A Mindfulness Group for Service Providers in the Downtown Eastside
For many of us, working alongside people who are facing serious issues like mental illness, substance misuse, and homelessness can be experienced as both inspirational and demanding. Supporting our own mental wellness is a way that we can show compassion to ourselves, so that we can continue extending it to others. Mindfulness practices, including meditation, can be a helpful way to sustain us in this work, and helps us to respond more skilfully to situations at work, rather than simply reacting.
Starting January 11th 2010, Brian Williams (MA, CCC) will be facilitating a mindfulness group specifically for service providers who work in the Downtown Eastside, or from other areas who work alongside people facing similar issues. There is no cost beyond a completely voluntary donation after each class.
What would the Buddha buy? Not too much, not too little. Picture him with his own reusable grocery bag slung over his shoulder, talking to a shopper about making mindful choices: “Do you really need it?” “Where does it come from?” “How will it affect the environment when you’re done?” He might have enjoyed celebrating International Buy Nothing Day on November 29 as a spiritual retreat from frantic holiday shopping (the “shopocalypse,” as Reverend Billy calls it).