The term “mindfulness” is thrown around a lot nowadays. So let’s clear up any misconceptions and misinformation. 

Mindfulness Meditation is the practice of training yourself to be in the present moment, non-judgmentally and with compassion. I say “practice” because that’s exactly what mindfulness is.  Mindfulness Meditation is not a quick-fix or a magic pill.  And there’s no end goal. It is a continuous unfolding of your awareness and way of being in the world. Mindfulness Meditation is a way of life that is cultivated through both formal practice (like sitting meditation) and informal practice (throughout moments during your day).   

As “mindfulness” has grown in popularity, there’s a need for more qualified and trained Mindfulness Meditation teachers.  I learned Mindfulness Meditation from two of the leading western teachers—Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield—through their two-year Mindful Meditation Teacher Certification Program in partnership with Sounds True and the University of California at Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center.  This is an extensive and creative training in mindfulness, meditation, and compassion practices.  The spiritual and psychological depth of this program is unsurpassed.  

As part of the program requirements, I attended a 7-day silent Vipassana (Insight Meditation) retreat and a 3-day in-person workshop; participated in over 45 group meditation sessions and talks; and was taught through two years’ of weekly lectures.  As a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher I:

• teach Mindfulness Meditation practices and tools to individuals, groups, and communities; 

• am skilled in practices such as mindfulness, compassion, self-compassion, forgiveness, joy, and dealing with difficult situations; 

• have the skills necessary to teach Mindfulness Meditation courses; and 

• have the deep training necessary to support people in their mindfulness practice.  

No!  Mindfulness Meditation becomes a way of life - not something you have to have to build into your schedule.  Even starting with one minute a day can help build this way of life!

Mindfulness Meditation does not make you weak, passive, or lazy.  Quite the opposite. Mindfulness Meditation can help raise your awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions that aren’t serving you, so that you can respond wisely instead of reacting unwisely.  

And science shows that Mindfulness Meditation can be a helpful tool in: 

• Reducing anxiety, stress, depression, addiction, and burn out

• Raising awareness of and decreasing implicit bias

• Increasing resilience

• Improving cognitive abilities 

• Reducing brain distractions  

• Improving communication 

• Increasing kindness to yourself and others 

There is a movement afoot to infuse the organizations with the well-being that has been overlooked for far too long. Many companies, non-profits, and government agencies are recognizing that employees are demanding well-being initiatives as part of their workplace culture. If your organization is ready to join the ranks of others who want to prioritize well-being in the workplace, instituting Mindfulness Meditation training and programs is the place to start. Mindfulness Meditation training can increase resilience, create a more compassionate and inclusive culture, and affirm for employees that their well-being is a priority.