UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center Guided Meditations: Cultivating Well-being and Resilience

The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC), now known as UCLA Mindful, has been a pioneering force in making mindfulness practices accessible to a global audience. Since 2006, the center has remained committed to providing innovative, evidence-based mindfulness programs aimed at empowering individuals and institutions to manage stress, enhance health, and cultivate inner and outer peace. UCLA Mindful's approach emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds to explore the transformative potential of mindfulness without compromising the depth of practice.

The Vision of UCLA Mindful

UCLA Mindful, the mindfulness education center at UCLA Health, is dedicated to advancing mindfulness education to promote individual and cultural well-being and resilience worldwide. Their mission is rooted in providing evidence-based mindfulness programs that empower individuals and institutions to manage stress, enhance health, and cultivate inner and outer peace.

Diana Winston and the Focus on Natural Awareness

A key figure in UCLA Mindful's success is renowned mindfulness teacher and author Diana Winston. In recent years, Winston has focused her teaching on Natural Awareness-the effortless, objectless, and spacious side of awareness practices. This approach encourages practitioners to connect with a sense of inherent peace and openness, moving beyond traditional techniques that rely on focused attention.

Guided Meditations for All Levels

UCLA Mindful offers a wide selection of guided meditations suitable for beginners, as well as experienced meditators. These meditations provide a structured framework for cultivating mindfulness, allowing individuals to deepen their practice and experience the benefits of increased awareness. The center provides resources suitable for various levels of experience, ensuring that everyone can find guidance that resonates with their individual needs and preferences. You can stream or download free studio-recorded guided meditations or weekly live podcasts.

Opportunities to Practice with UCLA Mindful

UCLA Mindful provides various avenues for individuals to engage with mindfulness practices, both virtually and in person. These opportunities include:

Hammer Museum Drop-In (Hybrid)

Teachers from UCLA Mindful lead weekly meditation sessions at the Hammer Museum, offering a hybrid experience that combines in-person and virtual participation. These sessions provide an opportunity to meditate with others and learn about different themes in mindfulness. Diana Winston leads live meditations at the Hammer Museum most Thursdays from 12:30-1pm Pacific Time.

Mindful Monday

This weekly drop-in session is facilitated by senior teacher Marvin G. Belzer, as well as other UCLA Mindful teachers. These meditations are held weekly via Zoom video conferencing, making it easy for individuals to participate from anywhere in the world.

Meditation Class

UCLA Mindful teachers lead live online meditation classes, providing a weekly opportunity to practice together and learn about different aspects of mindfulness. Each week explores a new theme or topic in mindfulness, offering a diverse and engaging learning experience.

Mindfulness, Music, and Creative Expression

UCLA Mindful recognizes the power of integrating mindfulness with other forms of creative expression. This is exemplified in unique programs that bring together mindfulness teachers with artists and performers.

Diana Winston and Ofosu Jones-Quartey (Born I)

Renowned mindfulness teacher and author Diana Winston and rapper, author, and meditation teacher Ofosu Jones-Quartey (Born I) collaborate for evenings of practice, conversation, and performance. The program opens with a guided meditation led by Ofosu, followed by an intimate dialogue between Diana and Ofosu exploring the intersections of mindfulness, music, and creative expression. Ofosu shares selections from his book Lyrical Dharma: Hip Hop as Mindfulness and performs songs from his latest album Komorebi, weaving together mindfulness, poetry, and hip hop as pathways of presence and healing. Diana closes the evening with a brief meditation, followed by a book signing and community gathering.

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