Practicing together as a community helps provide the support and accountability needed to sustain a dedicated mindfulness practice. This is why we offer a variety of regular mindfulness practice meetings, including both general community and affinity groups, in Leawood, KS, KCMO, and online. Always FREE to our members, these classes are designed to offer an opportunity to start, build, maintain or deepen a practice and connect with like-minded individuals. All groups are also offered online. Pre-registration is required. Your first visit with us is free – after that, non-members can purchase passes here:
MAM offers weekly practice meetings guided by trained mindfulness teachers. A variety of guided practices and teachings are offered and time is set aside for discussion. Absolute beginners and more advanced practitioners alike are welcomed. Your first visit with us is FREE – we just ask that you please please preregister to save your spot and sign the waiver form online. Always FREE to members – nonmembers purchase passes here. On 2nd Thursdays we invite practice meeting participants to stay for our Chai & Chat Fellowship Hour to share decaf chai tea and conversation from 8-9 pm.
When:
This community practice meeting is for people who have an established mindfulness practice and are looking for longer periods of silence with minimal guidance. We will sit for 30-40 minutes and then engage in group discussion. FREE to members and people visiting us for the very first time – nonmembers purchase passes here. Please also visit the calendar to preregister to save your spot.
When: Third Tuesdays from 5:45 – 6:45 pm
MAM’s Community of Color offers a protected space of ease and support for people of color to practice mindfulness together and cultivate inner freedom. Sydney Spears, PhD and Deah Robinson lead participants in a variety of mindfulness practices and discussion. Absolute beginners and more advanced practitioners alike are welcomed. Your first visit with us is FREE – we just ask that you please please preregister to save your spot and sign the waiver form online. FREE to members and people visiting us for the very first time – nonmembers purchase passes here.
When: 2nd Tuesdays 5:45 – 6:45 pm
MAM’s LGBTQIA+ Community practice meeting offers a protected space of ease and support for people across the sexuality and gender identity spectrum to practice mindfulness together and cultivate inner freedom. Angela Caruso-Yahne & Deah Robinson lead participants in a variety of mindfulness practices and discussion.Absolute beginners and more advanced practitioners alike are welcomed. Your first visit with us is FREE – we just ask that you please please preregister to save your spot and sign the waiver form online. FREE to members and people visiting us for the very first time – nonmembers purchase passes here.
When: 2nd Fridays from 5:45- 6:45 pm
Do you identify as Latinx or Hispanic and would like to practice mindfulness and meditate with your community? The Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness offers a monthly practice meeting just for you – and Spanish language instruction is available! Join mindfulness teacher and native Spanish speaker Tatiana Padrón Perich on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm for an hour of inner exploration and resilience building (purchase a pass, then use our calendar to register).
¿Te identificas como Latino o Hispano y te gustaría practicar Mindfulness y meditar con tu comunidad? Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness ofrece prácticas mensuales solo para ti, y las meditaciones en español están disponibles. Únete con Tatiana Padron Perich, nuestra instructora de Mindfulness quien ofrece las clases en español e inglés el primer martes de cada mes, a las 7:30 PM para exploración interna y resiliencia (comprar una pase, luego usa nuestro calendario para registrarte). Si participa virtualmente, una vez que haya comprado su pase, regístrese en la clase a la que desea asistir utilizando nuestro calendario. Al registrarse, recibirá la URL de la reunión de Zoom para esta clase, así como instrucciones para participar. Tenemos una política de cancelación de 24 horas para estas clases y no se otorgan reembolsos por clases perdidas.
When (Cuando): 1st Tuesdays (primeros Martes) 7:30- 8:30 pm
While onsite attendance is encouraged (due to the unique and powerful benefits of in-person group practice), we realize that this is not possible for everyone. Our goal is to make these concepts and practices available to anyone who wants them in their lives. Therefore we are pleased to offer a weekly online mindfulness practice meeting led by a rotating group of trained mindfulness teachers. Absolute beginners and more advanced practitioners alike are welcomed. FREE to first timers and members (as little as $15 per month) – nonmembers purchase passes here.
When: Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50 pm via Zoom
Once you are paid and registered for a meeting, instructions for attending the meeting will be emailed to you.
This practice meeting is specifically tailored to the unique experiences and needs of first responders including active and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel, EMT/paramedics, dispatchers and front line medical and mental health professionals.
Led by Fire Service Paramedic Angela Caruso-Yahne and retired Police Officer Erik Hulse, both trained mindfulness teachers. FREE to members – nonmembers purchase passes here.
When: by demand
First responders are exposed to critical incidents and chronic stressors that contribute to a higher prevalence of negative health outcomes compared to other occupations. Psychological resilience, a learnable process of positive adaptation to stress, has been identified as a protective factor against the negative impact of burnout. Research is showing that mindfulness training can be an effective approach to preventing and reducing negative health outcomes. Mindfulness practices have been demonstrated in the research to:
Please bring your badge or commission card with you to your first class. Due to the unpredictable nature of first responder schedules, our cancellation policy doesn’t apply to this class and last minute cancellations will not be penalized.
After our general practice meeting on selected dates, we invite practice group participants to stay to share chai tea (decaf) and fellowship together. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our teachers and community members a little better. You’re also welcome to ask questions you might have about mindfulness in general, your practice in particular, or MAM’s various offerings and services. Bring your own hot beverage container if you’d like to protect the environment. Your registration for the practice meeting that day is all we need.
Weather permitting, a trained mindfulness teacher will lead you on a nature walk on one of Kansas City’s many local hiking trails, inviting you to sense and savor the experiences that arise along the way. After our walk, we will stop in a shady spot for a lightly guided meditation in stillness (sitting, standing, or lying down). During this experience, you should feel free to choose your own adventure by walking as quickly or slowly as serves you and being your own guide. If you choose to walk at the pace of the teacher, you will receive periodic invitations to direct your attention and notice various aspects of your internal and external experience. Keep a blanket (and maybe a cushion) in your car that you can retrieve at the end of the walk to make a cozy spot under a tree or on the grass for a lightly guided stillness meditation. FREE for members, nonmembers purchase passes here.
When:
MAM membership offers many benefits beyond the recurring practice meetings. Visit our membership page to connect with our growing community of mindfulness professionals and practitioners. You can also join us online on Facebook.
It is said that geese fly together in formation and that the lead goose makes the flying easier for the others, and each goose in front of the other also helps the geese behind – and they all take turns. I think [a practice community] is a lot like that – when we sit together, our presence together creates a slipstream for others – to support their practice and our practice together. It is mutually beneficial – and a field seems to be created… it’s palpable. Imagine aligning all of our energetic focus – that has to do something to the energy within a room… – Anonymous Commenter
Meditation is just one formal way to practice mindfulness. Our teachers also instruct participants in other forms of practice through recurring mindful movement, yoga, introductory, and parent/child classes. All classes are also offered online.
Recurring classes include our mindful movement/yoga and parent/child classes. Pre-registration is required – please purchase your pass(es) below and then register for the class of your choice using our calendar.
