help calm the mind and body and bring us back to a sense of wonder and joy, as we touch life deeply in each moment.  Scientific studies have shown that regular mindfulness meditation practice can have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health

• Reduced stress and anxiety: It helps you break the cycle of worrying about the future or ruminating on the past.

• Improved mood: By limiting focus on negative past events, regular practice can help improve mood and lessen symptoms of depression.

• Enhanced focus: As you practice bringing your attention back to a specific anchor, you strengthen your ability to sustain focus.

• Reduced pain: Research suggests that mindfulness meditation can change the way the brain processes pain, decreasing its severity and increasing acceptance.

• Improved sleep: Studies have shown that mindfulness can significantly improve sleep quality and may be useful in treating certain sleep disturbances.

• Decreased blood pressure: Research indicates that some people can experience a significant reduction in blood pressure with regular practice.

• Positive brain changes: Neuroimaging studies show that regular mindfulness practice can change neuronal pathways in the brain, increasing activity in regions associated with memory and emotional regulation. 

Please join us on Wednesday, January 6 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at Poolesville Presbyterian Church, Speer Hall as we practice mindful guided meditation, mindful movements, and mindful walking. We will end the afternoon with a short sharing and discussion. If you would like to lay down during the guided meditation, please bring a comfortable mat or thick towel. If you like to sit on a cushion, please bring one. We have plenty of chairs. Please wear comfortable clothes. People new to meditation as well as those with experience are welcome to join us.

Presenter: 

Joyce Bailey is a long-time practitioner and meditation teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village. She leads meditations at the Mindfulness Practice Center in Fairfax VA, the Sugarloaf Mountain Mindfulness Community and the Earth Holders Sangha. She offers an evening of meditation on the second Friday of every month at Barnesville Town Hall from 7-9 pm. All are welcome to come an enjoy an evening of practice together.