Rational Mindfulness

Especially in these times...life can be so stressful. It really helps to learn and practice evidence-based mindfulness techniques to manage stress and to become more compassionate. Especially for non-believers, it is important to do so in a science-friendly, rational atmosphere.

The Rational Mindfulness Group supports secular people in using scientifically-informed mindfulness and meditation practices to reduce stress, sharpen thinking, calm emotions, and enhance compassion. Our meetings combine various types of meditation, readings, and discussions. It’s a great place for both those who want to learn how to meditate and become more mindful, and for those with some experience who want to try out new techniques and meet like-minded folks.

Typical Schedule: This will vary, but below is a general indication of what might happen.

10 Min - Introduction to Rational Mindfulness
20 Min - Meditation Instruction and Meditation
15 Min - Reading and Q & A
15 Min - Closing meditation

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83514972331?pwd=SXRINi8rTkhZMDZrUmtwNG95dXJuZz09

Meeting ID: 835 1497 2331
Passcode: 968218
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Meeting ID: 835 1497 2331
Passcode: 968218
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbOHXytM5r

Recommended Reading

Benson, Dr. Herbert, The Relaxation Response, Morrow ,1975

Boyce, Berry (ed), The Mindfulness Revolution: Leading Psychologists, Scientists, Artists, and Meditation Teachers on the Power of Mindfulness in Daily Life, Shambhala, 2011

Harris, Russ, The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living - A Guide to ACT: the mindfulness-based program for reducing stress, overcoming fear, and creating a rich and meaningful life, Trumpeter Books, 2008

Harris, Sam, Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion, Simon & Schuster, 2014

Heller, Rick, Secular Meditation: 32 Practices for Cultivating Inner Peace, Compassion, and Joy, New World Library, 2015

Kabat-Zinn, Jon, Full Catastrophe Living(Revised Edition): Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness, Bantam, 2013

Kabat-Zinn, Jon, Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment - and Your Life, Sounds True, 2011

Kabat-Zinn, Jon, Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Daily Life, Hyperion, 1994

Puddicombe, Andy, Get Some Headspace: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in Ten Minutes a Day, St. Martin’s Griffin, 2011

Suzuki, Shunryu, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, Weatherhill, 2002 (5th Printing).

Williams, Prof Mark and Dr Danny Penman, Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World, Rodale, 2011

Links and Apps

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/mindfulness-meditation-downloads/ - Guided meditations from Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World

www.mindful.org - A good general site about mindfulness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ytp6N7Uoko - Richard Jarvis’s presentation on Rational Mindfulness at a HCCO meeting.

Apps: Simply Being (basic short guided meditations $.99); Headspace (comprehensive guided meditation sessions, some limited free content); Mental Workout (meditations and other strategies, some limited free content). Insight Timer (lots of free guided meditations, and a customizable timer, etc.).