Finding Peace in Parenting: Mindfulness Meditation for Caregivers

WHO SHOULD SIGN UP?

This 4-week course is appropriate for parents of children with special needs, health diagnoses or developmental differences.  It is designed for those who are new to mindfulness meditation practices or for experienced meditators looking to meditate in community. Teachings will directly relate to the unique experiences of parenting this population.

The class will help parents learn how to stay resourced, calm and grounded as well as understand how their thoughts and emotions impact their presence with their child.  The research shows mindfulness can help reduce stress, build resilience and improve relationships.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Each 1-hour session will provide guidance on different elements of mindfulness meditation.  You will learn a variety of mindfulness meditations and practical ways to integrate mindfulness into life as a parent.

GOALS:

• Cultivating self-awareness
• Learning to rest in the body
• Working with repetitive thinking
• Identifying  the judgmental “inner critic”
• Safely feeling emotions 
• Supporting yourself with kindness and compassion

WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?

The course includes the following:

• Training in meditation, developing awareness of breath, body, feelings and thoughts
• Managing stress and learning how to shift from reaction to response
• Recognizing and releasing unhelpful thoughts and mind states
• Exploring, understanding and working with a range of emotional experience
• Cultivating the qualities of kindness, love and self -compassion

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN EACH SESSION?

Each 1-hour class includes:

• Guided Meditation Practice
• Teachings on the topic of the day
• Questions/dialogue with fellow classmates
• Activities and support for home practice
• Access to prerecorded meditations
• One private 15-minute teacher meeting half way through the course

WHAT DAY AND TIME?

Friday 10 AM PST/11 AM MT/1 PM EST on Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 2024

WHAT IS THE COST?

$80 ($20/CLASS)

• Please contact Melanie if you have questions about the course

Melanie Pensak is certified as Speech-Language Pathologist and has worked with children and families for nearly 2 decades. She has been practicing and teaching mindfulness for a decade and is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher through the Mindfulness Training Institute.  Additionally, she has completed training through David Treleaven’s Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness program.