Are you looking to cultivate a mind that is more peaceful? More capable of navigating challenges with a little more grace and effectiveness? Or to simply be more awake and present in each moment?

Interested? Why not try our local Mindfulness group? It is free, and meets on Zoom on Tuesday evenings 7:00 – 8:15 pm. We have been meeting since September and will continue to meet as long as there is interest. A typical session will begin with a mindfulness meditation, slightly guided, to be followed by discussion and Q&A, and then a guided introduction to a related mindfulness practice such as kindness, compassion, or gratitude; contemplations for working with physical and emotional pain; and mindful eating exercises.

The class is open to those new to mindfulness meditation and also to those with experience. Participants will gain the experience and confidence to cultivate their own personal at-home practice.

The program will be run on Zoom, and you will have the option of just calling in on a regular phone, in which case you can hear our discussion and participate in it verbally (and we can hear you) OR connecting to the meeting via the internet on your computer, laptop, or smart phone – in which case you will be able to see and hear everyone and we can all hear you if you speak (and we can see you if you choose to be visible).

If you have never done this, believe me it is not that hard. Over 100 people have participated in our Zoom Mindfulness program since last spring. On a typical Tuesday night there will be about 40 – 50 participants. Attendance at all sessions is not required, but momentum will build from week to week.

If you are interested, the first step is for you to let me know by sending an email to gregtopak@gmail.com, confirming that you would like to be included on the invitation list. If so, I will then send you an email with instructions about how to join the ZOOM meeting either by phone or computer.

I look forward to practicing mindfulness with you.

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Greg Topakian, Ph.D., is a long time educator and actuary. Over the past thirty-five years, he has balanced his professional life with a daily practice of yoga and mindfulness meditation. During that period Greg has participated in several long term retreats to deepen his concentration and awareness. Now in semi-retirement, Greg teaches mindfulness to employees of local colleges, town governments, and corporations across the state. Every Spring and Fall, he offers a multi-week Introduction to Mindfulness at the Westborough Library. Since Covid, the group has been meeting weekly on Zoom.

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For more information, please call the library at 508-366-3050.