As 2020 continues to offer uncertainty and challenge, we are reminded of the importance in connecting with ourselves and being in community with each other. We are grateful to be able to offer the Mindfulness Speaker Series again in 2020 – 21, and are excited to try out new ways to explore mindfulness with all of you in this very different year. Below, you will find details on a few of the conversations that are part of this year’s series; we hope you will take part in some or all of these offerings.
Lovingkindness with the Andover community
This fall, close to 75 Andover community members are participating in a book group to discuss Sharon Salzberg’s recent work, Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World. A guidebook for how to use mindfulness to build our inner strength, find balance, and help create a better world, participants will use Real Change as a way to think about how mindfulness practice, specifically lovingkindness, can effect positive change on the Andover campus and beyond.
We hope to open up this type of conversation to our broader community of mindfulness practitioners, so stay tuned for similar opportunities later in the school year.
Alison Cohen presents Mindfulness for Educators: Self-Compassion During Challenging Times
We are excited to offer a session specifically geared towards educators and other school-based professionals to explore how to stay grounded and be present amidst challenges. Led by mindfulness educator Alison Cohen, this 60-minute virtual conversation will be an opportunity to discuss issues that are of particular interest to those in the classroom and on campus, and share skills and meditation practices that can help navigate uncertainty. A follow-up session will take place in January 2021.
Alexis Santos discusses awareness, balance and clarity in 2020
We are delighted to welcome back mindfulness and meditation instructor, Alexis Santos. A longtime speaker in our Mindfulness Speaker Series, Alexis will offer two virtual opportunities to explore awareness, balance and clarity: an evening presentation on Friday, November 6, as well as a longer session on Saturday, November 7. We look forward to hosting additional speakers as part of this year’s series.
Looking ahead, we are excited to explore new ways to connect with all of you and, together, continue to learn about how we can all live more mindfully. We will soon share updates and event details on practicing mindfulness with the Addison Gallery of American Art, additional Mindfulness Speaker Series events, and more! As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions. We welcome the opportunity to be in conversation with all of you.
