Mindfulness workshop by Thanh Huynh, M.D.

Place: Kapiolani Women Center, Beretania at Artesian, Honolulu

Date and time: Saturday 14 June 08, 10 AM-12 noon

(Future class: 10 October 08, 10-1)

Registration: 535-7000

Cost: Free. (Donation to a charity of your choice is welcome)

Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying non-judging attention, moment by moment, to the present-time unfolding life experience without attachment to pleasantness or resistance to unpleasantness. This relaxed non-bias awareness allows one to see things clearly as they really are and learn to respond, rather than react to stressors encountered. This leads to more joy and a sense of peace. Mindfulness has been successfully taught in hospitals and stress reduction clinics around the world.

Course highlights:

THEORY

-The benefits of the mindfulness practice.

-Concentration (tranquility) vs mindfulness (insight) .  

- Four foundations of mindfulness.

-Concept and reality.

PRACTICE

-Guided instruction on some techniques of mindfulness, including a short sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful eating.

-Application of mindfulness in daily activities.

-Loving-kindness practice.

-Non-harming attitude.

Dr Huynh is a radiation oncologist holding faculty apointments with the University of Hawaii School of Medecine and the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii. He has been studying and practicing mindfulness (insight/vipassana) meditation since 1984. He began sharing this practice with Oahu prisons' inmates in 1993.  Dr Huynh also offers regular Mindfulness workshops to the public, school children and cancer patients with rewarding results. He and colleagues at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii recently completed a successful feasibility study using the internet to teach mindfulness to people with cancer.