Introduction to Mindfulness

This class is taught from a neuro-scientific perspective of mindfulness, and is a practical, skills-based course that offers the opportunity for greater confidence, ease and sense of well-being right in the midst of life’s realities.

While our 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class provides the most in-depth introduction to mindfulness, this class is offered for people who either don’t have the time for the 8-week course, or who want to have a “lighter” first class. It can also be appropriate for experienced meditators who are looking for a refresher or want to work on integrating mindfulness meditation as a life skill for managing stress.

​Benefits

There are many scientifically documented benefits of practicing mindfulness. These benefits include:

• Improved physical wellbeing (e.g., improved immune response, decreased pain, and decreased blood pressure)
• Improved mental and emotional wellbeing (e.g., reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, improved focus and concentration)
• Improved interpersonal skills and relationship quality (e.g., better listening skills, increased compassion)
• Greater resources to make changes, try new activities, and deal with life’s challenges
• Greater meaning and fulfillment (e.g., increased clarity about personal values)

Class Format 

•  1.5 hour class for 6 weeks
• Beginning formal and informal mindfulness meditation practice
• Sitting, walking and gentle mindful yoga meditations (appropriate for any condition)
• Guided CD’s/mp3’s for home use
• Basic neuroscience to better understand the effectiveness of mindfulness
• Integration of mindfulness skills for daily life

Cost

​We believe strongly in making this class available to anyone who believes that mindfulness might be helpful in their life and is willing to commit themselves to do the work. Therefore, we offer this class on an honor-system based Sliding Scale, and the generosity of those who are able and choose to pay more directly supports those who are not.

Our suggested scale rate is:

• High Income $400
• Medium Income $225
• Low Income $75

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If $75 is difficult for you, please consider the class anyway. We operate on a pay as you are able scale in which everyone contributes as they are able and no one is ever turned away for financial reasons. For more information on the sliding scale and/or a payment plan option, please contact the teacher.

Upcoming Classes

​Summer 2022

When:  Wednesday evenings, 630 - 800P, 7/6/22 - 8/10/22
Where: Midwood International and Cultural Center, 1817 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205
Teacher:  Lindsay Bridges, MD

Registration will be available online here beginning May 23, 2022

I got what I hoped for—and so much more… Mindfulness led me into a self-awareness and connection… that I was not expecting. My body learned to be more present with itself; my mind became more calm. I felt connected with the energy of my classmates; and my spirit was balanced. "

Susan B.

​Upcoming Classes & Registration

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​Resources for more Information

MBSR overview video from UMass Center for Mindfulness
Healing and The Mind – PBS documentary on MBSR with Bill Moyers and Jon Kabat-Zinn
History of MBSR (includes a video on MBSR research)