Introduction to Mindfulness: 6 week class

Introduction to Mindfulness

Instructor: Fred Maus

Class Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 5, March 12 (No class on Feb. 12.)

Time: 7:00pm-8:15pm

Fee: $95. Financial assistance is available upon request. Email: opsdirector@imeditation.org

Location: Albemarle High School, 2775 Hydraulic Rd., Map

Course Description: In this course we will develop skills in mindfulness, defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn as "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally." Through presentations by the instructor, class discussion, and experiential practices, we will explore the benefits of mindfulness meditation. These include self-awareness, reduction of reactivity, enhanced awareness of embodied experience, and recognition and contemplation of emotions. We will also study practices to develop compassion.

About the Instructor: Fred Maus is a faculty member at UVa with many years of teaching experience, including experience guiding contemplative explorations. In May he will graduate from a 2-year professional-level training course for meditation teachers, taught by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.

He taught an Introduction to Mindfulness last fall at the Central Library, with an enrollment of 20 students, and received uniformly positive feedback from students:

• "Fred presented very basic lessons clearly and enticed students to share their experiences & ask questions. He always responded to those questions with acceptance of the student’s value, gentleness, and clear insight meditation theory. I was able to let go of a recently terminated relationship. Instructor taught practices clearly & with great compassion. I am more able to stay in present when meditating." 
• "Meditation practice led by instructor was very provoking and helpful. Experiences have been very helpful with my life issues. The instruction was excellent."
  

Email: fredmva@gmail.com.