Archives

Partial List of Past Events

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course: FALL 2024

Center for Contemplative Practices offered an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course this fall. This course is free for staff, faculty, students, and administrators. No prior experience necessary. Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. based on clinical research and his own experiences, MBSR is the most studied mindfulness program in the U.S. Research has shown that with consistent practice, MBSR can relieve stress in personal and professional settings and increase overall well-being.

Bridging Differences with Mindful Dialog Workshop in Fall 2024

Our communities have become increasingly polarized and divided. As we enter into another election cycle it has become more difficult to listen to each other with kindness and respect. CCP held a session about using mindfulness practices to listen to each other with the intention of bridging our differences. We had the opportunity to learn mindfulness practices that help expand our capacity to understand and listen to each other even when we disagree.

Compassion, Suffering and Injustice Series (in partnership with SHCS) in Fall 2024

We hold space for each other and used mindful practices to process our emotions in response to the suffering in the Middle East and other parts of the world.  Pausing and quieting so that we can have access to more clarity and compassion for all. Acknowledging and accepting our emotions as they arise without judgment and while at the same time being willing to let them go. Reconnecting with our deepest aspiration for ourselves and the world we live in. Asking ourselves: What is that aspiration calling me to do at this time?

Procrastination Workshop in Fall 2024

Studies have shown that procrastination is a pervasive problem among students and among other adults (Steel, 2007; Harriott & Ferrari, 1996) which can lead to several negative outcomes such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor health and financial outcomes, and poor academic performance (Howell et al., 2006). The interest in mindfulness and other contemplative practices has spurred a great deal of research and discussion in recent years. Several studies (Gautam et al., 2019; Flett et al., 2016) have found that mindfulness practices reduce procrastination directly and indirectly by reducing anxiety. Join us for a 2-hour workshop on reducing procrastination with mindfulness. In this workshop, we discuss a variety of evidence-based contemplative practices such as breath practices, mindfulness of emotions, self-compassion, and intention-setting practices designed to help reduce procrastination and anxiety. 

Mindfulness Practices for Burnout Workshop in Fall 2024

This was an informative, inspirational, and interactive workshop on burnout, compassion fatigue, and building resiliency.  Participants learned methods to build inner resources and tips for everyday stress management.

Mindful Self-Compassion and Gonging Workshop in Fall 2024

In this often-stressful time, we came together to foster connection – with ourselves and with others.  In this workshop, we talk about compassion: what it is and ways in which we can expand our practice of compassion.  Compassion has been shown to be an antidote to burnout, and a key component of resilience in difficult circumstances.  During this 90-minute workshop, we created space to step aside from our busy everyday lives to tap into our innate capacity for compassion by sharing a range of practices.  We concluded with a few minutes of gentle movement to prepare us for a short gong immersion.  The gong is an ancient instrument of healing which produces a strong sound wave, quiets the mind, and stimulates the physical body at the deepest levels to balance the glandular system, calm the nervous system, and improve circulation.

Mindful Preparation for Interviews in Fall 2024

Feeling stressed and anxious about an upcoming interview? We held a 45-minute session on how to use evidence-based mindfulness practices designed specifically to prepare you for interviews.

Silent Saturday Retreat in Fall 2024

This half day retreat is an opportunity to pause, to reflect, to notice and to develop deep awareness. Our daily lives are so busy that we often forget to pay attention to our inner selves, to our environment and to each other. This retreat provides guided meditations, movement, art and other ways to connect deeply with ourselves and the world around us. 

SILENT SATURDAY HALF DAY RETREAT IN SPRING 2024

This half day retreat on Saturday, April 20th  from 9:30am to 12 noon in the SBSB courtyard was an opportunity to pause, to reflect, to notice and to develop deep awareness. Our daily lives are so busy that we often forget to pay attention to our inner selves, to our environment and to each other.

This retreat provided guided meditations, movement, art and other ways to connect deeply with ourselves and the world around us. 

MINDFUL MOMENTS WITH USU LIVE IN SPRING 2024

• 5:00-5:30 - check in/food
• 5:30 - welcome and introduction to mindfulness
• 5:45-6:45pm - break out workshops including mindful listening, mindful movement, building community
• 7-7:30pm - beginner’s yoga session hosted by campus rec
• 7:30-8pm - closing practice

Mindfulness for Men Series in Spring 2024

This series was held on Mondays from 4:00pm to 5:00 pm in SBSB 3219 for snacks and mindfulness in February, 2024. We held space for each other within a supportive community of men. We used mindful practices to pause and quieten so that we can have access to more clarity and compassion for all. Acknowledging and accepting our emotions as they arise without judgment and while at the same time being willing to let them go so we can have access to a wider range of responses. Reconnecting with our deepest aspiration for ourselves and the world we live in so we can navigate life with focus, resilience and confidence.  

Procrastination and Mindfulness Workshop in Spring 2024

February 12th, 2024 

Studies have shown that procrastination is a pervasive problem among students and among other adults (Steel, 2007; Harriott & Ferrari, 1996) which can lead to several negative outcomes such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor health and financial outcomes, and poor academic performance (Howell et al., 2006). The interest in mindfulness and other contemplative practices has spurred a great deal of research and discussion in recent years. Several studies (Gautam et al., 2019; Flett et al., 2016) have found that mindfulness practices reduce procrastination directly and indirectly by reducing anxiety. Join us for a 2-hour workshop on reducing procrastination with mindfulness. In this workshop, we will discuss a variety of evidence-based contemplative practices such as breath practices, mindfulness of emotions, self-compassion, and intention-setting practices designed to help reduce procrastination and anxiety. 

