6/25/2020
Black Lives Matter. George Floyd’s tragic murder under the knee of a Minneapolis policeman has again brought the issue of systemic racism to the forefront, not just in the US but around the world. This event, along with the recent killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmoud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks, as well as the racial inequities in the impact of COVID-19, have highlighted the racial injustice, structural inequalities, and systematic biases that Blacks in this country face every day. The widespread protests that have resulted, including individuals from many different backgrounds, seem to indicate that there now may be greater understanding of how our assumptions and actions may be influenced towards others even when we claim, often with great sincerity, that we are not racist, or not even biased. Yet there continues to be ample evidence that systematic racial bias is widespread. Why is this? Why, even when we have the intention of truly viewing and treating everyone equally, with respect and compassion, is it so hard to do? And how can mindfulness help us in this pursuit?
Mindfulness for Health System Employees Classes Expanded
5/14/2020
To meet the demand after the first class filled very quickly, a second Fostering Resilience in the Time of COVID-19 class is being offered in June. It will be held…
5/14/2020
This is a very uncertain time. There is uncertainty about the spread of COVID-19, and about how safe it will be as social distancing restrictions are relaxed and we can begin to move about more. There is uncertainty about work and personal finances as well as the larger economy. There is uncertainty about childcare and remote learning and when schools might open for in-person classes again. The list goes on and on. How do we find peace the midst of so much uncertainty? This is a real challenge for many of us. One thing we can do is to focus on the present moment. Regardless of whatever else is going on, if we are able to bring our attention back to our present moment experience we can get out of the stream of thoughts regarding all the things over which we have no control. In those moments when we are not thinking, we may find some calm.
Daily 15 Minute Online Mindful Pause
5/14/2020
The Mindfulness Center is hosting a virtual Mindful Pause for 15 minutes every day at 4 pm. These sessions are offered live via Zoom and are led by a Mindfulness…
New Daily 15 Minute Online Mindful Pause
4/8/2020
In response to the increased stress many of us are feeling as a result of COVID-19, the Mindfulness Center will host a virtual Mindful Pause for 15 minutes every day…
Finding Balance in the Disruption
4/8/2020
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Victor Frankl Essentially, everything in my life, my family, friends and co-workers is different. In the matter of just a few weeks, an unknown, little but mighty, virus has caused major disruption in our daily routines, customs and lives, most likely forever. I was curious about the dictionary’s definition of disruption. “Disruption”: is a noun “a major disturbance, something that changes your plans or interrupts some event or process”. Wow, so major and so many! Social distancing Working from home Husband working from home Kids running around at home Schooling now from home Schools closed Colleges closed
Contemplative Sciences Center Virtual Meditation on the Lawn
4/7/2020
Contemplative Sciences Center Virtual Meditation on the Lawn During this difficult time of quarantine when UVA students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni cannot gather on Grounds, let the Contemplative Sciences…
Jon Kabat-Zinn Video Available
3/26/2020
On March 25, Jon Kabat-Zinn held a live online event entitled “Not Losing Our Minds and Hearts When We Most Need Them. Mindfulness, Healing and Wisdom in a Time of…
3/26/2020
Rick Hanson was scheduled to come to Charlottesville on May 12 and 13. His visit has been cancelled. Hopefully this will be able to be rescheduled for later in the…
3/26/2020
These are some of the most trying times many of us have ever confronted. There is so much uncertainty about what is to come, and we have less opportunity for social support than in other crises. Some are already ill, others know someone who is, and many are caring for those who have COVID-19. In these circumstances, it can be easy to feel frightened and overwhelmed. Having a regular mindfulness practice can be helpful. Practicing intentionally bringing your attention to your present moment experience may provide a refuge, a place of calm in the midst of chaos. You can do this using free meditation recordings that can be downloaded from the Mindfulness Center website https://med.virginia.edu/mindfulness-center/continue-your-practice/audio-recordings/ . A number of brief mindfulness practices can also be helpful at times like these.
