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When I first started meditation, the instruction I received was to sit upright and in a dignified but relaxed way. Sometimes I was told to have a strong back and a soft front — “embody your courage and your compassion.” The instructions sent me on a bit of an exploration into what it means to embody one’s worth and dignity?
Come to find out that there are various research studies that actually show that an upright, dignified posture can help us reduce negative mood and maintain our self-esteem; posture can even help increase our resilience to stress (Nair, et al. 2014). Other studies have shown that power postures (think superman with his hands on his hips, chest puffing out) can help to reduce anxiety (Weineck, et al. 2020). And a slumped posture has the opposite effects.
We often say that mindfulness meditation is synchronizing our mind and body and developing our ability to just be with what arises. So it seems to follow that the way we sit for meditation, or hold ourselves for mindful walking, can help us feel into our own dignity and worth even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise. In yoga, mountain pose is similar. We really feel grounded, rooted, and powerful like a mountain.
We invite you to join us this month to explore embodying your worth and dignity in practice. That might look different for each of us, but, as always, it’s the exploration of what works for us that is our path of practice.
From the journey,
Stephanie
We Welcome You to Join Our Upcoming Offerings!
Want support in bringing meditation to others in a trauma-sensitive way?
Beginning May 5, we will be offering our Mindful Connection Training series with specialization on trauma-sensitive meditation/mindfulness practices. This course is designed for anyone who offers mindfulness instruction, whether personally or professionally. Together, we will explore how to hold space, provide support, and give meditation instruction in ways that are sensitive to experiences of trauma, which often go unseen.
The Mindful Connections for Trauma-Sensitive Practices curriculum is a 13.5-hour program consisting of nine, 1.5 hour sessions.
All classes will be held on zoom, starting Thursday, May 5th, for 9 Thursdays, ending June 30th. 8:30 am – 10:00 EST.To Register: Sign up via our eventbrite link.
Awaken Pittsburgh offers twice-monthly guided meditations open to anyone. This month’s theme is Embodying Our Worth and Dignity in Practice so our guided meditations will focus on this.
Saturday, May 7 – 9:30-10:30 AM – guided meditation Tuesday, May 23 - 7:00-8:00 PM – guided meditation
This is a chance to practice in community together. Each session follows the same format: introductions, a period of guided meditation, and then a chance to support one another, discuss how our meditations are going at home, and ask any questions we have about practice. We hope to see you there!
There is no charge for attending, but donations to support our work are appreciated!
Awaken Pittsburgh will be represented at the following two outdoor events this month:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Come help us raise awareness at the Mental Health Block Party - May 21st from 12- 3pm at the Kingsley Association. Lunch will be provided.
This event is put together by Staunton Farm and the Yellow Tulip Project. We will have a table and guide meditation. Please come! More info can be found at this events page.
Bike Pittsburgh’s Open Streets
Saturday, July 30 from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (East End Loop)
Awaken Pittsburgh will be represented at the final round of Bike Pittsburgh’s Open Streets! We will have an information table and offer Mindful Walking. Please come!
Our small but mighty operation is made possible through a team of dedicated, part-time staff and a large network of volunteers and supporters like you.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Every life changed was made possible with the help of donors—like you–grantors, community partners, and dozens upon dozens of
volunteers. This is a team effort! We hope you will consider supporting our organization today by becoming a monthly donor or by making a gift in an amount that feels meaningful to you.
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