Mindfulness for Women: The Freedom to Be Our Authentic Selves
We all long to be fully and freely ourselves. Authentic. This is a basic and vital human need. But as women we unknowingly internalize the misogynistic messages inherent in our patriarchal society and come to believe deep down that we’re not enough, or there’s something wrong with us. So, we habitually focus our attention on others and strive to be pleasing and perfect, hoping we’ll win their validation and approval. In the process, we discount our own experience and lose ourselves in relationships. This habit of “othering” leaves us not knowing or trusting ourselves, and naturally creates insecurity, self-doubt, stress, anxiety, and depression. Freedom from internalized misogyny is key to women’s mental health and empowerment, and in these difficult times women’s wisdom and power is needed more than ever.
The purpose of mindfulness is to free the mind from its conditioned habits so we can access our authentic experience and come to trust the wisdom of our true nature. Mindfulness heals our relationship with our self and brings health and balance into our relationships with others. Through practice, both formally through meditation and informally as we live our lives, we learn to be aware of our present moment experience and relate to it with acceptance, kindness, and respect. This allows us to pop out of those old habits that oppress us, build self-acceptance and trust in our inner authority, and develop the confidence that being who we authentically are is always enough.
For more information please read “Unshakeable Confidence, The Freedom to Be Our Authentic Selves: Mindfulness for Women,” by Mare Chapman.
Foundation Class
In this 10-session course we will learn the basic principles and methods of mindfulness and apply them to the various habits of “othering” in order to restore connection with our trustworthy and wise authentic self. Class format is a combination of brief lecture, meditation instruction, practicing together, reflection, and discussion. “Ownwork” practice between each session is strongly encouraged. Each class focuses on a different aspect of mindfulness, our conditioning as women, and how to apply the practice to find freedom from the prominent habits of “othering”. This class is appropriate for all levels of experience, and no previous familiarity with mindfulness or meditation is required. This class will be LIVE online over Zoom only.
Practice Circles
A weekly gathering (15 sessions) for women who have taken the Foundation Class and feel confident in understanding the basic practice of mindfulness (insight/vipassana meditation) and want to go deeper in integrating mindfulness and freedom from othering into their lives. Each class begins with a reading, followed by a 25-minute meditation, reflection and discussion, and a short closing meditation. With the wisdom and support of other women we will deepen our understanding of how to apply mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy so we can live with more ease, stability, freedom, and authenticity. In these dark and challenging times, it’s so vital to feel our womanly connections as we empower ourselves to bravely act for our own wellbeing and for the benefit of all. Circles will be LIVE online over Zoom.
Mindfulness for Clinicians: An 8-week Intensive Course
UW-Madison - UW Madison Continuing Studies
March 23-May 11, Thursdays, 8:30-10:30 am CT, live online over Zoom
This 8-week intensive course is for clinicians who want to incorporate mindfulness into their own lives to be more present, effective, and stable in their work, as well as develop more confidence in applying mindfulness principles and tools with their patients (clients, students, staff). The course is appropriate for experienced practitioners as well as those with no experience in mindfulness or meditation.
We will learn a specific aspect of mindfulness each week so that by the end of the 8 sessions you will have a clear understanding of all the core components of mindfulness. Each class will be a combination of short teachings, experiential practice, and discussion. Since we will practice being present, curious, kind and accepting of ourselves and each other as we learn this tool, the atmosphere of the class will be relaxed and open. Between class, assignments will include daily meditation practices, journaling, and specific informal ways to apply mindfulness in your life and your work.
For more information and to register with a 20% discount (Code:WFC20) go to: https://continuingstudies.wisc.edu