revolution from the inside out 2018-2025
Welcome to Your Mindfulness Journey…
By now you’ve probably heard the word “mindfulness” and maybe you’re curious about what it means. As a practice it can be helpful in improving health and wellbeing in a number of ways. Over the years the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness created a number of resources created especially for people who are new to practicing:
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of living, developed through a variety of practices, that helps us bring kind and non-judgmental attention to moment by moment experience, giving us the choice to respond in ways that support health and wellbeing for ourselves and our communities – Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
How are mindfulness and meditation related?
Meditation is one of several formal practices of mindfulness (mindfulness can also be practiced informally while engaged in daily life activities). There are many kinds of meditation, but mindfulness meditation is characterized by moment by moment non-judgmental attention to experience as it arises, without trying to change it in any way.
Is mindfulness a religion?
No, mindfulness is a way of being and a practice. Anyone can cultivate mindfulness regardless of how they identify religiously. The modern practices of mindfulness were adapted from ancient spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Vedism.
Do I need to empty my mind in order to successfully meditate?
No, our minds are always thinking and this mental activity becomes part of the practice. Whenever we non-judgmentally notice that we are thinking, we are practicing mindfulness. As we practice gently bringing our attention back again and again to the intended object of focus, the mental chatter tends to fade into the background and our concentration becomes more stable.
Meet a MAMbassador
“MAMbassadors” were MAM community members who practiced with us regularly, were familiar with our practice space, teachers, and offerings and volunteered to provide support for other participants, answer questions about our community and about mindfulness, and acted as a kind and welcoming resource when the need arose. MAMbassadors welcomed people to contact them via email with questions or reach out to them at our events. Here are two of our beloved MAMbassadors.
Lucie Black
Ruth Cooper