Recurring Class Passes for Adults:
Parent/Child Class Passes:
**No refunds are given on or after the day the class for which you are registered starts. Passes expire within one year of purchase
* = free to members
Mindfulness isn’t only a stillness practice. Moving mindfully helps us bring awareness and presence into our daily lives and many of us find it easier to enter stillness after we move. With this in mind our trained mindfulness/yoga teachers will lead you through 20-30 minutes of gentle mindful movement practice designed to unite body and mind followed by 20-30 minutes of stillness meditation and community discussion. Pre-registration is required to guarantee your spot.
When: 1st & 3rd Mondays from 5:45 – 6:45 pm in Leawood Purchase Pass(es) then use our calendar to register
Yoga is a moving meditation that allows us to be more connected with our bodies. This class is slow paced, gentle, adaptable for all bodies, and meant to elicit relaxation and meditative absorption. The teachers are trauma informed and will guide the class according to these principles. Dress in comfortable, non-constricting clothing and bring a yoga mat if you’d like to participate from the floor. Folding chairs are available for those who wish to stay off the ground.
When: 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:45 pm in Leawood Purchase Pass(es) then use our calendar to register
Mindfulness in relationship with others is an advanced practice. Relationships are some of the most important and highly valued aspects of our lives, yet they are often difficult and complicated. Mindful connection and communication are key to enhancing our relationships by helping us navigate difficult conversations and challenging emotions. This monthly mindfulness class can help participants deepen connections by leading with presence, focusing on what truly matters, and shifting towards empathy and compassion for self and others. Dyadic and small breakout group exercises and practices are facilitated to cultivate greater ease, deeper intimacy and more authentic relating. All are welcome, including beginner to advanced mindfulness practitioners. Wear comfortable clothing and have your meditation cushion handy if you have one. A limited number of folding chairs, yoga mats and cushions are available to borrow on location.
When: 4th Mondays from 7-8:30 pm – Purchase Pass(es) , then register for the date you wish to attend using our calendar.
Cultivate a deeper connection with the wisdom of the body with this gentle mindful movement class borrowing from traditions and programs such as qigong, tai chi, MBSR, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga. Mindful walking in the courtyard may be incorporated when the weather allows. Dress in clothing you can move in and bring a yoga mat if you have one – we have a limited supply at the center to loan.
When: 4th Thursdays from 5:45-6:45 pm – Purchase Pass(es) , then register for the date you wish to attend using our calendar.
Yoga Nidra is one of the deepest forms of effortless yogic relaxation, inducing a meditative state somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. Students are guided into a restful posture and lead through layers of awareness toward greater insight and clarity. Studies have shown that Yoga Nidra may be a helpful complimentary approach for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic pain. It can calm the nervous system, help decrease emotional reactivity, and improve self-regulation.
When: 2nd Mondays from 5:45 – 6:45 pm Purchase Pass(es) then use our calendar to register for the class of your choice.
Qigong is a holistic system of coordinated body postures and movement, breathing, and meditation that is proving in the research to provide benefits to both physical and mental health. The slow, gentle movements cultivate balanced energy as well as a calm, meditative state of mind.
Teacher: Kayra Joy is a Registered Nurse and Qigong Instructor certified in Qigong Foundation Practices, Between Heaven and Earth, Enter the Flow, and Qigong Meditation. She studied under John Munro the Founder of the Long White Cloud Qigong school.
When: Qigong is on hiatus during the hottest months of summer, but will return in the spring – stay tuned for dates and times. Classes will be held outdoors in the courtyard in Leawood as weather permits so dress accordingly. Purchase Pass(es) then use our calendar to register **FREE for veterans (with ID)**
Ashtanga is an ancient system of yoga in which a flowing, progressive series of postures is coordinated with breath and concentration. Its set series and three points of concentration make it a particularly mindful yoga practice. The Primary Series is called Yoga Chikitsa, meaning yoga therapy, because of the cleansing and healing effect it is meant to have on both body and mind. Space is limited so pre-registration is required.
This class is provided in conjunction with Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention when it’s in session (check the calendar). All levels can be accommodated by the teacher. Free to MBRP participants. Purchase Pass(es) then use our calendar to register
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol of wholeness, combining the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meditative path. The labyrinth also can be seen as symbolic for navigating the path of life and healing. Walking a labyrinth can provide a sense of solace and quiet a distracted mind, offering space to ponder insights, clarify intentions, and source internal wisdom. Experienced as a walking meditation, the labyrinth represents a journey to our center, reflecting on intentions, and reconnecting with ourselves and others.
Individual and group facilitated labyrinth walks are now being offered as a benefit of membership in Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness. $75 for one participant and $25 for each additional participant in a group. Walks are scheduled by appointment and locations are available across the KC metro area. No refunds are given on the day of the appointment. Contact Angie for more information at angie.hardage@mindfulness-alliance.org or (913) 626-1196.
Mindfulness can help children and adults alike develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills for greater wellbeing and resilience. We are inviting parents and their children ages 6-12 to learn about mindfulness and its benefits and to practice some fun and calming mindful games and activities with Sarah Glavin, LSCSW, Julia Grimm, LMLP-T, RYT-200 & Cathan Kabrelian.
When (use our calendar to register): 4th Tuesdays at 5:45 pm through June
Fees (click to purchase passes):
Once you’ve purchased your pass(es), use our calendar to register for the class(es) you wish to attend and email us us with the name and age of your child.
Meditation is just one formal way to practice mindfulness. Our teachers also instruct participants in other forms of practice and explore relevant areas of inquiry through a variety of classes, seminars and workshops (including continuing education events). All classes are also offered online and preregistration is required:
We’re awake on one level, but on another we are merely sleep walking. Pulled by countless distractions, ruminating on the past, or worrying about the future – we’re often not really present in our lives. Mindfulness is a state of moment-by-moment non-conceptual awareness. As Jon Kabat-Zinn would say, the process of cultivating mindfulness is “advanced training in mobilizing deep inner resources for coping & healing”. The practices reconnect us with the innate ability to focus and shift attention, inhabit and feel at home in the body, and relate to difficulty with compassion and wisdom.
This four part experiential workshop for adults teaches the fundamentals of mindfulness and offers an introduction to many of the formal and informal practices. No previous experience with yoga or meditation is required. Instruction and guidance are provided in a number of practices, the attitudes of mindfulness are explored, and time for discussion is included. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat for movement and reclining practices. If you have a favorite cushion for meditation you are welcome to bring it as well. Yoga mats, chairs and props are available for those who need them. If there is enough demand, this course can be offered concurrently online.
When: Four Mondays 7-9 pm November 2-23, 2020 with Sarah Glavin, LMSW and Marla Herron, EdD
Fees: (once you’ve purchased your pass, use the calendar to register for the desired dates)
$80 members
$160 non-members
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. No makeup meetings are offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. No reimbursements will be provided for pre-arranged transportation, accommodations, or any other miscellaneous expenses.
This four week intensive version of the full iRest Yoga Nidra 8-week course teaches a form of meditation, based on ancient yogic wisdom, made accessible for modern day life. The practice strengthens parts of the brain that allow for greater insight and quiets parts that are responsible for distressing thoughts, feelings, urges, and sensations. Through regular practice, participants make space for wise responding to challenging situations, rather than emotionally reacting.
