I appreciate how Mark Williams, PhD., an Oxford University professor, and Danny Penman, Ph.D., describe the human mind. It is didactic and helpful. They say the mind operates in two different modes: the doing mode, rational and analytical, and the being mode, intuitive and emotional. The problem arises when the doing mode wants to resolve emotional issues, such as fear, grief, sadness, despair, anxiety, depression, and so on. It is like trying to clean an oil spill just with water. In fact, it worsens the problem rather than improves it. Thus, we feel trapped. Mindfulness Meditation is a relief for a busy mind. It soothes the mind and reinvigorates the soul. By learning how to switch from the doing mode to the being mode, we become aware of our inner world and all the resources we have.

 I developed a 10-week program based on Mindfulness and the concept of Chakras (system of energy centers). These classes consist of ten 40-minute sessions given weekly to cope with all types of stress. It is not a boring program, I promise you!

1st week – Explain the nature of the human mind. Introduce the concept of doing mode and being mode of the mind and how they interact. Bring awareness to the breath and the body. Teach different techniques to be aware of the present moment.

2nd week – Explain the relationship between mind and body. Explain how our thoughts influence the physical body and vice-versa. Work on the Body Mindfulness Meditation as well as on the body sensations. Introduce the notion of the human energy field and its main centers – chakras. 

3rd week – Explain the holistic view of the human body. Focus on body movement and introduce Walking Meditation. Making our daily tasks opportunities to be mindful (Mindfulness of daily routine). Introduce the concept of the Root Chakra.

4th week – Explain the nature of the thoughts and emotions and how they are interwoven. Become aware of how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors. Also, explain how emotions and feelings affect the thoughts and the body. Introduce the concept of Sacral Chakra.

5th week – Bring awareness to the environment we live in. Connecting more mindfully with the world around us. Sound Meditation and Color Meditation. Introduce the concept of Solar Plexus Chakra.

6th week – Explain the non-linear concept of time and space. Encountering painful memories from the past in a mindful way. Working on forgiveness. Introduce the concept of Heart Chakra.

7th week – Reevaluating the mindfulness meditation process. Working with frustrations by introducing the attribute of acceptance. Becoming aware of the personal speech; i.e, being mindful of the words we choose to speak to ourselves (inner dialogue) and others. Introduce the notion of the Throat Chakra.

8th week – Explain the concept of intuition and attention and the role they play in our everyday lives. Become aware of mood swings and inner motivation. Practicing Mindfulness Meditation to lower anxiety. Introduce the concept of the Third Eye Chakra.

9th week – Deepening the exploration of the inner dialogue. Dealing with Self-Criticism. Bringing the future to the present by focusing on the breath. Becoming aware of our true nature and potential. Introduce the notion of the Crown Chakra.

10th week – Integration Meditation. We are much more than our physical bodies, sensations, thoughts, emotions, and intuition. We are whole beings in constant change. We are complete, however, unfinished; we are always evolving. We are perfect in our imperfections. Impermanence is a reality. The universe is in constant movement.

Stress Relief Program: 40-minute online sessions. Skype (Sandra Guassi) or Zoom (Sandra Guassi)

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