FAQ

When will we meet in person?

All classes will continue to be offered via Zoom until safe and reliable protocols for meeting in person, in groups are clear.

Is this for me?

Mindfulness classes are for adults or mature adolescents who may have little to no experience with mindfulness or meditation, or who would like to focus on the fundamentals. Maybe you’ve tried an app. Maybe not. This is a gentle on-ramp.

But I have a REALLY busy mind / fidgety body?

Yes. Mindfulness can be practiced by the busiest of minds, the most restless of fidgets. It is a total myth that your mind has to be clear for meditation, and that you have to sit still as a statue. There are some practices that encourage this, but mindfulness as it’s taught here does not require any of this.

Do I have to sit on the floor?

There is no extra mindfulness on the floor. I love to geek out with people on meditation posture, and am happy to help you find a comfortable way for your body to practice. Chairs are excellent for meditation!

How much should I practice?

The heart of a lot of mindfulness classes is developing a regular home practice.  That said, everyone is different. Mindfulness classes are a great way to explore what is right for you

Is mindfulness harmful?

Like anything, there are some risks. It is important for you to consider any medical or psychological issues that may be a factor, and discuss these with your health care provider(s). Please read more about the potential risks of meditation and mindfulness practices.  We can discuss any questions or concerns you may have. 

Is mindfulness Buddhism?

Mindfulness is derived from the practices of Buddhism and Yoga.  The secular practices shared here do not require any allegiance to a religion, and do not interfere with any existing religious affiliation or practice.

What about cultural appropriation?

This is an important question, and one I am happy to talk about. It is true that these practices have been carried forward by many generations of People of Color.  Read more about this complex issue here.

Isn’t mindfulness just a band-aid perpetuating bigger problems?

It’s not surprising that mindfulness, as it takes root in the west, gets absorbed into our culture, which is capitalistic.  Corporations might offer mindfulness classes, but mindfulness alone is not sufficient to counterbalance an exploitative system.  A mindfulness practice can, however, help people see their needs and values more clearly, and act accordingly.  

How much does it cost?

Learning mindfulness with a trained and experienced teacher is an important investment in your own health and well-being. There is also a scholarship application to make the classes more accessible to those in financial hardship.  If you are a person who comes from a marginalized group, i.e. Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color, I appreciate the opportunity to offer these classes at a lower rate as a practice of reparation, and to support marginalized groups to access the tools of mindfulness practice. 

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