When: Tuesdays July 7 – 28, 2020 from 7-9 pm with Sydney Spears, PhD at the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness 11100 Ash Street Suite 103 Leawood, KS 66211 (deadline to enroll is one week before the start of the course – pre-registration is required because space is limited)
Fees: (click the appropriate link below to purchase your pass)
Yoga nidra is often called “the yoga of sleep”. There is only one posture – lying down. Participants are guided through the deepest forms of effortless yogic relaxation, inducing a meditative state somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. Studies have shown that yoga nidra may be a helpful complimentary approach for conditions such as post-traumatic stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic pain. It can calm the nervous system, decrease emotional reactivity, and improve self-regulation.
Make-up classes and refunds are not available for missed classes in the series. Payment in full is due by the course deadline and there are no refunds after this date.
Many of us (and many of those we care for) struggle with our relationship with food, eating, and body image. Learning to source, prepare, and consume our meals more mindfully can help us develop a friendliness towards the foods we eat and the body we nourish. This full day workshop teaches the principles of mindful eating through the three wisdom pathways of study, reflection, and practice. Angie Hardage, LMLP, Tracy Ochester, PsyD and Cathan Kabrelian will take you on an experiential journey toward healing your relationship with food and helping others to do so. A simple lunch will be provided for practicing the concepts and skills learned. Periods of gentle mindful movement will be incorporated into the day. This workshop is appropriate for the general public, but 6 CEs are also available for KS and MO licensed mental health professionals.
When: Saturday July 11, 2020 from 9 am – 3 pm
Fee (click to purchase your pass, then visit the calendar to register for the class):
Learning Objectives:
Suggested Reading:
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. No makeup meetings are offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. No reimbursements will be provided for pre-arranged transportation, accommodations, or any other miscellaneous expenses.
Have you struggled with your role or identity as a man at work and/or within your close family or partner relationships? Do you criticize yourself in an overly harsh way? Do you find yourself demanding more and more of yourself? Are you running yourself down trying to ‘get it right’? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this 8-week program designed especially for men may be helpful to you.
Men face a myriad of challenges that can negatively impact their health and well being, but tend to refrain from seeking help as a result of personal and societal barriers. The effects of male gender socialization, societal shifts in the areas of masculine roles, identities and expectations often conspire to prevent men from pursuing the very practices that can offer the greatest relief from suffering.
At the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness, we believe there is a way to navigate life’s challenges in a more constructive and supportive manner than to react instinctively and often negatively to them. Perhaps we can actually thrive in the midst of pressures and challenges. As Jon Kabat-Zinn, creator of MBSR said, “…as long as you are breathing, there is more right with you than wrong with you, no matter what challenges you are facing”. Here are some ways some well known men in the US are are utilizing the powerful practices of mindfulness in their personal and professional lives:
Mindfulness and self compassion aren’t qualities that most men are explicitly taught in childhood, however they are essential skills for all people to live happy and productive lives. In this class you will learn to cultivate greater emotional self-regulation, empathy and relational skills. During this 8-week course, we’ll draw from the latest research and best practices of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) and Emotional Intelligence to explore the causes of human distress, and offer pathways to relieving suffering through formal and informal mindfulness practices within the context of the contemporary male experience. The curriculum is informed by theories and practices from contemplative traditions, science, medicine, psychology and education. Each participant in the course will receive:
When: TBA 2021 with Erik Hulse & Sydney Spears, PhD. Deadline to enroll is one week before the program starts. A freeinitial screening with the teacher is required to make sure the program is right for you – call Erik Hulse at 913-609-2660 or Sydney Spears at 913-406-5176 to schedule.
Fees:
$495 for non-members – purchase your pass here
$450 for members – purchase your pass here
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot and there are no refunds after the course deadline. In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee, but refunds will not be provided for any pre-arranged transportation, accommodations or other miscellaneous expenses. The teachers maintain responsibility for the implementation and content of this course.
Relationships are some of the most important and highly valued aspects of our lives, yet they are also some of the most difficult and complicated. Communication is key to navigating these most precious of resources. Join Cathan Kabrelian, trained in Nonviolent Communication, Mindful Educator Essentials, and Mindful Communication, for this important set of teachings based on Oren Jay Sofer’s Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication and Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships. People who practice mindful communication report greater authenticity in their communication, increased understanding, deepened connections, and improved conflict resolution. This workshop is appropriate for the general public, but up to 12 CEs are also available for KS and MO licensed mental health professionals.
When our communication supports compassionate giving and receiving, happiness replaces violence and grieving! – Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD
When: Six Sundays 6-8 pm August 16, 23, 30 and September 13, 20, 27
Fees (click to purchase passes):
Agenda:
Learning Objectives:
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. No makeup meetings are offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. No reimbursements will be provided for pre-arranged transportation, accommodations, or any other miscellaneous expenses. Passes expire within one year of purchase
We live in a throw away culture – one that chases perfection and sees brokenness as equal to worthlessness. The Japanese art of Kintsugi highlights beauty in imperfection, honors history, and accepts the inevitably of change. It embodies the Zen ideals of Wabi Sabi helping us to cultivate respect for humility, vulnerability and impermanence. This workshop will provide some background on the culture and philosophy behind this symbolic art form. The teachers will guide you through several brief meditations reflecting Wabi Sabi philosophy. Participants will be instructed in creating a unique piece of art out of a broken ceramic vessel they can take home to gift or to admire. Personal Kintsugi kits (up to 8 uses) are provided with the cost of the workshop. Participants must bring in their own broken vessel – we encourage you to bring something meaningful to you or that brings you aesthetic pleasure. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by the deadline so we can order your kit. No refunds will be provided after the deadline.
When: Sunday August 2, 2020 from 1 pm – 4 pm with Angie Hardage, LMLP & Tracy Ochester, PsyD
Fees: (click to purchase passes, then use the calendar to register for the desired class)
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund. Passes expire within one year of purchase
Mindfulness and meditation have been hailed as significant moderators for stress reduction and increased well-being. Many of us find once we start practicing that we encounter more challenges than anticipated. The invitation of mindfulness is to open up to experience the full range of life’s experiences, including difficulties and challenges. In this three session workshop series, Deah Robinson will lead participants through a number of practices that can help us learn to turn towards suffering in a compassionate way so that we can make wise choices about how to best care for ourselves and others.
When: TBA
Fees (click to purchase passes, then use the calendar to register for the desired series):
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. No makeup meetings are offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. No reimbursements will be provided for pre-arranged transportation, accommodations, or any other miscellaneous expenses. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Many of us who would check off the “White American” box in the racial categories section of the census have never had to intentionally explore what it means to be white in America. So in our racialized culture, white people are racial beings moving through life with very limited racial literacy. Mindfulness can help empower us all by expanding our racial perspective, helping us make more informed decisions that are in closer alignment with our deepest values, and changing our relationship to whiteness in service to the greater good. Through experiential exercises, guided meditations, and group discussion, we will mindfully explore:
If by reading this class description you notice some strong feelings arising, know you are not alone – we invite you to adopt “curiosity mind” and take this opportunity to explore the reactivity that arises in a protected space with compassion, courage and presence. All experience levels in racial justice work and mindfulness meditation are welcome to attend. A vegetarian lunch will be provided. Although this program is suitable for the general public, up to 6 CEs are available for KS & MO licensed mental health professionals.
