Beginner's Guide to Mindfulness

A BEGINNER's GUIDE TO MINDFULNESS is part of the Wellness in the WILD 2024 Summer Series and is designed for community members eager to explore and establish a mindfulness practice. Each session offers insights into the core aspects of mindfulness through practical exercises, discussions, and guided meditations. Discover the tools, resources, and community of support that will enhance your mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

Drop in for a single session or progress through the four-week series. Discounts are available if financial hardship is a barrier for anyone.

Mondays 10:30 AM - 11:30*

July 22 - Understanding mindfulness (Houge Park)

Content: Understanding Mindfulness - what it is and isn't.

Practices: Guided meditation focusing on breath awareness.

Benefits: Learn the basics of mindfulness, including its benefits for stress reduction and increased focus.

Participants will set a weekly goal and leave with the tools and resources to begin building a daily mindfulness practice

July 29 - Exploring the breath and body (Vasona Park)

Content: Exploring the body-scan technique to cultivate body awareness.

Practices: Body-scan meditation, mindful walking.

Benefits: Develop a deeper connection with your physical self, improve body awareness, and reduce physical tension.

Participants are invited to check in and share about challenges and pleasant/unpleasant experiences from their daily mindfulness practice.

August 5 - Mindfulness and emotions (Campbell Park)

Content: Understanding the link between mindfulness and emotions.

Practices: Mindfulness in dealing with emotions, cultivating compassion meditation.

Benefits: Enhance emotional regulation, increase resilience, and foster a positive mindset.

Participants will expand their library of resources with longer guided meditations, and be challenged to begin navigating short periods of unguided silence.

August 12 - Integration and daily practice (John D Morgan Park)

Content: Integrating mindfulness into everyday activities.

Practices: Techniques for mindful eating, and mindful communication.

Benefits: Learn to maintain mindfulness throughout the day, improve overall mental well-being, and enhance personal and professional relationships.

Participants will leave with confidence, support, and encouragement to sustain a daily mindfulness practice of 10+ minutes per day and the ability to navigate longer periods of silence and integrate informal mindfulness practices into their daily routines.

*locations subject to change

Interested in more events from the WELLNESS in the WILD 2024 Summer Series? Check out the GUIDED WELLNESS WALKS, designed to reduce the buildup of toxic stress and deepen your mindfulness practice in a natural, serene setting, perfect for integrating and embodying the techniques you learn each week and growing your community of support!

Pachamama Micro Retreats, powered by Meta Business Strategies, designs bespoke mindfulness-based micro retreats for individuals and organizations throughout the Bay Area of San Francisco. Founder, Keri Mechling, is a stress-reduction educator, a licensed risk manager, and a certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator through Mindful Leader.