PEPPERELL — A four-part workshop titled “Mindfulness Meditation and the 4 Heart Practices”, led by Anita McHugh, will be offered to the public beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Art Gallery of the Lawrence Library, 15 Main St. Each workshop will be held from 6:30 until 8 p.m.
“The community is invited to learn about the four heart qualities, which can be cultivated through meditation, and how each one can lead to deeper happiness and well-being.” said McHugh, who has been practicing meditation for over 15 years.
The topic of “Loving Kindness (Goodwill)” will kick off the series on Tuesday, Sept. 3. “Compassion” will be discussed on Tuesday, Sept. 10, followed by “Empathetic Joy (Gratitude)” on Tuesday, Sept. 17, concluding with “Equanimity” on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
McHugh attended MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) training, and is interested in Buddhist studies in the Zen and Theravada traditions. She is currently enrolled in a two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program taught by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, amongst others.
“Teaching this class will complete the remainder of my practicum requirements and I look forward to continuing teaching, both classes and individual instruction,” McHugh added.
McHugh says that the “Mindfulness Meditation and the 4 Heart Practices” class is most beneficial when taken together, “but flexibility is important, so if a class is missed, a weekly e-mail summary of the class is sent with recommended readings and suggested additional resources.”
Generally, each session will consist of 45 minutes teaching of the heart practices, as well as practical instructions/exercises to cultivate and integrate these qualities outside of class.
“We will also identify any roadblocks or obstacles and learn ways to navigate these challenges,” McHugh added.
A 20- to 30-minute guided meditation will also be held, followed by a question and answer period, if time permits.
“In general, our society is more stressed and anxious than ever,” McHugh said. “Meditation can be an important tool to help us improve our physical and mental health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilled life. Many people who practice regularly report that it enriches and supports their own life and their relationships, as they become more familiar with the practices of steady kind attention, loving-kindness, and compassion.”
For more information, or to register for this workshop, visit lawrencelibrary.org or call 978-433-0330.