Teachers: Tracy Ochester, PsyD & Sydney Spears, PhD with Guest Speaker Sami Aaron of The Resilient Activist
Fees (includes lunch if in person or a FREE 1 month practitioner level membership if attending virtually. Click to purchase your passes, then register for the workshop you wish to attend):
Two Offerings:
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. No makeup meetings are offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. No reimbursements will be provided for pre-arranged transportation, accommodations, or any other miscellaneous expenses. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Research is demonstrating that mindfulness can enhance creativity through promoting psychological flexibility, enhancing spontaneity, and making space for insight. Mindfulness practitioners throughout the ages have created incredible works of art such as calligraphy, soulful poetry, intricate sand paintings, colorful thangkas, and flower arrangements. Learn to set aside self-judgment, foster self-trust, and express yourself wholeheartedly through the practice of mindful creation with these two unique workshops. Take one or both – each held on Saturdays from 10 am – noon.
Workshop #1: Mindful Sketching & Coloring June 27th with trained mindfulness teacher Julia Grimm, LMLP-T (deadline to enroll is June 13th) – participants will receive an original art mindful coloring ebook containing images created by one of our teachers for coloring and including grids for creating your own creations. The relationship between mindfulness and creativity will be explored and participants will be guided through the process of incorporating drawing and coloring into a mindfulness practice. Tips and strategies will be offered for continuing to cultivate creativity through mindfulness on your own after the workshop ends.
Workshop #2: Mindful Mandala Making July 25th with trained mindfulness teacher and graphic designer Pam Hausner (deadline to enroll is July 11th) – participants will receive a copy of the book Creating Mandalas: For Insight, Healing, and Self-Expression by Susanne F. Fincher. Some background information will be provided regarding the history and cultural significance of mandala making as well as its potential for healing and self-expression. Participants will be guided through the process of creating their own unique mandalas for coloring. Each participant will receive a copy of our mindful coloring ebook for use during the class.
Fees: (per workshop – click to purchase passes, then use the calendar to register for the desired class)
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Ikebana, or mindful flower arrangement, is one of three classical Japanese arts of refinement and discipline. Emerging from a long tradition of appreciating native seasonal flowers and plants, several systems developed to bring these natural elements alive in their vases representing nature’s beauty and elements, communicating emotions and intentions without words, and uniting nature with humanity. All of Japan’s most celebrated generals were Ikebana masters because it provided them with valuable training, calming the mind, cultivating patience and acceptance, and facilitating clear decision making.
Join Cathan Kabrelian for this two hour workshop designed to help participants deepen their mindfulness and creativity through the practice of Ikebana. A variety of flowers and a simple vase will be included in the cost of the class, but you are also welcome to bring in your own materials if preferred. A brief history of the art form will be offered, you will be guided in meditative practices, and instructed in the design of a unique creation to take home with you or gift to a loved one.
When: Saturday August 1, 2020 from 2 – 4 pm (enrollment deadline 1 week prior)
Fees (click to purchase your pass, then visit the calendar to register for the class):
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Just as a mosaic is a beautiful masterpiece composed of many diverse and interesting parts, this four-session series brings together a variety of practices and perspectives to help women become the artisans of their own lives. It is designed to provide busy women with a hard stop on the calendar, a place to breathe, a community within which to find a voice, and the encouragement to trust what they hear. Collaborators are mindfully chosen by the facilitator to provide experiential learning of concepts that can be fleeting and hard to grasp in rhythm of daily life. Together they will help you pause and breathe, investigate new concepts with curiosity through personal exploration, and engage in self-study between sessions to bring together the masterpiece that is your life.
When: Four Fridays from 9 am – noon September 4 – December 4, 2020 at Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness 11100 Ash Street Suite 103, Leawood, KS 66211
The Journey
Session 1 – Embracing Your Space, Letting Go of Busy: What’s on the outside reflects what’s on the inside. When calendars, commitments and rushing around take the place of being right where you are, things get out of whack. Tapping into the quietness inside of you leads to clarity, peace, creativity and innovation. Trust me, YOU have quiet inside. Let’s find it together. Co-collaborators: Lisa Heston & Rachel Keck
Session 2 – Embracing Enough, Letting Go of Scarcity: Most of us keep a harried pace so we avoid our feelings of lack. We prove our worth, hustle for our value, and drown out the voice inside saying YOU ARE ENOUGH. Getting even a brief glimpse of that place of worthiness and love transforms how you see yourself and the world. The spiral of scarcity keeps the hustle in place. We’ll practice accessing our enough-ness so we can help others do the same. Co-collaborators: Carrie Glover & Rachel Keck
Session 3 – Embracing What You Want, Letting Go of Shoulds and Have Tos: What do you want? Why does it seem so elusive? We aren’t trained to listen deeply to ourselves. We’re trained to listen to the needs of others, especially as women. Our tendency is to get into the rhythm of others and lose the beat of our own hearts. Let’s explore what we want together; exploring what you want in community helps you differentiate your core motivation and see your own next steps more clearly. Co-collaborators: Anita Greenwood & Rachel Keck
Session 4 – Embracing Your Voice, Letting Go of Competition, Comparison and the Inner Critic: You know those moments you feel empowered, alive, on purpose and connected? That’s the big idea here. What if you brought your whole self to every moment? What if we practiced listening to our voices together? Many times, we are overwhelmed by one voice inside our heads rather than giving all voices equal influence. For some, the critic is the loud mouth. For others, their emotions feel super loud. All of these voices inform and have influence. Let’s practice integrating them together. Co-collaborators: Molly Kampf & Rachel Keck
Registration
Click to purchase your pass, then visit the calendar to register for the class or classes you wish to attend (Deadline is one week before each class or the series begins)**:
Your Guides
Collaborator: Rachel Keck has always been drawn to what connects and disconnects people both to themselves and to others. Her mission is to integrate more unknown, unconscious parts of her self each day and invite others to do the same. She believes this is the driving force of success. Rachel has spent her professional life in the world of small business in nearly every role from project manager to founder. Straight out of college, she joined a small, woman-owned business fulfilling government contracts for trade show and event planning. She then worked with dental practices supporting small business owners with practice management, training, hardware and software. Her experience has led to strengths in strategy, operations, people and emotional intelligence. She continues to be a learner, intentionally seeking ways to grow and expand herself, her business, her clients and their businesses. Rachel brings a strong curiosity and the ability to listen in a way that deepens understanding and grows awareness.
Collaborator: Lisa Heston is passionate about relationships, wholeness, and transformation. She has spent the last 20 years on her own growth journey, facilitating experiential seminars for a nonprofit, and most recently participating in a spiritual direction program. As a Spiritual Director, Lisa provides a safe, non-judgmental, loving environment for persons to grow in their faith and explore their spirituality. To Lisa, “grow in faith” means to gain trust of themselves and the Divine. “Exploring their Spirituality” by actively engaging their soul in life experiences. Lisa enjoys spending time with family, friends, traveling, and being in the ocean.
Collaborator: Carrie Glover’s passion is coming alongside clients who have experienced trauma, wounding, disconnection from identity, major life changes, grief, and relationship difficulties. She is honored to sit with client’s as they wrestle with some of the difficulties created by the human experience. Carrie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Kansas with experience working with individuals, families, and couples. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, meaningful conversations with friends and family, reading, fishing, hiking, playing the piano, exploring the beautiful city of Kansas City… among other things this beautiful life has to offer.
