Elaine Tai, Librarian Burlingame Library
“Aiko is amazing and I was so glad we found her! She first taught a basic mindfulness class at the library, and then came back and did a four-week series, which was consistently well-attended. It’s rare to have library patrons come back to attend events every week, but for her they did. Her background as a biology teacher comes through, and I found it incredibly helpful in guiding people to understand what we’re doing with various practices. With every mindfulness exercise she is very flexible and open to acknowledging that people may respond to exercises differently and that practices are not one-solution-fits-all. To top it off, her voice offered perfect soothing tones while her attitude was open and welcoming - none of which felt contrived or cliched. Attendees gave great feedback on Aiko and the different sessions, and I’m eager to continue to have her host sessions (and hope to even work with her on such teachings in a professional development capacity).”
Drop in Mindfulness Classes
This is a wonderful wellness offering for employees to know that they matter. Not only is at an opportunity for self care during the working day, but its a great way to build community! These sessions meet once or twice a week. Each class starts off with a guided 20 - 30 minute guided meditation, followed by Q & A or shares, ending with a short mindfulness talk. This is a powerful way to learn mindfulness, as the collective presence generated by the participants creates a deep sense of safety and connection. The themes explored are fluid in nature as they emerge organically as a result of what is alive in the moment for the group.
Shorter Mindfulness Class Series
As an alternative, you can opt to host a shorter series focused around specific themes. Below are some examples. If you have a particular theme that you would like to explore and integrate as part of the work place culture, lets collaborate and customize a class to your interests!
Foundation of Mindfulness
This 4-8 week introductory course will focus on each pillar that makes up the foundation of Mindfulness: awareness of the body, emotions and mind. Each session will be taught as a hands-on investigation to explore the true nature of awareness. Though each week can be taken as a stand-alone workshop, participants are highly encouraged to attend all four sessions to get the most out of the course.
Mindful Communication
(2 - 6 month Series)
Learn how to communicate in a way that increases connection and understanding at work! This series will use interactive exercises to apply the principals of both Mindfulness and Nonviolent Communication to increase understanding and connection in day to day conversations. We will explore the following: having attuned conversations, listening with empathy, asking for what you want, and communicating effectively during conflicts.
Wise Use of Mind
(6 week series)
Our mind is an incredible feature and has allowed us to be one of the most successful species on this planet. Yet, evolution favors safety over accuracy… which creates an interesting dilemma for us: should the mind be the one calling the shots? What if we were asking it to do a job that is beyond its capacity? Have we placed too much emphasis on thinking and fallen out of balance with the other attributes that we have? If so, how can we restore our connection to true wisdom?
Re-establishing Self Connection and Self Trust
The intention of this 6 week series is to serve as a lab space to test out what happens when we bring our full selves back online… when we honor, respect and cherish our unique way of being, and follow the yearnings of the heart. Seeing the stark contrast between what emerges and what we are currently experiencing nurtures the confidence to take risks to create change. And as these changes translate into a life that is more aligned with our values and wants, we get the evidence needed to trust our way as the most reliable way. We are able to move from the resignation of surviving to the joy of thriving.
BRINGING MINDFULNESS INTO MAKING DECISIONS
This class will use mindfulness to investigate how our views about decisions, where we place our attention during the deciding process and the method that we apply, can actually interfere with making effective choices. Participants will use a real life decision they are currently contending with to apply the themes that will be explored in the course
Mindfulness for Challenging Times
Part 1: Being with what is happening
This session will explore meditation as a safe place to deeply listen, witness and be with all experiences. Participants will practice techniques to break free from unhelpful thought patterns and to meet difficult emotions with more compassion and care.
Part 2: Restoring a more balanced view
One of the mind’s survival strategies is being able to quickly detect threats or problems. While this can be helpful in keeping us safe, it can also perpetuate a chronic state of stress and anxiety. In this session, participants will learn how to use heart practices such as gratitude, compassion, love, and generosity to restore a more balanced perspective on reality.