The Art of Well-Being: Contemplative Meditation and Personal Transformation

We will explore meditative poetry, visualization, free writing, contemplative and insight traditions, compassion practices, movement and working with the body. No meditation experience required.

Well-being is a skill that can be learned and cultivated; no different than learning how to play the violin. The intimate link between well-being and meditation has been carefully studied by Western scientists for decades now, revealing the potent benefits of developing the ability to be present. The traditional, tried-and-true meditation practices, however, fail to engage many modern Americans.

Friday, Jan. 11, 2019: Contemplative Meditation and Personal Transformation

Contemplative practices can be described as directing a train of thought about something, and quietly reflecting on a concept, biblical passage, or cultivating a quality of mind like empathy or compassion. It can also be used to integrate qualities that we wish to establish within our relationships, like loving kindness and compassion or the development of gratitude or generosity toward others.

This differs from the concentration-based meditation practices that rest attention on one thing in particular. It also differs from insight practices that aspire to observe what is happening, as it is happening in our awareness, without focusing on anything in particular. It can be beneficial to learn how to combine contemplative practice with moments of resting, but using either insight or single focus techniques.

Date & Time: Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 from 10am to 3pm

Presenter: Amy Reyer

Fee:  $55 (includes hot lunch)

You can REGISTER HERE

About the Presenter

Amy Reyer, PhD, has an academic background in psychology and cultural studies and is trained in the Vipassanā/Insight meditation tradition. She trained in mindfulness-based stress reduction at the Center for Mindfulness at University of Massachusetts Medical School.  She leads weekly meditation groups in Croton and Garrison, NY.