MBSR for BIPOC Sp22

Thank you for your interest in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) class. MBSR is designed to introduce mindfulness meditation practice as a way of developing greater balance, ease and fuller participation in your life.

There is no cost for this offering. This class is offered as part of the Mindfulness for All Project, and generously funded by the Kataly Foundation.

What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a way of learning to relate directly to whatever is happening in your life rather than operating on "automatic pilot." Through practice you can more fully experience moments of joy and connection, and find new ways to relate to the illness, pain and stress that is part of life as well.

What is the class like? Our intention is to explore and deepen mindfulness practices in a community where our full selves are invited to be present. While the subject of race may spontaneously arise during periods of participant sharing, this course is not intended to be a forum for the discussion of racial issues as a primary focus. Rather, the course is being offered to the BIPOC community as a way to learn the practice of mindfulness meditation in a supportive and welcoming environment. It is also our hope that together we could experience how developing mindfulness can strengthen and support us as we respond to the complexities of our lives. The weekly classes include guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices, gentle yoga, group dialogue and application to experiences of daily living.

Who is this class for? This class is specifically offered to support those who identify as people of color/multiracial/racial minority, and who are willing to engage in the process of exploring and practicing mindfulness formally and informally. We ask that participants bring a commitment to attend weekly classes and take some time for home practice each day.

Paris Wicker, MSE, NCC (she/her) is a national certified counselor who began her meditation practice in 2019. She recently completed the UW Health Teacher Training Intensive TTI in 2021 and is progressing towards MBSR teacher training certification. Paris is interested in mindfulness in higher education, the connection between mindfulness and racial justice, and mindful childbirth and parenting. Paris is also a PhD candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at UW- Madison studying how Black and Indigenous college students learn and teaching how to be well in college.