One of the most beautiful teachings in Judaism is that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God.

One of the practical implications of this teaching is that we all have enormous potential to realize the values of generosity, holiness, compassion, justice and peace. While the potential is there, we sometimes find it difficult to act from the wells of goodness that each of us possess.

Why is this the case?

In part because our lives are overscheduled, without a moment to stop and catch our breaths. In part because technology has made us more distracted and less present. And mostly because we have been habituated to live in a reactive mode, responding to events and emotions without measured thought or intention.

One counterbalance to this way of being is the practice of mindfulness.  In particular, I have found over the past 15 years of practice and study, that mindfulness meditation helps to center and ground me.  Through the cultivation of moment-to-moment attention, mindfulness meditation trains the mind to be less reactive and more intentional, less distracted and more present.  We tap more easily into those wells of goodness within and learn to treasure each day for the miracle it is.

Jewish mindfulness meditation combines the core practices of mindfulness meditation with rich access to the meaning of Biblical stories, prayers and rabbinic texts allowing us to experience the wisdom of our tradition in deeper and more integrated ways.  Jewish mindfulness meditation helps us to experience relaxation, stillness, healing, personal transformation and deep connection to our Source.

Interested in learning more about mindfulness meditation? Join us for our free Monday Morning Meditation Sits by contacting Stacy Jespersen at [email protected]. All are welcome.