We spend a lot of our lives busily going from one task to the next. We often miss the present moment. The present moment is where we meet God. The present moment is also where we find the space to respond in healthier ways to our experiences instead of reacting automatically.
Mindfulness is paying attention to what is happening in the present moment — nonjudgmentally and with compassion. Paying attention gives us valuable information we can use to live better. During our time together, we will experience mindfulness practices for reducing stress and becoming more aware of God’s presence.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and may want to bring a blanket or shawl to this retreat. If you have one, please bring a yoga mat or something soft to lay on, a cushion or pillow to sit on, and a journal or paper, as well. Please note, however, that it is not necessary to lie down or sit on the floor to participate. Lunch is included.
Heather Alexander, MD, FAAP has a passion for encouraging people to live well by becoming more present to the moments of their lives and living with more compassion. She sees this as her way of offering peace to our world that is so in need of healing. Initially learning mindfulness to reduce stress, she found that practicing mindfulness helped her to be more aware of God’s presence. Dr. Alexander has led workshops on practicing mindfulness for stress reduction and connecting with God, mindfulness for parents, and mindfulness for teens. She received an undergraduate degree from Haverford College, a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed her pediatric residency at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. She also trained with the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine and with the Mindful School program to teach mindfulness to children. Dr. Alexander currently practices in Columbia, Maryland.