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Mindfulness-Heartfulness
by Dean Solon
 Ram Dass: "We are all just walking each other home."
In my lifetime, mindfulness—in its multitude of forms—has become one of the most popular indoor sports in the United States.
It is a sport; it is a practice that comes with many instructions.
Yet there are no rules...other than this, perhaps: A heart of the practice is being kind and gentle with yourself.
Meditation is a personal journey, is a path of discovery.
Each of us is born into this life,
without a visible road map,
and told to explore.
Exploring, it can be easy to forget you are exploring.
Experimenting, it can be easy to forget you are experimenting.
Exploring and experimenting, it may be easy to forget---in this world with a nearly infinite possibility of activities, of experiences, of dramas and distractions---that within each of is is a nearly infinite ocean of possibility.
Within you is a world of mystery and surprise, is a world of awe and splendor.
» Read the full poem on our blog
Dean Solon leads meditation groups on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings at The Resiliency Center. He has been practicing for over 45 years and facilitating meditation groups on a regular basis since 2003. He encourages a personal, gentle, non-rigid approach to mindfulness and meditation.
» RSVP by contacting him at solon945@aol.com and joining our Meetup group.
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An Exercise in Heartfulness and Self-Compassion
By Jen Perry
 Recent studies conducted by researcher Kristin Neff and her team have found that the heartfulness practices of self-compassion has as strong if not stronger outcomes in health and wellbeing when emphasized explicitly in contemplative practices. It is my opinion that self-compassion when emphasized has less of the drop-out problem I hear so frequently. This makes sense because the whole premise of self-compassion is one of softening to our suffering, our inner critic, and our perceived failures.
So, if you are someone who when they hear about meditation exclaims: “I tried meditation but it’s too hard, I can’t do it!†and you happened to have approached your attempts to learn mindfulness without the emphasis on heartfulness, I invite you to retry your approach using heartfulness first.
The Self-Compassion Break (from Kristin Neff http://self-compassion.org)
When you are having a stressful moment, see if you can feel where in your body you experience the stress.
Now, say to yourself:
1. This is a moment of suffering.
That’s mindfulness, the simple, bare awareness of what you are going through. Other options include:
- This hurts.
- Ouch.
- This is stress.
2. Suffering is a part of life.
We often forget that suffering is common to all and present in every life. Other options include:
- Other people feel this way.
- I’m not alone.
- We all struggle in our lives.
Say to yourself while placing a hand over your heart:
3. May I be kind to myself?
You can also ask yourself, “What do I need to hear right now to express kindness to myself?†Is there a phrase that speaks to you in your particular situation, such as:
- May I give myself the compassion that I need
- May I learn to accept myself as I am
- May I forgive myself
- May I be strong
- May I be patient
This practice can be used any time of day or night, and will help you remember to evoke self-compassion when you need it most.
Jennifer Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mindfulness Teacher and Peaceful Parenting Coach. Using Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment strategies she helps clients relate to themselves and their experiences with compassion in order live full and meaningful lives. Her approach balances the desire for personal growth and change with acceptance and loving-kindness for self and others.
» Contact her at jen@heartfulness consulting.comand 215-292-5056 for information about her counseling and coaching practice as well as for upcoming classes.
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Featured Programs
Free Community Event: Sending Your Roots Rain
April 16, 2016, 2pm-3pm
 April is National Poetry Month! As a part of the “Philly Loves Poetry†Festival, Writethought will present a free one hour workshop titled “Sending your roots rainâ€. It focuses on self-compassion, and will help participants explore ways in which they can focus on nourishing themselves through writing. Led by Certified Poetry Therapist Anjana Deshpande, this workshop open to all levels of skill and the focus will be on how poetry can help us heal. You do not have to be a good writer to do this! Please bring writing materials with you.
» To register for this free event, please email Anjanawrite@gmail.com.
Labyrinth Walk: Mindfulness in Movement (A CEM Workshop)
Mon., April 11, 7-8:30pm
 Join Brittiney George and Alix Amar in this special outdoor CEM workshop. This event will take place in a beautiful private labyrinth in Elkins Park where we will enjoy an evening of meditation, community, and an exploration of ways to bring mindfulness into our daily lives.
Space is limited, please RSVP by April 8 to confirm participation and receive directions by contacting Brittiney George at 610-389-7866 or movebackintolife@gmail.com.
» More information is available on Meetup.
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Community News
Resiliency Center Knitting Circle Warm Hugs Project
On March 12, 2016, Jen Perry and members of the Resiliency Center Knitting Circle brought “Warm Hugs†~ knitted and crocheted lap blankets to the Dresher Hill Rehabilitation Center. This is our second year spending the afternoon talking with residents and bringing smiles and warmth through our donation of 50 blankets. If you would like to participate, you are welcome to join us the second Saturday of every month at 10:00-11:30am.
» Contact Jen for more information jen@ heartfulnessconsulting.com or 215-292-5056
» Learn more on Meetup
Check Out Our New Website!
Our new site is more easy to use, so you can find the right practitioner, program, group, and event easily.
Find events on our calendar, read our blog, check out our Meetup groups, view our offices, and learn more about our services and practitioners—all in one place!
Now, you can also view practitioners by service (like family counseling, health, or professional development), and view programs by topic (like meditation, writing, or yoga). Plus, the site looks great on your phone and tablet too!
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