Collaborator: Anita Greenwood is a former Fortune 500 Sales and Marketing executive whose career spans London, Paris, New York and Kansas. She followed her passion, when in 2015, she left her successful corporate career to create Bridges and Wings, her Wichita-based firm. Bridges and Wings offers top-level coaching to women globally, who seek to lead authentically, achieve both professional and personal success, while avoiding overwhelm and burnout. Anita specializes in helping mid-to-senior level women gain clarity, direction and personal power when navigating high stress situations and has extensive global experience in male-dominated and multi-cultural work environments. Anita is a strong believer in the infinite potential of all women to power-up their career and life no matter where they start. She is a passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence and trauma, a volunteer for the Wichita Women’s Initiative Network and Hope Ranch for Women, and actively supports Kids Alive in Haiti-where she built a house, a school, and coaches teenage orphans and sponsors a child. Anita is an ICF (International Coach Federation) Credentialed Career and Executive coach and one of only 5 “Amazing Career” certified coaches worldwide and a Kansas Leadership Center certified “Level II Leadership” coach. After years of global travel, Anita is delighted to call Kansas home and cherishes every moment she spends with her two teenage daughters, 12-year-old son, and two dogs.
Collaborator: Molly Kampf is the founder and teacher at Kansas City Alexander Technique and is a dance theater artist. Molly’s teachings are based in the Alexander Technique while drawing from a number of disciplines including Body-Mind Centering®, Contemporary Dance, Developmental Movement, Improvisation, Meditation and Roy Hart voice studies. Over the past 15 years, Molly has taught at many locations and universities including Interlochen Center for the Arts, Central Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University and has presented at the Freedom to ACT Conference (NYC). She has performed, worked and facilitated in Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York and Philadelphia. She also specializes in artist business; and has worked for esteemed master teachers Barbara Dilley, Bruce Fertman, Leeny Sack, and Martha Hansen Fertman. Molly has a MFA in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University, a BFA in Modern Dance from Temple University, holds a teaching certificate in the Alexander Technique from the Philadelphia Alexander Alliance and is certified through Alexander Technique International.
**No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Exploring the Amazing Power of Mindful Touch. Remarkably, the largest organ of the human body is the skin, which is directly connected to the activation of our nervous system that regulates the stress response. A vital part of caring for our skin is through the power of touch, because we all have an innate, natural need for caring physical contact throughout our lifespan. However, we live in world that tends to create and maintain nervous system imbalances of high reactivity and chronic stress. This can rob us of our ability to attend to our deep need for soothing touch, which can be very useful in bringing our bodily systems back to balance. The benefits of both mindfulness and touch have been well studied and can bring greater health and wellbeing to our lives. Experiencing respectful mindful touch can activate the nervous system in ways that can generate a greater sense of presence, soothing and connectedness, reduce discomfort and pain, and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
So, what happens when we use touch as a mindfulness practice? Mindfulness teacher Sydney Spears , PhD and licensed massage therapist Brooke Taylor, LMT will be offering this unique, experiential workshop to support your exploration of this question. You will be guided individually in various types of mindful self-compassionate touch and in pairs with a partner of your choice in simple, mindful-massage techniques. Please know that this invitation is about bringing more attention, curiosity and awareness to the potential benefits of safe and appropriate touch. Throughout this experience you will also practice cultivating more mindful presence and connection to your body by deepening your awareness of the array of sensations that can occur within.
No experience with meditation or massage is necessary, But we recommend wearing clothing that allows for movement, as well as attending with a friend or partner you are comfortable sharing touch with. All massage techniques will be explored over clothing. You may bring a yoga mat or blanket to use for the massage, or MAM has a limited number to offer as well.
When: Saturday November 7th from 1-3 pm (enrollment deadline Nov. 1)
Fees (click to purchase your passes, then visit the calendar to register for the class):
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Acceptance and commitment training (ACT) is an evidence-based, cutting-edge paradigm that corresponds with increased quality of life and decreased prevalence of a variety of problems in living, including stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Join Angie Hardage, LMLP for this 8-part ACT series to learn in-depth this mindfulness-based approach to increasing wellness, decreasing suffering, and creating a life of vitality, meaning and purpose. Participants will learn how to observe and describe difficult thoughts, feelings, urges, and sensations with curiosity and compassion, while taking effective and committed action in service of intrinsic values. The primary target of ACT is cultivating the skill of psychological flexibility, a concept that is correlated with decreases in psychological symptoms and distress and with increased quality of life.
Each class includes a combination of didactic and experiential learning and will also address 1) barriers that make it difficult to “do the know,” and 2) specific examples of how participants can translate the material into their daily personal and professional lives. Participants will create their own customized ACT Toolkit to support their continued integration of their learning into their activities of daily living.
In this 8-week course you will:
When: 8 Wednesdays from 7-9 pm Starting August 5th, 2020 (enrollment deadline Friday July 24th)
**No refunds on or after the enrollment deadline. No makeup classes will be offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Creating a Culturally Sensitive, Inclusive, and Responsive Mindfulness Experience for Diverse Populations
How can mindfulness informed professionals create a welcoming and relevant practice experience for the wide variety of individuals and groups we encounter in our work of the heart? In each standalone class in this series on diversity, equity and inclusion in mindfulness training, Sydney Spears, PhD, RYT-200 will guide participants in an experiential exploration of cultural self-awareness to help us better serve the diverse individuals and groups we work with. This training is appropriate for anyone who uses the attitudes and practices of mindfulness in their work with others. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat and if desired, a meditation cushion. Limited loaner mats, folding chairs and props are also available on site.
When: Fridays from 10 am – noon
Fees (click to purchase your pass(es), then visit the calendar to register for the class(es) you wish to attend):
**No refunds the week (7 days) before or any time after each scheduled event. 2 CEUs are available to KS & MO licensed mental health providers for each session.
Learning Objectives:
In the last decade there has been more focus on the critical need for service providers, the general public and organizations to become more trauma-informed. As a result, more people and systems have increased their sensitivity and understanding of the severe impact of traumatic experiences. There has also been more research to indicate that trauma is not just a disruption of one’s mental and emotional states, but also an active immobilization that resides in the human body in various ways. The experience of trauma in its various forms is very complex and it tends to fragment all parts of the self, including the often ignored somatic, sensorimotor, posturing, and nervous system expressions of unresolved and undischarged suffering.
When: Friday June 5th, 2020 9 am – 4 pm with Sydney Spears, PhD, LSCSW, TCTSY-F
Fees (click to purchase your pass(es), then visit the calendar to register for the class(es) you wish to attend – save by becoming a professional member for as little as $20 mo):
**No refunds the week (7 days) before the event. 6 CEUs are available to KS & MO licensed mental health providers who attend the entire event.
Learning Objectives:
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based, cutting-edge, empirically validated paradigm addressing care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma/toxic stress related problems. Based on the work of Robyn Walser, Darrah Westrup, Steve Hayes, Russ Harris, Jason Luoma, Jill Stoddard, and others, this course will explore how to utilize ACT to compassionately empower individuals healing from trauma. Participants will learn how to harness the power of the sympathetic nervous system to work FOR survivors, rather than maintaining maladaptive strategies of coping with distress. This class utilizes an integrative approach to learning ways of reconnecting with safety and equanimity while healing into a life of vitality.
