December Meeting - Mindfulness

When:  Dec 4, 2018 from 05:30 PM to 08:30 PM (ET)
Associated with  North Penn Chapter

Mindfulness

1 hour CPE – Other

thumbnail image


Gretchen Tucker, MA, CCTP

Psychology Today states that:

“Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When we are mindful, we carefully observe our thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad.  It means living in the moment and awakening to our current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Mindfulness is frequently used in meditation and certain kinds of therapy. It has many positive benefits, including lowering stress levels, reducing harmful ruminating, improving our overall health, and protecting against depression and anxiety. There is even research suggesting that mindfulness can help people cope better with rejection and social isolation.”

Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, says:

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally.  It’s about knowing what is on your mind.”

Thich Nhat Hanh, a well-renowned peace activist and Buddhist monk, says:

“Mindfulness shows us what is happening in our bodies, our emotions, our minds, and in the world.”

I will lead the group through a series of light and accessible stretches to warm up the muscles and loosen the body.  Decreasing stiffness and tension in the muscles can help prepare a person to sit in meditation.  Movements will be simple and easily accessed while seated in your chair.  Then, I will invite the group to join me in a guided visualization which is meant to calm the mind, increase focus, improve body awareness, and open access to the individual’s creativity.  The continual focus will be on your breathing and your experiences of sensation.  Breath and sensation can ground a person into the present moment.  When paired with a calm and focused mind, it is possible to be productive, compassionate, self-aware, and fully present in one’s life.

 Like any other new skill, it takes time to acquire a level of comfort and ease with the practice.  I hope that everyone will participate to their comfort level and have a positive experience of learning and practicing mindfulness.


Gretchen Tucker is an art psychotherapist, holding a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Drexel University.  Gretchen works full time for The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth, a nonprofit organization, which provides free trauma-focused mobile therapy to victims of crime throughout Montgomery County.  Through art-making, conversation, and mindfulness strategies, Gretchen facilitates creative self-expression, acknowledging the innate desire of the individual to be well and reach their fullest potential. Gretchen’s clinical approach is strengths-based and person-centered. She admires the creativity and unique perspective each individual brings to the table and she relishes the opportunity to help children and families work through difficulty to emerge stronger, happier, and better equipped to handle challenges in the future.  

Gretchen is also a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer.  For several years, she taught classes at Drexel University and Y2B Fit Studio in Philadelphia.  She most enjoys working with people who are new to fitness or yoga.  Gretchen brings her passion for health and well-being into the forefront of her work by hosting weekly meditation groups for her fellow employees.”



Click the Register Now button to pay by PayPal

Or call 215-273-4998 and leave your name and the number of reservations

Or you may email your reservation  northpennima@yahoo.com

​​​

Location

Wm Penn Inn
1017 DeKalb Pike
Ambler, PA 19002