Half-Day Mindfulness Workshop

Saturday, October 26, 2024

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Offered in both formats: Online via Zoom or In-person at the
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax

****  In-person meeting space is limited  ****


In this mindfulness workshop, we will come together as a community to enjoy the nourishing silence, and practice sitting, walking, and eating mindfully. We will also learn the art of deep relaxation, mindful movement and Qigong. We will be reminded to stay in touch with all the wonders of life in us and around us, such as a healthy beating heart, beautiful sunshine, and lovely birds singing. The community's collective energy of mindfulness will also help us to embrace our thoughts and feelings as they arise so that we can continue to feel solid and calm. A reflection on the art of mindful living in our daily life will be shared in the Dharma talk.

Program Schedule:

Half-day Program: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Eastern Time
  • 8:45 - In-person check-in or getting online
  • 9:00 - Introduction
  • 9:40 - Total body relaxation/Sitting meditation
  • 10:20 - Mindful movement/qigong
  • 11:00 - Mindful walking/singing
  • 11:20 - Outdoor walking
  • 11:40 - Dharma talk
  • 12:45 - Orientation on mindful eating
  • 1:00 - Eating lunch as a community
  • 1:45 - Appreciation
  • 2:00 - End of program

Option 1: In-Person Workshop
Registration and Contribution

Since some people who registered for our recent in-person workshops did not notify us ahead of time that they could not come, several members on the waiting list missed the opportunity to join us and learn about the practice. We ask, therefore, that if you register to attend the in-person workshop that you make a contribution at the time of registering. This will ensure that your place will be reserved. This requirement does not apply to MPCF's sponsors. If we are notified of your cancellation prior to the event, your contribution will be fully refunded. Thank you for your understanding.

Your contribution helps the MPCF sustain and spread mindfulness practice to larger communities. They also support our teachers as they dedicate their lives to teaching and sharing the art of mindful living.

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Register for the in-person workshop

Suggested contribution for the in-person workshop: $40 to $60.
Contribution for the in-person workshop

In-person Meeting Hygiene Guidelines:
To minimize the risk of transmission of the Flu, RSV and COVID viruses, please follow these guidelines:
  • If you do not feel well, please refrain from attending in person and join the online workshop instead.
  • We recommend you wear a mask to protect high-risk individuals.
  • We provide hand sanitizers at the door. Hand-washing with soap and water is recommended, especially before eating lunch.
  • Please bring your own blanket and pillow (if needed) for the deep relaxation. We provide mats and cushions for the sitting, but you may bring your own if that makes you feel more comfortable.
  • If you would like to give a friend a mindful hug, ask first to be sure that your friend is comfortable with hugging.
Brown bag lunch:
Please bring your own food, drink, and utensils for lunch (brown bag style).

Option 2: Online Workshop
Registration and Contribution

You are invited to make a contribution at the time of registration. Your contribution helps the MPCF sustain and spread mindfulness practice to larger communities. They also support our teachers as they dedicate their lives to teaching and sharing the art of mindful living

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Register for the online workshop

Suggested contribution for the online workshop: $30 to $50.
Contribution for the online workshop

To maintain an energy of peace and togetherness, we recommend that you attend the workshop from the beginning and be present at the Chapel or online at 8:45 AM.


Attending the workshop online via Zoom :

To participate in the workshop online, you will need a desktop, laptop, iPad, tablet or smartphone running the Zoom Video Conferencing software or app. If you are using a desktop, make sure that it is equipped with a webcam and a microphone. Click here for installation instructions for the software or app.

Dress comfortably, and choose a quiet place in your home for the following practices:

- sitting meditation: on chair, bench or cushion;
- guided deep relaxation: yoga mat, pillow and blanket for lying down;
- walking meditation: a clear space behind your seat for slow mindful walking.

Group lunch online: Please prepare your lunch ahead of time. We will have about 10 minutes to get our meal ready before getting back together for lunch.