Mindfulness Workshop

I have been involved in mindfulness for 25 years when I first encountered the book by Dalai Lama, "The Art of Happiness". Since then I have embarked on many trainings and certifications (see below).

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Coping with the stresses of daily life can feel overwhelming at times. I invite you to discover the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation in my workshops. Immerse yourself in a supportive group setting where mindfulness activities, insightful discussions, and Qigong movements come together to foster inner peace and well-being. Whether you're a beginner or have experience, the workshops provide a nurturing space to explore mindfulness techniques that promote relaxation, clarity, positive well-being, and resilience. Join us in embracing mindfulness as a path to navigating life's challenges with greater ease and presence.

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If you would like to read some inspiring techniques or ways to be mindful in day to day living, search for a couple of the posts: "Bathe" and "Baste in the Magical"

 

​You could try the BATHE and BASTE techniques whenever you feel anxious or agitated anywhere, any time.

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BATHE stands for:

B = Breathing, tune into your breath (in and out),

A = Awareness - being aware of surroundings, feet on the ground,

T = Thinking - what stories are you telling yourself?,

H = Heart - can you be gentle and kind with yourself?,

E = Empathy - imagine some figures who truly love you (could be a pet, deceased grandparent, deity), visualize them circling you, sending you love in your favourite place - beach or forrest).

 

You could the repeat this cycle to yourself, perhaps with different perceptions each time.

 

BASTE is similar:

B = Breathing,

A = Awareness,

S = Sensations - what sensations am I feeling,

tingling of my feet or tightening of throat, fire in my heart?,

E = Empathy.

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The workshops touch on stories and mythology, while bringing in scientific evidence from the literature, addressing various human emotions in search for happiness. I address the fundamental likeness of being human, drawing from Western writers, such as Carl Jung, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Jeff Foster, Kristin Neff, Eckhart Tolle and poets, including Aleghieri, Shakespeare, Rilke, Yates, among others.

 

​​Certifications:

 

Ana Johnson’s (Ph.D.) - Professor, Public Health Sciences

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Completed - Tai Chi Course: Tai Chi Chuan Center of Milwaukee: https://www.taichicenter.org/

 

Completed - 6 week Mindfulness Course: http://saigonom.com/6-week-mindfulness-course

 

Completed - 7 day Retreat - The Original Body Scan: 32 Parts of the Body Meditation - Discovering Freedom within the Body: https://insightla.org/event/32-parts-retreat/

 

Completed - 7 week Mindfulness Training Program - The Power of Awareness: https://www.tarabrach.com/calendar/power-of-awareness-online-course/

 

Completed - 40 day - Mindfulness Daily Training: https://courses.tarabrach.com/

 

Completed - 40 day - Mindfulness Daily at Work: https://courses.tarabrach.com/

 

Completed - QiGong Immersion Teacher Training (4000 year old Chinese wellness practice that has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine) – Modules 1 - 4: http://saigonom.com/qi-gong-immersions

 

Completing - Qigong Teacher Certification Training - Daoyin, Yi Jin Jing, & Taiji (April - July, 2025) with Nick Loffree: https://www.nickloffree.com/

 

Completed - Feng Shui Training - Modules 1-4 and Advanced Module 5: https://malcanarrol.com/courses/

 

Completed - Inner MBA Program: How to Integrate Spirituality and Business: https://innermba.soundstrue.com/

 

Completed - Two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (certificate from the University of California, Berkeley): https://mmtcp.soundstrue.com/

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In addition, I have been immersed in mindfulness and meditation, receiving teachings from different lineages, such as Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche's (Kuluta Buddhist Centre: www.meditateinkingston.org) and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's (secondheartsangha.org/; www.kingstonsangha.ca/).​​