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…
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.
I found myself chuckling as I read this prologue in my mindfulness exercise last week. I’m a teacher of MBSR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and I teach awareness. However, my life gets filled up with professional duties and personal responsibilities. During these times, I can find myself reacting more when operating in the fast lane, rather than showing up, pausing, and being present. Days can turn into weeks, weeks into months and before I know it, 6 months to a year have gone by. I wonder, where did the time go? When I think back over these months, I can’t tell you what I did most of that time. I can tell you what I didn’t do. I didn’t write that thank you note. I didn’t make the effort to get together with friends. I didn’t get that garden planted, visit my brother, or plan to go barn dancing or play music. I also know this can be a sign of “burnout”.
Save the Dates May 12 and 13 Noted author, psychologist and meditation teacher Rick Hanson will be visiting the University of Virginia on May 12 and 13. He will be…
Mindfulness training improves post-operative pain and function in patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery. Individuals with underlying psychological distress are at greater risk of increased pain and decreased function after…
Jordy Yager of the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center will present “Examining Equity Through History,” an examination of the racialized historic landscape of the Charlottesville area. Mr. Yager and…