Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally, as if your life depended on it.”
John Kabat-Zinn
As an alcoholic and an addict I have to agree with John Kabat-Zinn. When it comes to the practice of mindfulness I am certain, my very life does depend upon it. Just like working the Steps and practicing the principles of Recovery in all my affairs I must strive to practice Mindfulness in everything I do, not just while meditating or praying but in all my activities. By staying Mindful, in the present moment, I can see things as they really are, not clouded by the judgement and fear of my alcoholic mind. This past weekend a couple of Jaywalker alumni and myself had the opportunity to participate in the Mindful Life Program.
We joined 20 others in being part of the inagural Mindful Life Program held at the Third street Center here in Carbondale.The program was hosted by Davi Nikent and Greenweaver, Inc. This Mindfulness course was developed and facilitated by John Bruna (Jangchub Chophel) who spent six years as a Buddhist Monk. John is a counselor, educator, and a spiritual educator. He spent eight years teaching low-income minority students in Long Beach, California not far from the violent and drug infested neighborhood where he grew up. John has recently moved to Carbondale and has been an active member of our Recovery community and has been helping many of our Jaywalkers improve and enhance their spiritual lives. John has been a member of the Recovery community since 1984 and provides practical tools to integrate mindfulness training and meditation with 12 Step programs.
“The Mindful Life Program is a mindfulness course that empowers you to engage the moments of your life with attention and intention. The Program is designed tho help practitioners lead a meaningful life with mental and emotional balance and in alignment with their inner values – regardless of your cultural, economic, or spiritual background. Ultimately, mindfulness increases one’s ability to have a calm and stable mind that is able to effectively respond in a beneficial way to challenges that arise in life.” Mental and emotional balance, a calm and focused mind… ? these were qualities I rarely achieved while deep in my addiction. Mindfulness and meditation are becoming a bigger part of my daily practice and have provided tangible results. After a busy and often hectic Holiday season I can’t imagine a better way to start 2014. Note to self: It’s progress , not perfection !
To learn more about John Bruna and the Mindful Life Program please visit: The Way of Compassion Foundation
With Gratitude,
Mark Kloster
Alumni Coordinator
