10/07/13 Rev. Dr. Sam Boys, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Ancilla College, discussed Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn Tuesday, October 1 at Earthworks Market.
In his presentation, Boys discussed the many aspects of the practice of mindfulness, including mindfulness’ use as a way to treat chronic pain and differences between mindfulness and meditation. The book explores ways to transform our relationship to the way we think, feel, love, work, and play – and thereby awaken to and embody more completely who we really are.
The evening also included practicing mindfulness through “chocolate meditation” to help the participants cultivate awareness of present-moment direct experience. Participants were asked to smell, touch, hear, see, and finally taste a piece of chocolate.
Roba Kribs, Associate Professor of English at Ancilla College and lecture participant commented “Even something as simple as eating a piece of chocolate, if you’re truly mindful, using all of your senses, can be a really new and different experience.”
Attendees all enjoyed this new experience to say the least!
“Coffee and a Book” is a cultural series co-sponsored by the Ancilla College Humanities Division and Earthworks.
Ancilla College (www.ancilla.edu) is a Catholic, liberal arts, Associate’s Degree college in Donaldson, Indiana, sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.