NEW *Classes starting Wednesday, June 5th*

 

“Researchers theorize that mindfulness meditation promotes metacognitive awareness, decreases rumination via disengagement from perseverative cognitive activities and enhances attentional capacities through gains in working memory. These cognitive gains, in turn, contribute to effective emotion-regulation strategies.” – American Psychological Association, (2012, July 8), What are the benefits of Mindfulness?, Monitor on Psychology

5 Classes of Group Mindfulness with Michelle Benedict
Wednesdays: 5:00-6:00 or 6:15-7:15, at the Crozet office
Group Session for children (5 classes): $200
     – Groups are determined by age and are tailored to the participants
Individual sessions also available for children or adults: $50/45 min

Mindfulness 101- An Introduction to Present Moment Experience, six meetings
This is the first course of a series of three consecutive courses where students will learn to focus their awareness on their present moment experience, with an emphasis on yoga and breath work. Students will be encouraged to practice the knowledge they have acquired during each session and share it with their peers and family. Guided meditation audios will be available for school and home use. This class gives students valuable tools to possibly help reduce everyday stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness 202- Contemplative Practices, Going Deeper into Everyday Experiences, six meetings
In this second course, we will go deeper in honing the skills learned in the previous six weeks and continue to explore everyday experiences. Topics will include, but are not limited to, deep listening, mindful speech and walking. Students will be encouraged to keep a private journal. Prerequisite: Mindfulness 101

Mindfulness 303- Cultivating Presence, six meetings
The third course will focus on cultivating a deeper inner understanding and how one relates to the world. Students will have the opportunity to expand their experiences to foster an inner confidence and strength. Topics will include, but are not limited to, gratitude, visualizations, heightened awareness, and contemplative practice in the everyday. Students will be encouraged to keep a private journal. Prerequisite: Mindfulness 202

​Private Coaching, six meetings
Students have the opportunity to work individually with Michelle on a variety of topics they are interested in exploring. An example of this would be an athlete wanting to improve their game or a musician or thespian wanting to strengthen their stage presence. Prerequisite: Mindfulness 303

All classes held in our office in Crozet. Classes are scheduled on an on-going basis, based on interest. Please call to inquire (434) 466-1588.

Michelle Benedict, MA has a master’s degree in contemplative education from Naropa University. Her life-long passion is to help others, particularly children. Michelle is a certified teacher in the state of Virginia with an endorsement in earth and space science, and geography. She has taught in a variety of public school settings. She teaches mindfulness techniques at Aligned Clinical and Educational Services, PLC to help people improve their emotional regulation and increase their overall wellbeing.