MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS: FOUNDATIONS AND PRACTICE (20)

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Thursdays, 12:30am-2pm, October 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19

This is a six-week introduction to cultivating present-moment awareness. Participants explore core techniques such as breath focus, body scanning, and mindful reflection while learning how attention, emotion, and stress interact. Each week blends short lessons with guided practice to build confidence and consistency. By the end, learners develop a personal mindfulness routine that supports calm, clarity, and resilience.

1.Mindfulness Basics:Core definitions, intentions, posture, breath awareness, and building a daily 5-minute practice.

2.Attention and Awareness:Focused attention vs. open awareness, noticing distraction, and returning to the present moment.

3.Stress and the Mind:How mindfulness affects the nervous system, emotional regulation, and grounding techniques.

4.Body-Based Practices:Body scan, mindful movement, and somatic awareness for tension release.

5.Thoughts and Emotions:Observing thoughts non-judgmentally, labeling emotions, and cultivating compassion.

6.Integration and Routine:Creating a sustainable practice, applying mindfulness to daily life, and course reflection.

Leader: Bob Hughes has been practicing meditation daily for the past 16 years and has been a certified meditation and mindfulness teacher since 2022. He has worked with both educators and private businesses. Additionally, Bob taught social studies in public schools for 37 years