When: Three Fridays Oct. 23, Nov 20, & Dec. 11 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM – take one or all three!
Fees: (click to purchase your pass(es), then visit the calendar to register for the series you wish to attend – save by becoming a professional member for as little as $20 mo):
**No refunds the week (7 days) before the start of the series. Up to 12 CEUs are available to KS & MO licensed mental health providers who attend the entire event.
Learning Objectives:
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Learning to be mindful in our relationships is perhaps one of the most difficult mindfulness skills we can master. In this workshop, couples will engage in values authorship utilizing a values card sort activity in the service of creating opportunities to strengthen and deepen connection and communication in their relationship. Join Angie Hardage, LMLP and Tim Apodaca, PhD for this workshop based on the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy/training (ACT), an evidence-based, cutting-edge paradigm that corresponds with increased quality of life and decreased prevalence of distress and dysfunction. This ACT based workshop is appropriate for any type of committed couple who wish to strengthen their relationship. Light snacks will be provided.
When: Saturday July 25th from 12:30 – 5 pm
Fees (click to purchase a pass, then visit the calendar to enroll in the class):
**No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Our 8-week MSC enrichment series is
for participants who have completed the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) foundational course, which teaches participants a new, mindful and supportive way to respond to discomfort and offer ourselves kindness. This post-course series offers a way for MSC “graduates” to stay socially connected and supported, opportunities to discuss, reflect and continue to practice key MSC skills, and a pathway to continue to deepen an attitude of kindness and friendship toward oneself and others. The MSC enrichment series provides a safe space to take a “deeper dive” into MSC topics/concepts (i.e. inner critic, resistance, backdraft, self-kindness, connecting to the yin-yang of MSC, stages of progress, etc.), practice-based challenges (i.e practicing mindfulness, self-judgment, difficult emotions, gratitude, etc.), unanswered questions, clarifications, and supportive experiences (i.e. responding with MSC, maintaining your practice, group support, etc.). These 8-week sessions will be generally informal and discussion-rich with guided practice opportunities.
When: Wednesdays 5:45-6:45 pm June 3 – July 22, 2020 with Sydney Spears, PhD
Fees (click to purchase a pass, then visit the calendar to enroll in the class):
**No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase
The 2020 Core Skills program is now online 4/22 through 5/3 – read more here.
Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer are pioneers in the scientific development of self-compassion. Self-compassion is an emotional skill that can be learned by everyone. It means being warm and understanding toward yourself when you suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. Burgeoning research shows that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional well-being, reduces anxiety and depression, and promotes healthy lifestyle habits. Drs. Neff & Germer have brought their respective experience together in the empirically-supported Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program. In collaboration with the UCSD Center for Mindfulness and the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC), MAM is bringing their expertise to the Kansas City community in 2021.
This event is a benefit for the non-profit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, which means that the teachers are donating all teaching fees to fund the operations of the organization. All proceeds support the mission of CMSC to make the world a more compassionate place.
When: Friday and Saturday, April 23 & 24, 2021 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at Regnier Hall Auditorium, University of Kansas Edwards Campus 12610 Quivira Road Overland Park, KS 66213
Register Here (coming soon)
Please plan to arrive at 8:15 am each day for check-in and coffee, tea and snacks. There will be breaks throughout the day, as well as a longer lunch break. Lunch is on your own at any of the many convenient nearby restaurants.
This workshop is an introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), an empirically-supported training program based on the pioneering research of Kristin Neff and the clinical perspective of Chris Germer. During this workshop, Drs. Neff & Germer present the theory and core practices of the eight-week MSC training, a program designed to help participants become more self-compassionate using meditation, exercises, and group discussion.
This workshop will teach you ways to comfort yourself in difficult moments and to minimize “caregiver fatigue.” While the program is for everyone it can be particularly useful for those working in the helping or care-giving professions, for those who are caring for someone in their personal lives, and for those who have a strong inner critic.
Come, join this journey of self-discovery and self-kindness. Program activities include talks, meditation, experiential exercises, and group discussion. Participants will directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life. No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend the program.
MSC Core Skills Objectives:At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Program fees:The tuition fees for the course are payable to the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC).
Cancellation policy:
In the unlikely event that the workshop is canceled, Center for Mindful Self-Compassion is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee and not for transportation, hotel accommodations or any miscellaneous fees.
Recommended reading:
Continuing Education: For an additional $30 fee, CE credits are available for the following professionals:
In order to receive CE credits you must attend the whole course. Credit will not be given for partial attendance. Please bring your License number as you will be required to sign-in/out daily on a CE attendance list. There will also be an online evaluation to fill-out which will be emailed to you a few days after the workshop. CE Certificates will be emailed 4-6 weeks after the course.
Parking: Parking for this event is in the lot off of 127th Street. There is a bronzed Jayhawk sitting at the main entrance of Regnier Hall. Here is a link to the campus map: http://edwardscampus.ku.edu/
Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations please contact us 15 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
Mindful, creative engagement in all that we do is the natural response to our world. The very act of being mindful opens us to an unlimited world of creativity. This course is intended to be your guide for opening to mindfulness and creative engagement on a daily basis in all that you do. You can learn to engage creatively in any number of ways, simply by learning how to be mindful. This highly interactive and hands on three session series will show you how. Let professional designer Pam Hausner guide you in connecting with your inner innovator.
Each week will include guided audio meditations, creativity exercises, and “habit releasers” for you to practice during the week. We know the idea of creativity can be scary for some people. All care will be taken to ensure you feel safe and supported during the classes while you learn to tap into this beautiful gift within you.
Where: online via Zoom
When: 3 Saturdays from 1-3 pm July 11, 18 & 25. 2020 (Register here)
Fees (click to purchase passes):
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, we do not want that to be a hindrance to taking this class. Please contact the teacher at pam.hausner@gmail.com for scholarship opportunities.
You will need the following materials for this course.
In this first class, we’ll look at the well-established link between Mindfulness and Creativity. We’ll take a look at common socially constructed hindrances to creativity and begin to understand some of the ruts we fall in. Through mindfulness of breath and creativity exercises, we’ll learn to let go of judgment and other restraints, allowing the flow of life—including creative ideas—to flourish.
Learn how creativity and much of our happiness is hindered by habitual thoughts and beliefs that we cling to. Our mindfulness practice in this class helps to retrain our brain, bringing awareness of how we get attached to unhealthy habitual thoughts and empowering us to disentangle from their grip. Our creativity exercise will build on this new spaciousness while creating an intuitive work from an open heart space.
This final session digs into accessing the wisdom and creativity that resides deep inside each one of us. Through training in Insight Meditation and an ancient art practice that has been used for thousands of years, we learn to see our personal truth with greater clarity and compassion. This insight will help you integrate creative, heart-centered engagement in all that you do.
Portions of this class will be recorded – registering for this class indicates your permission to be recorded and for your voice and image to be shared. No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. No makeup meetings are offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
MBPs are evidence based eight-week, in-depth mind-body programs that train participants in the cultivation of mindfulness in order to support wellbeing, address the causes of human distress, and offer pathways to relieving suffering. They are informed by theories and practices from contemplative traditions, science, medicine, psychology and education. The Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness (MAM) offers the following MBPs both online and in-person (click on the program name or picture for dates and prices):
Which One Should I Choose?
