Mindfulness Meditation Group Activity
Join this informal gathering to develop and practice basic mindfulness skills in a supportive environment. It’s a terrific way to decompress, relax and give your brain a boost. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a reknowned teacher and author describes mindfulness meditation as… the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose in the present moment and non-judgmentally.
The Meditation Group focuses on basic mindfulness skills. More and more scientific research suggests regular meditation can strengthen functions of the brain that control attention, calm the stress response, increase positive emotions and strengthen the immune system. It further supports cognitive function linked to goal directed behaviour and has been correlated to improved energy levels, improved memory, increased cortical thickness (which slows the aging rate of the brain), promotes new brain cell growth and improved sleep.
We gather together to discuss some of the basic principles of Mindfulness Meditation and meditate as a group using the guided meditations found on Insight Timer, a free Meditation App, as well as leading our own. During the pandemic, we met via Zoom and in the summer months, we were thrilled to meet outdoors at a neighbourhood park near the ocean. Now that COVID related health restrictions have relaxed and the weather is chilly, we gather in each others’ homes. We ask that everyone participating has been fully vaccinated for COVID and stays home when feeling unwell.
The meditation group has evolved. Now people are interested in meeting in smaller groups that will function within QBANC activity group guidelines, yet eventually be independent of Newcomers and able to carry on in the future if they choose.
To participate in a small meditation group, sign up at any monthly meeting of QBANC or by emailing the coordinators at meditation@qbnewcomers.org
Once approximately 6-8 people sign up, a new group will be formed. Typically, these groups will gather in each others’ home or outside in the summertime. The expectations are that meditation group members will decide how they would like to proceed, how often they meet, and how they will operate as a group. The Meditation Coordinators will assist them to get started.
Coordinator: Lesley Woodley
Email: meditation@qbnewcomers.org