We have a dream of making Kansas City a more mindful city – a community where people feel even more intimately connected to the places they live, work, and play as well as to one another (what is mindfulness?). In a mindful city, residents join together to promote social, economic, and environmental justice; safety, health and wellbeing; and opportunities for joy, delight and discovery. Mindful citizens offer compassionate attention to the most vulnerable among us as well as those who work tirelessly to care for them (healthcare providers, public safety officers, educators, civic leaders, social service agencies, philanthropic organizations, etc.). A mindful city is flexible, responsive and resilient in an ever-changing world. It is an inclusive place with a kind and welcoming culture in which people from all walks of life can thrive and flourish.
Why would we want to become a more mindful city?
- Community Engagement – a mindful community is a more connected and engaged community.
- Quality of Life – practice in mindful living builds self-awareness and increases emotional intelligence, which is correlated with better stress management, improved job performance and decision making, less reactivity, more effective conflict resolution, greater compassion and empathy, and resilience.
- Public Health – a more intentional focus on personal well-being leads to better overall public health.
- Safety – a mindful city is a safer city – research shows mindfulness training is correlated with decreases in problem behavior and increases in prosocial behavior.
Cities like Flint and Ann Arbor, MI, Winooski, VT, Jackson Hole, WY, Boston, MA, and Ottawa, KS already have initiatives well underway.
Download our What is a Mindful City? brochure (PDF) to learn more
Want to help us make Kansas City a Mindful City? The Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness is seeking community partners – stakeholders, decision-makers, and budget-setters – in the sectors of 1) Leadership & Community Responsibility, 2) Education, and 3) Healthcare to form workgroups to set goals and create objective for cultivating a more mindful Kansas City. Contact us with your name, organization and position, as well as your interest in getting involved.
Our Think Tank made up of dedicated representatives from all three sectors is meeting regularly to set goals, create objectives, and carry out tasks. We will keep the community informed as things unfold!
