Intro to Mindfulness
The Art of Arriving
Online Program
“One late summer evening, I witnessed the most beautiful East Texas sunset. I wondered, “How can I experience more moments like this?”
Mindfulness has taught me that the same awe is present in everyday life — we just have to slow down enough to notice it.”
Intro to Mindfulness is a free four-week online series exploring simple mindfulness practices for everyday life.
Why mindfulness?
Life moves fast. Many of us spend our days thinking about what's next, replaying what already happened, or rushing from one responsibility to another.
Mindfulness is the practice of gently bringing our attention back to the present moment. It doesn't require you to stop your thoughts or become perfectly calm. Instead, it helps you notice what's happening with a little more awareness, kindness, and curiosity.
Over time, these simple practices can help you feel less overwhelmed, more connected, and better able to respond to life instead of simply reacting to it.
What we'll explore
Throughout the four weeks, you'll be introduced to a variety of mindfulness practices, including:
Breath awareness
Guided meditation
Body awareness
Walking meditation
Mindful eating
Working with thoughts and emotions
Simple practices you can use throughout your day
Rather than trying to master every technique, you'll have the opportunity to discover which practices feel most helpful for you.
Itinerary
4 Week Program
Mondays, 6:30-7:15 p.m. CDT, with daily practice.
August, 10, 17, 24, 31.
Details
Program fee: Free.
Program will take place via Zoom link sent via registration email.
All donations support the work we do at the Mind Body Ecology Institute.
Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to reconnect with your practice, this course offers practical tools to help you slow down, reduce stress, feel more grounded, and meet life's challenges with greater ease
Program Guide
Becca Reagan
Becca believes mindfulness doesn't have to be complicated. What began as a personal practice of slowing down and paying attention has become a passion for helping others experience more presence, awe, and connection in their own lives.
As an environmental educator and mindfulness facilitator, she enjoys creating experiences that invite curiosity, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for ourselves, each other, and the living world.
Session Outline
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What mindfulness is (and isn't)
Breath awareness
Body scan
Beginning a daily practice
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Bringing mindfulness into everyday activities
Walking meditation
Working with distraction
Everyday moments of awareness
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Understanding thoughts and emotions
Guided imagery
Labeling thoughts
Responding instead of reacting
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Mindful eating
Working with emotions
Creating a sustainable practice
Where to go from here
These resources aren't required, but if something from this course sparks your interest, we hope you'll keep exploring. Here are a few books, podcasts, and apps that have inspired our own mindfulness practice.
Supplementary Material
Books
The Mindful Twenty-Something — Holly Rogers
Peace Is Every Step — Thich Nhat Hanh
Wherever You Go, There You Are — Jon Kabat-Zinn
Healing with Nature — Rochelle Calvert
Braiding Sweetgrass — Robin Wall Kimmerer
Podcasts & Talks
10% Happier with Dan Harris
Healthy Minds Innovations Podcast
Jon Kabat-Zinn: Mindfulness for Beginners
Thich Nhat Hanh talks (Plum Village YouTube)
Apps
Healthy Minds Program (Free)
Insight Timer