MAM offers a handy MBP Matching Questionnaire to help guide you and an introductory video explaining the various programs to assist you in deciding which is best for you.
The purpose of MBPs is to help participants develop a new relationship with experience characterized by present moment focus, de-centering, and an approach (rather than an avoidance) orientation. This supports the development of improved attentional, emotional and behavioral self-regulation, as well as positive qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and equanimity. Participants are engaged in sustained and intensive training in mindfulness practices in an experiential inquiry-based learning process, including exercises to develop insight and understanding. The elements of the curriculum are adapted to fit specific populations and contexts.
MBPs are designed to complement traditional medical and psychological treatments, not to replace them. They are therapeutic skill-building courses, but they are not therapy. Professionals who provide MBPs are required to fulfill specific training requirements including coursework, hands on experience, and mentoring.
MBCT is an 8-week program derived from MBSR that is designed to prevent relapse in individuals with chronic depression. MBCT combines cognitive behavior therapy strategies with mindfulness attitudes and practices to help participants develop a new relationship with ruminative thought and difficult emotions. Research indicates a significant reduction in risk of relapse of recurrent depression with an efficacy that’s equal to long-term use of antidepressant medication. It is also correlated with decreased anxiety, rumination, insomnia, and tension as well as increases in compassion, concentration, resilience, and optimism. MBCT teachers must be licensed mental health professionals.
MBSR is an 8-week program that incorporates mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga to assist people with pain and a range of conditions and life issues that were initially difficult to treat in a hospital setting. Developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the 1970s by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR provides intensive training in mindfulness awareness practices to address issues that arise from dealing with chronic illness, pain and everyday life stresses.
MSC is an 8-week program that combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion. Participants learn how to tame the harsh, inner self-critic and approach themselves with kindness and care. Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional wellbeing, boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise.
MBRP is an 8-week program derived from MBCT for individuals in recovery from addictive behaviors. It is intended as an aftercare program integrating mindfulness practices and principles with cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention to maintain treatment gains and support wellbeing in recovery. MBRP helps participants cultivate mindful awareness of triggers, destructive habitual patterns, and “automatic” reactions in order to make space for wise choices. Research indicates MBRP participants experienced significantly reduced relapse risk, as well as lower rates of depression, anxiety, and craving. MBRP teachers must have an advanced degree in a mental health field.
iRest (short for Integrative Restoration) is an 8-week program teaching deep relaxation and meditative inquiry. It is currently being utilized in VA hospitals, military bases, hospitals and clinics, hospice, homeless shelters, community programs, and schools. Research has shown that iRest helps reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and chemical dependency while increasing health, resiliency, and well-being. iRest is endorsed by the US Army Surgeon General and Defense Centers of Excellence as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Unified Mindfulness (UM) is a secular system of meditation characterized by clear terminology and rigorous precision around concepts and techniques. Meditation teacher, Shinzen Young, has revised and perfected his techniques over the past 50 years with an eye toward a scientific understanding and explanation of global meditation practices. As a result of this research and precision, the process of learning mindfulness has been systemized in a way that makes it accessible to anyone interested. Sometimes called “paint-by-numbers” mindfulness, Shinzen has created a set of algorithms that makes practicing mindfulness clear and practical. The UM system is used by leading institutions like Harvard and Carnegie Mellon for their research on meditation.
There’s a long tradition of retreat practice among mindfulness practitioners. We find a quiet, secluded place, away from the distractions and attachments of daily life, in order to focus exclusively on practice and reflection over a longer duration than our typical daily practice. Retreats provide a unique opportunity to deepen concentration and cultivate insight. The Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness offers the following opportunities for retreat practice:
Finding it hard to plan far ahead or fit a half day retreat into your life? Maybe a half day retreat sounds a little intimidating… If any of this describes your situation, these spontaneous, condensed retreats might be for you! We will engage in a micro version of gentle mindful movement, guided meditation, and mindful eating all within a 2 hour span of observed silence. Bring your own snack for mindful eating or try the simple snack we’ll provide. We also invite you to bring your own cushion and yoga mat if you have them (we have spares and folding chairs) as well as a hot/cold beverage container. Pre-registration is required so we can plan accordingly.
Fees (click to purchase, then visit our calendar to register for the retreat date of your choice):
When: TBA
Want to deepen your mindfulness practice or just get a taste of the mindfulness retreat experience? On selected 2nd Saturdays MAM offers half day, silent, teacher-led mindfulness retreats in the Peace Pod. Each retreat consists of periods of mindful movement alternating with periods of stillness practice. Bring your lunch to practice mindful eating. We also invite you to bring your own cushion, yoga mat and beverage container. Pre-registration is required so we can plan accordingly.
Fees (click to purchase, then visit our calendar to register for the retreat date of your choice):
No refunds on or after the date of the retreat.
Finally – a secular residential mindfulness retreat is being offered near the Kansas City Metro! This is your opportunity to save on the cost of airfare and other associated travel expenses. Join Mindfulness and Somatic Self-Compassion Teacher Kristy Arbon at the peaceful Marillac Retreat Center in Leavenworth, MO on the beautiful campus of the University of Saint Mary for 5-days of silence, guided introspection and self-care. Practice a variety of teacher-led meditations alternating with mindful movement practices. Receive insightful teachings and support from trained mindfulness instructors. Experiment with mindful eating during all provided on-site meals. Engage in mindful walking throughout the shady manicured grounds, navigating fountains, statuary, and gazebos. Enjoy a guided mindful labyrinth walk, practice yoga, and sample the Feldenkrais Method. The Marillac Center’s private accommodations offer key card security and a fully accessible private bath in each room. Previous experience with retreat practice is recommended. This retreat is intended for the general public, but is also designed to meet requirements for ongoing practice for mindfulness teachers and 7.0 CEs are available for KS & MO licensed mental health providers who attend the entire retreat.
Learning Objectives for Continuing Education – participants will be able to:
When: Monday – Friday October 5-9, 2020
Where: Marillac Center 4200 South 4th Street Leavenworth, KS 66048-5054
Registration (includes teachers fees, room and board. As we are a secular organization, no dana is expected or collected. A registration form will be sent to you upon purchase):
Early Bird Tuition (extended due to pandemic) – must be received by midnight Friday July 3, 2020
Regular Tuition – must be purchased by midnight Friday August 7, 2020
** Become a member. No refunds are available after September 5, 2020. In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled by us, a full refund will be provided.
MAM recognizes that the cost of residential retreat practice is out of reach for some individuals. If we are able to meet our minimum enrollment by April 3, 2020, we will offer a limited number of scholarships for individuals who can demonstrate extreme financial hardship. Priority will be given to applicants from underrepresented or vulnerable populations in an effort to increase program accessibility, promote equal opportunity, and in accordance with our mission, vision, and values. We will announce their availability if and when the registration threshold has been met.
**No refunds are available after July 3, 2020. In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled by us, a full refund will be provided.
Our Teacher: Kristy Arbon
We are thrilled to have Kristy Arbon back to guide us! She is the Founder and CEO of HeartWorks Training LLC, supporting people in their practice of self-compassion, mindfulness, somatic awareness, shame resilience and tapping into emergent self-wisdom. Her work has deep roots in Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, Sensory Modulation, Brene Brown’s shame resilience model, Mindful Self-Compassion, Internal Family Systems, Buddhist philosophy and exploration of archetypes.
