OFFERING THE GIFT OF MINDFULNESS
December 15, 2021
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
A Moment with Stephanie
This time of year I have gifts on my mind. How do I show my love and gratitude to all of those in my life I love and care for? How do I show my care and gratitude to all those who support the work of Awaken Pittsburgh?
Often I reflexively turn to consumerism – what should I buy them? What will bring them joy? What do they need? The reality is that most folks I know don’t “need” much of anything.
I think Thich Nhat Hanh is right when he says that the most precious gift we can give our friends and loved ones is the gift of our presence. It might sound cliché, but how often do we really have the gift of someone’s undivided attention and empathy? And how often do we offer that gift to others? In order to be fully present to others, we must first offer ourselves the gift or our own care and attention.
I truly believe that by giving our support, our time, and our presence we can support people in their healing. This can then flow out like the ripples on water. This is the work of Awaken Pittsburgh — offering us all the gift of mental health and wellbeing. In the words of Bryant McGill, “We can change the world one thought at a time, one child at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time, one city, one state and one country at a time.” Find below ways you can join us to offer this gift of mindful presence to yourself, those you love, and our community.
Wishing each of you the gifts of peace, love, joy and the presence of those you love during these holidays and throughout the New Year.
Stephanie M. Romero, Ed.D.
Founder and Executive Director, Awaken Pittsburgh
OPPORTUNITIES TO FIND SUPPORT THIS WINTER
Saturday Online Guided Meditations
Awaken Pittsburgh is offering monthly guided meditations open to anyone! This is a chance to practice in community together. Each session follows the same format: introductions, a period of guided meditation, and then a chance to support one another, discuss how our meditations are going at home, and ask any questions we have about practice. We hope to see you there!
December guided online practice will be December 18 @ 9:30.
There is no charge for attending, but donations to support our work are appreciated!
Click here to sign up for one or both of these.
Mindful Connections for Wellness
Learn how mindfulness and meditation can support you in this time of uncertainty and disruption by registering here for our Mindful Connections online program. The course starts Wednesday, January 12th and meets 6:30-8:00 pm for nine consecutive Wednesdays. This program is offered for 16 number of CE hours of social work continuing education through co-sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work.
Leading Change: Bridging Individuals, Teams and Systems
The Adaptive Space Network and Awaken Pittsburgh have come together to offer a course targeting these individuals so that we can come together in practice, build knowledge, and explore skillful actions to drive change. Drs. Gemma Jiang and Stephanie Romero will be your hosts. This course will be held for 8 Wednesdays plus 1 Full Day Practice Beginning January 19, 2022
Dates: Jan. 19, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23, Mar. 2, Mar. 9, Mar. 12 (Full Day)
Time: 7:00-9:00pm ET
Sign up here
Grants for Retreat Available
The Hemera Foundation offers scholarships to support contemplative retreats for helping professionals, educators and others. Check that out here.
Include Awaken in your end of year giving.
Help to make our end of year campaign a success by supporting our work. Here are three ways you can help:
1. Donate!
2. Invite your friends to donate by sharing our link
3. On social media please follow us and share! Twitter: @awakenpgh, Instagram: awaken_pittsburgh or Facebook
Looking for a unique gift that will last a lifetime?
You might consider giving the gift of mindfulness to someone else this holiday season?
Purchase a spot in one of our upcoming online introductory programs here
Give the gift of your time & talent.
Do you have a skill or talent that could support a growing nonprofit? We are always looking for folks to help out. Find our postings here.