The latest buzzword in wellness these days is mindfulness and for good reason. It has been shown to reduce stress, decrease anxiety and provide a greater state of happiness and peace of mind for those who regularly practice it. With its upcoming programs and events, combined with the skills of several of its practitioners, Heartwood Center in Evanston is spearheading the newly acknowledged mindfulness meditation practice.

What was once considered spiritual jargon, mindfulness meditation has become more than a trend, but a way that busy, anxiety-ridden people stay calm and focused. Mindfulness teaches an individual to acknowledge their thought process and behavior without judgment and then release them. It teaches people how to be present and embrace moments in life; rather than be ridden with negative feelings that so often plague minds.

Mindfulness meditation will be taught through the following programs at Heartwood. Lopon Barbara Ryan, Senior Student of Mindrolling Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche, and the Head of the Office of Practice and Study at Mindrolling Lotus Garden, will teach Introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism in a weekend program beginning on May 15. This weekend program will focus on the personal understanding and enlightenment that Vajrayana cultivates. For more information about the program. One of Ryan’s colleagues, Lopon Jann Jackson, will teach Taming the Mind I on the weekend of June 26. For more information about this program. Finally, over the weekend of August 15, Her Eminence Mindrolling Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche will return to Heartwood and teach a weekend meditation program entitled “Nine Journeys to Awakened Mind.” For more information about this program. To this day, Rinpoche in particular is celebrated as one of the most inspirational figures of Tibetan Buddhism. For quotes, videos and more information about Rinpoche, visit her website: http://www.khandrorinpoche.org.

Heartwood practitioners are also leading the way in mindfulness meditation, including Heartwood Founder and Director Nancy Floy, MA, LAc, Dipl. Ac., Psychotherapist David Johnson, LCSW, Certified Mindfulness Trainer Eric Lieb, Psychotherapist Alison H. Oakes, LCSW, and Psychotherapist Marsha Smith, MSW, LCSW. Groups, classes, and one-to-one sessions with the psychotherapists are available at Heartwood. For more information about those who specialize in Mindfulness Meditation, please visit the website: https://www.heartwoodcenter.com/mindfulness-meditation.

One class in particular entitled “Teachings of the Buddha,” led by Heartwood teacher Sensei Mui, will focus on the Buddha’s analysis of the mind. “In the Buddha’s teaching the mind creates Samsāra. Samsāra literally means “wandering-on.” Samsāra is not a place but process: the tendency to keep creating worlds and then moving into them. As one world falls apart, you create another one and go there. At the same time, you bump into other people who are creating their own worlds, too.” For more information on this program happening at Heartwood on May 17, click here: https://www.heartwoodcenter.com/event/teachings-of-the-buddha.

Heartwood is a holistic health services center committed to providing excellence in care to Evanston and the greater Chicagoland area. It features newly renovated offices for integrative healthcare practitioners, a classroom for teachers, an event space, and a conference room. Please contact Heartwood for more information at (847)491-1122. For information on renting an office space, please contact Nancy Floy at nancyfloy@heartwoodcenter.com for a tour of the space.