new format for bi-weekly mindfulness group calls

Hello friends! Update time!

I mentioned in previous calls that the format for our discussions would likely be changing soon, and we are now at the point where that change will be going into effect.

I’ve been considering this for a while because it’s important to me to ensure everyone is being offered opportunities to share, as well as ways to build their practices to be supportive of each individual’s needs and circumstances.

Mindfulness is most useful when it is practiced regularly, and through that practice we have opportunities to gain insight and deepen our wisdom.

These calls began years ago with a common focus of helping each other feel seen and heard during hard times. I am grateful for how many years we’ve had together sharing in this way. Now that I’ve had more time to practice as a meditation teacher, it’s become clear to me that the most valuable thing I can offer to you all is acces to your own inner wisdom and resilience.

This is where mindfulness practice comes in. Through both formal and informal practices, we learn more about our own unique predicaments and our internal responses to them, which then opens up the opportunity for us to meet ourselves where we are with kindness, care, and supportive practices.

After reflecting for a time, this is the updated format I’d like to try out as a group.

Mindfulness Group Call Format

This group meets bi-weekly, every other Saturday for 2 hours. The format is designed to encourage regular practice both as a group, and as individuals.

Brief Grounding Meditation

We will begin each session with a 5 minute grounding meditation to allow ourselves to fully arrive and settle.

Check-Ins

Going around the room, everyone is invited to share what’s alive for them in the moment, or what kind of energy they’re bringing to the space today. Each person should take only a minute or two for this check in, and everyone has the option to pass. No feedback will be offered at this time other than gratitude for expressing whatever is on your heart or mind, and possibly well-wishes or condolences where appropriate.

Concept or Practice Introduction

A 10 - 15 minute talk will be shared, introducing a mindfulness related concept or practice to the group. The first talk will be about metta, or the concept and practice of loving-kindness. From there, we will be diving into a series focusing on the Foundational Attitudes of Mindfulness. Each week will feature one of the 12 attitudes. These qualities of the mind help us strengthen and support our mindfulness practice.

12 Foundational Attitudes

1. Acceptance

2. Nonjudging

3. Nonstriving

4. Letting Go / Letting Be

5. Patience

6. Trust

7. Beginner’s Mind

8. Gratitude

9. Generosity

10. Curiosity

11. Kindness

12. Humor

In addition to the practice introduction, the group will also be offered examples of other ways to work with the energies or ideas being discussed, as well as optional journal prompts for further reflection.

Group Practice

A guided meditation will be offered that relates to the topic of the week. We will all practice together for approximately 15 minutes.

Q&A

We will take a few minutes to answer any possible questions related to the concepts or practices of focus for the week.

Open Sharing

At this time, we will begin to shift back to a format similar to how things have been done previously. The floor will be opened for anyone who has anything they would like to share with the group.

People are invited to share anything they’re excited about or proud of themselves for, and/or anything they are currently struggling with or challenges they’re currently working through. When addressing possible challenges or difficulties, folks are encouraged to share either how they’re currently working with this challenge or how they intend to work with it in their practices and lives.

If someone is unsure of how to work with whatever they have brought to the group, they can request feedback from others on ways they work with similar challenges in their own lives and practices.

Closing Meditation

We will end each group session with a brief closing meditation.

————————

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this new format, which I intend to begin using during our next call scheduled for Saturday, September 14th.

Thank you all for your time and for being a part of this Patreon. It has truly been a pleasure to grow with you over these past several years.

I look forward to heading in this new direction together.

- Jessica / Snaps

Edit: These calls will be recorded but only the talks and guided practices will be saved and shared for further review via the Patreon. All group share portions/check-ins will be deleted and will remain confidential.