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Mindfulness is about being aware of what's going on inside you—your body and mind—as well as the environment around you. Most of us lead full, busy lives with many things competing for our attention. Our computers and mobile devices, as well as coworkers, friends, and family all demand our attention throughout the day. While these things can become distractions, mindfulness isn’t about cutting off people or technology. This month we'll have a number of events available to help you be more mindful and find balance in your life.

Kids and Families

“One of the library’s objectives is to help community members practice mindfulness," says Youth and Family Program Supervisor Amy Koester. "This absolutely applies to families, who may feel frazzled, hurried, and overstimulated by school schedules, after school activities, and a desire to spend meaningful time together.” Towards this goal the library is presenting three mindfulness events in January. According to Amy, these events are geared toward families who feel they could benefit from slowing down and spending quiet time together. They are also an opportunity to try contemplative practices which they can add to their family routines.

Yoga, January 1, 2018
North Branch Yoga will lead a family yoga class focused on body awareness. 

Beautiful Oops, January 26, 2018
We’ll explore the concept of the "Beautiful Oops" and how changing your attitude toward mistakes can make you feel more creative and at peace.

Adults

Adult Program Coordinator, Mimosa Shah defines mindfulness as “the quality or state of being more aware” which is a way to focus on the present and acknowledge feelings, thoughts, and sensations as they arise. Mimosa believes the benefits of mindfulness include "the ability to hone in on tasks at hand; to act with awareness; and to accept one’s experiences without judgment." While it may not be possible to completely rid our minds of negative emotions, mindfulness can be a better way to deal with them. "Negative emotions are a necessary part of life," Mimosa says, "but negativity does not have to be an omnipresent state of being. Mindfulness offers doors for changing the narrative and reappraising one’s daily routines.” There are two programs this month to help you incorporate mindfulness into your life.

Reflection and Gratitude, February 15, 2018 Learn exercises and rituals that will help you reflect upon and visualize gratitude.

Laughter Yoga, January 25, 2018
Laughter yoga combines simulated laughter with breathing techniques to produce physical, psychological, and emotional benefits.

Resources

Here are a few resources from our catalog to help you practice and enjoy mindfulness.

Wherever You Go There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Kabat-Zinn, Jon

The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Haidt, Jonathan

The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh