In early 2015, adult religious education offered an 8‐week mindfulness class, taught by Dr. Chris Menard. After the class concluded, several participants wanted to continue to meet and practice mindfulness, and so the Mindfulness Meditation Group was started.
Participation varies widely, anywhere from 1 to 10 people, with most weeks having around 4. We gather year-round, every Sunday morning before the service, in the YRUU classroom. This weekly practice is regularly announced in the eNews and Order of Service. The group is open to anyone, whether “experienced”, or new to mindfulness. A typical gathering includes setting up chairs, practicing mindfulness (either silently, or listening to a guided audio), discussion (if desired), and then putting the chairs away. During the meditation, the door is left slightly open, so that late arrivals may still come in. We aim to finish at 9:55, in order to avoid overlap with hospitality team commitments and the YRUU class.
Although we don’t have a large attendance, the group plays an important role in one facet of UUCUC’s mission: Find Peace. The “goal” of mindfulness practice is not to attain an eternally blissful state or clear the mind of thought. Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, exactly as it is. When ruminating on the past (which can’t be changed) or trying to plan the future (which can’t be controlled), we miss what is happening right now at this exact moment: in the mind, in the body, and in the external surroundings. The nature of the present moment (whether pleasant or unpleasant) is constantly in flux.
Practicing mindfulness regularly can help one realize that clinging to the pleasant, and pushing away the unpleasant, are fruitless endeavors that increase suffering. Learning to let go of these habits, and appreciate the wide spectrum of experience, will ultimately lead to more peace.
Contact Information
If you have questions or would like to know more information about the Mindfulness Meditation Group, please contact Millie Davis or Karen Folk.