The intention of this program is to encourage a deepening of our meditation practice and, within the refuge of sangha (spiritual community), to share insights and support for living with wisdom and compassion. We’ll begin each of our 7 meetings with a half-hour of meditation followed by an investigation of The Five Keys to Mindful Communication by Susan Gillis Chapman.

The author, a family therapist and mindfulness meditation teacher for over thirty years, believes good communication to be essential to all healthy relationships. In this wise and sometimes funny guide, she describes the five key elements to mindful communication that enable deeper listening and compassionate conversation. She also illustrates how examining our own communication patterns can help shift us from a fear-based and isolated view of ourselves (me-first) into a sense of undeniable connectedness (we-first).

“Very simply…we-first means that under all circumstances, including conflict, we try to remain open and maintain respect for the person we are communicating with. Openness is how we stay connected to ourselves just as much as how we connect with others. The way to cultivate this openness is by practicing mindful communication.” ~ Susan Gillis Chapman
Notes: There are folding chairs, blankets, bolsters, mats, and other props at the studio for our use.

In keeping with the tradition of Theravadan Buddhism, the teachings will be freely offered. Participants are encouraged to make a donation (dana) of any amount for the instruction. To pay for the costs of using the studio and its resources, a registration fee of $49 is requested. (Scholarships are available.)

Schedule:

• Fridays, May 11th – Jun. 22nd, 2018
• 8:00 AM – 9:25 AM

About the Instructor: Meg Agnew

Meg, M.A., has enjoyed teaching at SYA since 1993. She has completed comprehensive training in both the Iyengar and Anusara styles of yoga and her teaching also reflects her study of several spiritual traditions. In 2009, Meg was a graduate of the first Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation Training at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, CA. Compassionate mindfulness is a prominent aspect of her yoga classes. With carefully sequenced instruction and a light-hearted approach, Meg encourages students to participate in the powerfully transformative process at the heart of yoga. She believes that yoga is an exploration leading to self-acceptance, healing, and an ever-deepening experience of freedom and love. Meg is a certified Qi-gong teacher.