Frequently Asked Questions

This is something I hear a lot.  You probably got the idea somewhere that you are trying to "get rid of your thoughts" or must "clear your mind."   With mindfulness meditation, we are not looking to get rid of our thoughts (it's not possible anyway).   We are growing the ability to work more skillfully with our thoughts, so they don't "own" us.  This is easier than you might think! 

I like Jon Kabat-Zinn's definition:  "Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”

Most classes are a mix of lecture on a specific topic, guided meditation, and optional group sharing or question/response. 

Insight Meditation is also known as Vipassina.  In Pali, the ancient language of Buddhism, the word ”Vipassana” means “seeing things as they really are."     Practitioners of Insight Meditation find that the benefits include improved focus, decreased stress, boosted physical health/brain health, and less emotional reactivity.   It's often described as living with greater ease and less suffering (unhappiness). 

Mindfulness meditation is rooted in the Buddhist tradition, but is not in conflict with any other faith tradition.  In fact, many faith leaders have trained in this type of meditation because it can help deepen one's own faith tradition.  With Insight Meditation, one's values and intentions become more clear.    Secular Mindfulness is a modern movement backed by science and rooted in ancient wisdom.