Mindful vs Meditation
People often use the terms meditation and mindfulness interchangeably and there are many different subtle differences in the ways people use each term. We tend to think about meditation as an activity that you practice and mindfulness as a quality of awareness.
Meditation is anytime you make a conscious decision to bring your attention to a specific focal point, and to notice when your mind wanders away from that focal point. Focal points can be breath, object, or mantra.
In other words, meditation is paying attention, on purpose, with kindness (without judgement).
Mindfulness is that quality of awareness you have when your attention is situated on something in the present moment. Mindfulness helps you focus on the present by tuning into your surroundings using your senses.
You could say that meditation is something you practice so that you can be more mindful.
Apps
Headspace: 7 day free trial then subscription. Good for beginners.
Calm: Free basic subscription or paid premium subscription for additional content, sleep meditations/stories and nature sounds.
Insight Timer: Free guided meditations, music tracks and discussion groups with s.tatistics dashboard to track your progress
Waking Up with Sam Harris: 1st Month Free then paid subscription. No music or nature sounds
Websites
Center for Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) Chris Germer and Kristen Neff
Mindfulness Meditation Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Do Nothing Project Jeff Warren
The Work Byron Katie
Greater Good in Action: Science Based Practices for a Meaningful Life UC Berkley
The Tapping Solutions (EFT Emotional Freedom Technique)
Readings
Blessing in the Chaos by Jan Richardson
Homecoming by Linda Reuther
What I Know About Pain by Andrea Gibson
Breath by Breath by Arielle Schwartz
Have Patience by Ranier Maria Rilke
When Sorrow Comes by A Powell Davies
Hemispheres by Hafiz
You Are Somebody’s Front Porch by John Roedel
Were it Possible to See Further Than Our Knowledge Reaches by Ranier Maria Rilke
Meditations
Books
Media/Podcasts
Headspace Guide to Meditation (Netflix)
Headspace Guide to Sleep (Netflix)
Good Mourning (Movie)
Terrible, Thanks for Asking Nora McInerny (Podcast)
Meet the Facilitators
Emma Weisfeld-Adams
Emma is a certified death doula, meditation teacher, and trained facilitator. She became interested in meditation when her husband was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer while she had one young child and was pregnant with a second. She knew she needed better coping skills. Having heard the myriad scientific studies proving the benefits of meditation, she started a regular practice. After her husband’s death, she was compelled to deepen her meditation practice, and learn more about how to help people in end-of-life circumstances. Emma is trained as an end-of-life doula and meditation teacher. She now spends her time learning and teaching about meditation, helping people create end-of-life plans, and raising her two sons. For more information about Emma’s work visit her website at www.beautifullifebeautifuldeath.com
Julie Mahoney Thomas
Julie is the founder of The Gentle Way, a healing practice aimed at providing support to those facing end of life, affected by grief and interested in personal and spiritual transformation . With over 25 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor, she has facilitated numerous grief groups. Julie is committed to creating a safe and compassionate space for people to come together, heal, and find hope through connection with others.
