This group focuses on increasing awareness and being present in our lives through a variety of mindfulness practices. We will meet to discuss the benefits, challenges and opportunities of a mindfulness practice as a path to improved quality of life (for individuals and communities), and support each other as we explore this practice individually and collectively. The emphasis is on integrating mindfulness into everyday living and community participation. Many in this group are also exploring the intersection of mindfulness and practices related to community activism, organizational leadership and social justice. Increasing our skills relating to self and others to build healthier and more just organizations and communities is a common topic of exploration in this group.

Communication Guidelines for Events (from: https://bmor.us/communication-guidelines/ )
**TRY IT ON:** Be willing to “try on” new ideas, or ways of doing things that might not be what you prefer or are familiar with.
**PRACTICE SELF FOCUS:** Attend to and speak about your own experiences and responses. Do not speak for a whole group or express assumptions about the experience of others.
**UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTENT AND IMPACT:** Try to understand and acknowledge impact. Denying the impact of something said by focusing on intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction.
**PRACTICE “BOTH / AND”:** When speaking, substitute “and” for “but.” This practice acknowledges and honors multiple realities.
**REFRAIN FROM BLAMING OR SHAMING SELF & OTHERS:** Practice giving skillful feedback.
**MOVE UP / MOVE BACK:** Encourage full participation by all present. Take note of who is speaking and who is not. If you tend to speak often, consider “moving back” and vice versa.
**PRACTICE MINDFUL LISTENING:** Try to avoid planning what you’ll say as you listen to others. Be willing to be surprised, to learn something new. Listen with your whole self.
**CONFIDENTIALITY:** Take home learnings but don’t identify anyone other than yourself, now or later. If you want to follow up with anyone regarding something they said in this session, ask first and respect their wishes.
**RIGHT TO PASS:** You can say “I pass” if you don’t wish to speak.