Kristy is a qualified social worker, a certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, a qualified fitness instructor and she has completed Somatic Experiencing Level 1 and Internal Family Systems Level 1 training. Her undergraduate training is in psychology. She is the developer of the Somatic Self-Compassion curriculum and she adapted the Mindful Self-Compassion curriculum for the online environment. She is passionate about supporting people in learning about old patterns of being that no longer serve them and transforming them into self-compassion practices so that they can go out into the world and courageously do the important work they are called for. She is also passionate about supporting contemplative teachers to be increasingly and safely embodied and trauma-informed. Kristy was born in Australia and has lived in the US for the last 15 years with her sweet American husband. She currently lives in St Louis, Missouri and Mylor, South Australia, teaching trauma-informed self-compassion and mindfulness in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Bhutan, Singapore, and online.
Many of us who have benefited so powerfully from the cultivation of mindfulness in our lives feel a deep calling to share these healing practices with others. The Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness (MAM) values training and education. Evidence is mounting that trained mindfulness teachers produce better outcomes for the people we serve. To this end, MAM offers the following training resources:
The Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness MTT Program is designed to prepare aspiring mindfulness teachers to deliver basic group mindfulness training with diverse populations in a safe and inclusive manner. The curriculum offers support and guidance to individuals who wish to bring mindfulness into their workspaces, communities, or institutions. We consider this to be the minimum level of training that teachers should complete in order to teach general group mindfulness safely and inclusively
This program is designed to meet current standards for basic group mindfulness teaching, including a combination of didactics, self-study/reflection, and practice. MTT students meet one full weekend per month over a period of ten months. A certificate is provided to those who successfully complete all MTT requirements.
Our program follows International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA) “professional level” standards and includes aspects of the MBI:TAC. This training program is not sufficient for teaching Mindfulness Based Interventions/Programs such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, etc.
Third full weekend of each month of the training year January – October: Fridays 6-8 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 9 am-noon & 1-4:30 pm
In order to be eligible for MAM’s 200-hour training program, applicants must have a consistent personal mindfulness practice of at least one year and have attended a teacher led silent meditation retreat of any length before starting our program.
**Though completion of our program doesn’t guarantee you will be accepted by the IMTA (through their alternative pathway), applicants who are interested in pursuing that certification may wish to also complete a couple of additional pre-requisites above and beyond what MAM requires:
$100 of the tuition is non-refundable upon acceptance into program, a full refund will be provided in the case of non-acceptance. No refunds 30 days or less before the start of the program. Click the appropriate link below to register and pay. You will be emailed the application upon registration.
Early-Bird Fees: Application deadline last day of September before midnight before training year begins.
Standard Fees: Application deadline last day of November before midnight before training year begins.
Two Installment Option
Scholarship
MAM hopes to train and reach members of underrepresented or vulnerable populations in an effort to increase program accessibility and promote equal opportunity. In accordance with our mission, vision and values, a 75% fee reduction ($550 for members, $625 for non-members) is available for up to 3 applicants who hold cultural identities/intersections that are underrepresented in mindfulness training such as:
Once you have made your payment, the standard application will be emailed to you. In addition to the standard application, a personal essay is required documenting how you meet the above criteria. Priority will be given to applicants who plan to take mindfulness into underrepresented or vulnerable communities – if this is your intention, please include your plans in the essay.
The deadline for submitting your application and scholarship essay is the last day of September (before the training year begins) and applicants will be notified of their status by the last day of November. A full refund will be provided to applicants who are not selected.
Some of our teachers are are approved mentors through the University of California San Diego Mindfulness Based Professional Training Institute (MBPTI). According to the MBPTI, one-on-one mentorship is seen as a key component of development for new, as well as experienced teachers of Mindfulness-Based programs. The MBPTI defines mentorship as: “A contractual arrangement between a mentor and mentee which focuses on a mentee’s mindfulness-based teaching in secular settings and supports the ongoing development of personal practice. The purpose of this arrangement is to promote competency and best practice skills for teaching mindfulness in secular settings and to encourage the relevance of applying the principles of mindfulness in everyday life”.
UCSD-approved mentors agree to a standard hourly rate of $155 (those who can demonstrate financial hardship may be eligible for reduced rates). Mentees must have completed a training intensive in their program of interest and have a course scheduled with at least 8 participants enrolled in which all participants have agreed to recording and observation. Before contacting us for an initial consult, please carefully review the Training Pathway and Mentorship Document Packet for your particular program:
There is no one regulatory body overseeing the professional context for mindfulness-based teaching. Many mindfulness-based teachers work within the context of their root profession (i.e. a health professional or a school teacher is bound by their professional regulatory body), and this gives some protection for both teacher and course participant. However, it is also important for a mindfulness course participant to have the confidence that their teacher has done the necessary preparation for the specific nature of this work. It is relatively easy for people who do not have the recommended credentials to set up as a teacher; and it becomes confusing for those wanting to access a well-qualified teacher to know how to judge the quality of their potential teacher. – Oxford Mindfulness Centre
In the spirit of generosity and in accordance with our mission, vision, and values, MAM offers a number of FREE events each year to our community online and in person. To attend, please purchase your pass(es) below and then register for the class of your choice using our calendar.
Gather with the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness (MAM) Community to send some kindness where it’s needed most. This FREE event is focused on cultivating the most benevolent of mindful attitudes such as compassion, lovingkindness, appreciative joy, equanimity, gratitude and generosity. Developing these qualities within ourselves creates a ripple effect that spreads far and wide. Together we can change the world! Any cash donations participants might like to offer will go to a local philanthropic organization of the teacher’s choosing. Bring your own cushion if possible as we have limited supplies – folding chairs are also available. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Photos and video may be taken at this event – your attendance indicates your permission for this.
Curious about mindfulness? In an effort to reach people who may otherwise not be exposed to the concepts and practices, we are offering a set of seminars FREE to anyone new to the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness (those who have never attended any of our classes or events). Each seminar is led by trained mindfulness teachers and will include a review of the science, guidance through a sampling of practices, and an opportunity to ask questions.
Offered Sundays from 2-4 pm, these seminars will be video recorded to share with others. Your attendance indicates your permission for us to freely share your image and voice. Pre-registration is required as space is limited – click the seminar that most suits your interest or your schedule to register:
We invite you to become a more mindful consumer through our Mindful Meal Collaborative! Mindful eating and food preparation is a wonderful practice to take into our daily lives. We are inviting folks in our community to set aside some time to prepare and eat one meal mindfully, maybe giving a nod to the environment, personal and family health and wellbeing, non-harming of sentient beings, and/or the practicalities of daily life. Take some photos, include a recipe, and tell about your experience at info@mindfulness-alliance.org and we may choose your experience to share online with everyone!
Take a break over the lunch hour and gently “come home to yourself” with this facilitator guided virtual mindfulness meditation experience (via Zoom). Enjoy your lunch and then at 12:30, join us for a nourishing half hour community practice. We will create a space in which you might let go of all the doing, thinking and worrying, soothe body and mind, and tap into internal resources that are always available to you, regardless of what is happening in the external world. Click to register (you must sign the online waiver to participate):
When: TBA