What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention on purpose to the present moment.  Mindfulness can be practiced formally through different forms of meditation and informally as we go throughout the day.  Observing our thought patterns and cultivating our attention on purpose, allows us to gain clarity that enables us to live with intention, reduce stress and be more present.

Mindfulness Workshops 

We offer the following mindfulness workshops:

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction - Express
  Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword: the practice is proven to help reduce stress, chronic pain and a range of other life issues. Stress can become overwhelming, and when left unmanaged it can compromise your overall health. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teaches proven techniques for living in the present and reducing the worries and fears that cause unnecessary stress. Learn the science and application of mind-body medicine to promote resilience and healing. Based on the highly acclaimed program of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, this streamlined version of MBSR will give you all the essential lessons in eight two-hour online classes. It will help you improve focus, combat stress, and become more resilient to unpredictable life events.

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Workshop facilitators

The Innerwork Center is honored to share the most highly qualified and experienced staff of mindfulness teachers in the Richmond area. All of their facilitators have certification from reputable institutions in the field of mindfulness and years of experience in teaching and coaching. Many of their teachers have advanced degrees and all have a rigorous personal mindfulness practice.

Meet your facilitator: 

John Taylor is an active member of the Greater Richmond community where a primary focus of his work has been on racial equity and reconciliation initiatives, facilitated community dialogues and board service. 

He has a decades long meditation practice and currently serves on the Board of the Innerwork Center where he teaches Mindfulness programs as a Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher. He also serves as a Teacher Trainer and Mentor for aspiring MBSR teachers through the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. John lives in North Chesterfield, Virginia with his partner, three children, and two small but mighty dogs.

VCU and THE INNERWORK CENTER

Build emotional resilience, reduce stress, improve your relationships and craft a more meaningful life - these are just some of the benefits of a regular mindfulness practice.  VCU and The Innerwork Center are proud to join together in bringing evidence-based mindfulness programming to the Richmond area. Through our partnership, we strive to cultivate a wiser and more compassionate RVA with a rich offering of classes to help you learn more about mindfulness - what it is and how to start a practice.  Through our courses, you will learn about the science of mindfulness and compassion as well as practical tips and advice to bring these concepts into your home, your work and your life.

Location

Online workshops are held via the Zoom platform. VCU Continuing and Professional Education will provide you with a link where you can connect through your PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android device.

In-person workshops are held at The Innerwork Center, 213 Roseneath Road, Richmond, Virginia (Grove and Roseneath). Street parking is available in the front, and a lot is available behind the building. Upon arrival, please enter through the front door on Roseneath Road.

Groups

Additional scheduling and custom training options are available for groups. Please contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 for more information.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

You may cancel your registration up until one week prior to the start of the workshop and receive a full refund minus a $35 processing fee. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu. After this period, no refunds are given. (Processing fees are being waived through 6/30/2023.)

In the unlikely event that a workshop is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.