Mindfulness in Nature Workshop in Fall 2023

• Wednesday, September 27, 2023
• 5:15pm to 7:15pm

This workshop will focus on bringing mindful awareness to our natural environment and feeling our connection to the changing seasons. This workshop will be held outdoors so please remember to dress accordingly so you are comfortable. 

Mindful Body Acceptance Workshop in Fall 2023

• Wednesday, November 1st
• 5:30pm to 7:30pm

This workshop is an opportunity to use mindfulness practices to accept and make peace with our bodies just as they are. We will use compassion practices to give our bodies permission to be what they are without judging them and connecting them to self-worth. We invite you to join us in community as we explore and practice body acceptance. Bring a friend, a colleague, a family member as we embrace our differences and our common humanity.

Silent Saturday Half-Day Retreat in Fall 2023

This half day retreat on Saturday, November 11th from 9:30am to 12 noon in the SBSB courtyard is an opportunity to pause, to reflect, to notice and to develop deep awareness. Our daily lives are so busy that we often forget to pay attention to our inner selves, to our environment and to each other.

This retreat will provide guided meditations, movement, art and other ways to connect deeply with ourselves and the world around us. You may be surprised by what you find!

Come join us for a healing inward journey.

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Bringing Mindfulness To The Suffering In The Middle East And In Other Parts Of The World in Fall 2023

On Tuesday, Oct. 31^st at noon in ARTS 101 we met to hold space for each other and use mindful practices to process our emotions in response to the suffering in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Pausing and quieting so that we can have access to more clarity and compassion for all. Acknowledging and accepting our emotions as they arise without judgment and while at the same time being willing to let them go. Reconnecting with our deepest aspiration for ourselves and the world we live in. Asking ourselves: What is that aspiration calling me to do at this time? We supported each other and held ourselves and others in compassion. 

Power Of Compassion To Transform Our World: An Evening With Thupten Jinpa, Ph.D in Fall 2023

6pm To 7:30pm, October 11^th 2023

Hosted By Arts And Lectures In The Ballroom, CSUSM

Our invited speaker Thupten Jinpa, Ph.D., one of the foremost experts on compassion, talked about the power of compassion to transform our world. He provided an understanding of how compassion can be a source of solace, strength and even happiness in these turbulent times. Dr. Thupten Jinpa provided concrete and practical actions that we can take to move us on the path to peace and justice. He also offered a compassion cultivation workshop. 

Dr. Thupten Jinpa is the Founder of the Compassion Institute, and the principal author of Compassion Cultivation Training™ at Stanford University. Dr. Jinpa trained as a monk at Ganden Monastic University, India. He also holds a B.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Cambridge University. Dr. Thupten Jinpa has been the principal English translator to H.H. the Dalai Lama since 1985. His publications include A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives.

More than 200 people attended this event from the campus community and beyond. 

SUMMER WORKSHOP IN MUMBAI, INDIA in Summer 2023

June 2023, Somaiya School, Mumbai

Procrastination and Mindfulness Workshop

We held held a half day workshop on procrastination and mindfulness. In this workshop, we discussed some of the recent research studies (Sirois, 2022). Participants were introduced to a variety of evidence based contemplative practices designed to help reduce procrastination and anxiety. We explored how participants can incorporate these practices in their own personal lives and with their colleagues and students. 

This workshop was attended by almost 100 K-12 teachers as part of their professional development. 

SUMMER RETREAT 2023

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

After a long semester, this retreat was an opportunity to pause, reflect and re-connect with our deepest intention. Our daily lives – 
personal and professional – are filled with distractions and 
uncertainties, as well as joys and successes. Negotiating the daily 
ups and downs of life can be a tough proposition. This workshop 
offered a mindfulness approach to daily life designed to 
increase emotional equanimity, lower stress levels, increase 
focused attention and feelings of connectedness. The sessions
addressed those who are “mindful curious” and want to know more 
about mindfulness, as well as those who have an established 
mindfulness practice and want to delve deeper. All CSUSM 
community members, alumni, and retirees were welcome. More than 40 people attended this retreat.

Deep gratitude to our sponsors Human Resources, College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences and Office of Undergraduate Studies.

Summer Retreat 2022

Wednesday, June 15, 2022
DEEP GRATITUDE TO OUR SPONSORS: Faculty Center , Library, College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Office of Undergraduate Studies 

After a very long semester, this retreat was an opportunity to re-ignite the joy that brought us to higher education. In this workshop we introduced a variety of contemplative practices such as mindfulness meditation, reflective reading and writing, deep listening, contemplative movement, compassion and loving kindness. The benefits of these practices include increased attention, reduced anxiety, enhanced resiliency, and heightened self -reflection. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants had a variety of techniques to apply to their interactions with students and colleagues. Staff, faculty, students, and administrators were all welcome. This retreat was attended by 25 to 30 participants.
Facilitators include Ranjeeta Basu, Paul Stuhr, Jill Weigt, Marie Thomas, Jennifer Jeffries, Jocelyn Ahlers and Pamela Redela

Summer Conference 2021 (online)

JUNE 17-18, 2021

Mindfulness curious? Wondering about contemplative practices in higher education settings? Faculty and educational professionals can increase the engagement of students by intentionally including practices that increase attention, reduce anxiety, support resiliency in the face of challenging situations, and help students engage in self-reflection. Participants joined us for two half-days of facilitated conversations about the principles of mindfulness and explorations of the use of contemplative practices in the classroom and the workplace. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants had a variety of techniques to apply to their work with students and colleagues.  This conference was attended by over one hundred participants from around the world.

Non violence & Forgiveness Lecture by Azim Khamisa in Fall 2018 at CSUSM