Mindfully Navigating CIRS Recovery: Intro to Meditation 6-week Course

WHO SHOULD SIGN UP?

This 6-week course is appropriate for those with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and on the Shoemaker Recovery path. It is designed for those who are new to mindfulness meditation practices or for experienced meditators looking to begin again in community. Teachings will directly relate to CIRS experiences.

*** The course is for those who are on Step 3 of the Shoemaker protocol (out of exposure, on biotoxin binders, passing VCS, treating MARCONS) or beyond and who feel they can commit to 6 weeks of attendance, are willing to complete pre and post research surveys, and don’t meditate regularly at the moment (regularly = 3 times per week or more, it’s okay if you have in the past).***

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Each 1-hour session will provide guidance on different elements of mindfulness meditation.  You will learn a variety of mindfulness meditations and practical ways to integrate mindfulness into CIRS recovery.

GOALS:

• Cultivating self-awareness
• Learning to rest in the body
• Working with repetitive thinking
• Identifying  the judgmental “inner critic”
• Safely feeling emotions 
• Supporting yourself with kindness and compassion

WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?

The course includes the following:

• Training in meditation, developing awareness of breath, body, feelings and thoughts
• Managing stress and learning how to shift from reaction to response
• Recognizing and releasing unhelpful thoughts and mind states
• Exploring, understanding and working with a range of emotional experience
• Cultivating the qualities of kindness, love and self -compassion

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN EACH SESSION?

Each 1-hour class includes:

• Guided Meditation Practice
• Teachings on the topic of the day
• Time for questions
• Inquiry with fellow students
• Activities and support for home practice
• Access to prerecorded meditations
• One private 15-minute teacher meeting half way through the course

WHAT DAY AND TIME?

Sunday Evenings @ 7 PM EST: Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct. 6 and 13, 2024

• Please contact Melanie if you have questions about the course
• Registration closes Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024
• For those participating in research, if you attend all 6 classes you will be refunded in full.

Melanie is certified as a Mindfulness Teacher through the Mindfulness Training Institute.

She has completed additional mindfulness training through David Treleaven’s Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness program.

Melanie is a Shoemaker Proficiency Partner Diplomate and recovering from CIRS.