What is Mindfulness?
Sitting quietly, doing nothing, not knowing what is next and not concerned with what was or what may be next, a new mind is operating that is not connected with the conditioned past and yet perceives and understands the whole mechanism of conditioning. It is the unmasking of the self that is nothing but masks—images, memories of past experiences, fears, hopes, and the ceaseless demand to be something or become somebody. This new mind that is no-mind is free of duality—there is no doer in it and nothing to be done. “Awareness,” by Toni Packer.
Mindfulness:
Bringing present moment awareness to whatever is currently being experienced can provide a refuge. Mindful awareness can help magnify one’s practical, everyday coping skills and can become a comfort in one’s personal journey.
While acknowledging the cultural and historical context of meditative traditions, my approach to mindfulness instruction is secular in nature. My teaching manner aligns with no specific religious traditions and does not aim to challenge one’s belief systems or worship practices. While not opposed to mindfulness as a spiritual gateway to explore our humanness, life, and the universe, my aim is not specifically religious in nature. Simply put, I am interested in personal awakening and the relieving of suffering where possible.
Videos:
"Just Breathe" by Julie Bayer Salzman
"Just Breathe" features young children speaking candidly about anger and how they cope - something for all ages to ponder...
"Release" by Julie Bayer Salzman
“Release” is a Mindful Short from Julie Bayer Salzman which focuses on stress and anxiety as experienced by middle school aged kids.
"into light" by Julie Bayer Salzman
These four high school students used their mindfulness practice to battle their experiences of depression. They learned to take pauses to breathe, make friends with the present moment, reflect on and connect to themselves, feel gratitude, cultivate creativity, and discover freedom from their critical inner voice. [Courtesy Mindful Schools]