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“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way;  On purpose,  in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”                    
          -Jon Kabat-Zinn

what is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a lived practice, a way of being and seeing the world.   Living mindfully means living in the moment, from a consciousness that seamlessly integrates heart and mind, and opens up space for non-judmental awareness of self and others.   The individual becomes the observer of 'events' that arise in that awareness, from moment to moment, such as emotions, thoughts, sensations, etc,  without assigning them any particular values, labels, or qualities ie,  good/bad, right/wrong, pretty/ugly, etc..   In this space, life just 'is.' 

mindfulness meditation sessions in person, by phone or skype

As with any practice, you get out of it what you put into it.  If you are ready to create a meditation practice, even for 10 min./day, or just want to learn mindfulness habits to reduce overall stress, then the first step is to begin!  I offer 30 min. sessions in person or by phone or Skype.  I recommend a series of six to eight sessions for anyone who is serious about starting a practice.  Contact me or click on the 'Book an Appointment' button below to set up your session and begin!

how can it help you?

The practice of mindfulness releases us from habitual perceptions and thought patterns, and the reactions those thoughts create in our bodies and in our lives.  On a practical level, this means that our stress level decreases, often dramatically, we see the world differently, and react differently to the people and circumstances in our lives.  The shift in our reactions is reflected in our bodies and our overall levels of health, wellness and happiness.  It sounds simple because it is!

The Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society reports that two decades of research has shown that the majority of people who complete a course in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction experience lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms, pain reduction, increased ability to relax, greater energy and enthusiasm for life, improved self-esteem, and an ability to cope more effectively with stressful situations. 

Hundreds, if not thousands, of studies have been completed on the topic of mindfulness and its effect on health and well-being.  You can find many of these and updates on the latest studies being conducted at the Mindfulness Research Guide. 


is it religious?

No.  The concept of mindfulness in and of itself is not religious.  It can successfully be practiced without any dogma or religious indoctrination.  For this reason it is increasingly being studied and applied in the fields of mental and physical health care, and the combined field of mind/body health, as an easy and effective technique for prevention, management of physical and mental health symptoms, and self- care.   

My Practice:

I learned to meditate in a Tai Chi class I took in college, in 1995, with a visiting professor from China.  The practice I learned is not what I practice today, but it got me started in the world of meditation.  There are a number of approaches to meditation, some religious, some not.  In my opinion, they are all doors to the same state of consciousness in which one develops self-awareness and awareness of others and the world around us.  I believe that the practice itself, and the intention behind it, are what's important, not the discipline or ritual.  

I have used meditation as an opportunity to gain insights into my life, to calm my body and mind, and to access my inner guidance.  This developed organically into a regular practice that has not only brought me a deep sense of inner peace and increased resiliency in life, but has also helped me to heal trauma and deepen my spiritual connection. 

Not having studied under any prescribed discipline left me free of the fear of doing it 'wrong' that I have often encountered among new and experienced meditators.  I can say that my practice is truly my own, and it serves me well.  I have been told by more than one experienced meditator that they wished they had learned with a 'method' like mine!  

Photos from a 'Meditation for the imagination' class for children:

mindfulness resources:
 (links highlighted)

Scientific research on the topic of mindfulness has exploded in the past few years.  Exciting new studies are being conducted around the world, with fantastic results!

An excellent resource for these studies is the Mindfulness Research Monthly, which can be found at the Mindfulness Research Guide, produced by David Black, Ph.D., M.P.H., at UCLA.   
The Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at UMASS Medical Center is another excellent resource for training and information.  This is where Jon Kabat-Zinn, pioneer in the field of mindfulness in healthcare, and creator of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program, began his work. 
The Greater Good Science Center offers unending insights and feel-good information on all aspects of living a happy, healthy life (with your family!), including numerous studies and articles on how to incorporate mindfulness practice into your family routine.  This one is a favorite!
Try a short focusing exercise:
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Please go to The Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society for full information on the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, including research findings on the health benefits of maintaining a mindfulness practice.  


MBSR programs I offer are not affiliated with the Center for Mindfulness.  They provide their program materials to those who  attend a training retreat so that the MBSR program they have designed may be implemented in similar settings.   If you work in a health care setting and are interested in bringing a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction class to your organization, please contact me.