Mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves being very attentive to ordinary experiences. That’s all.In a sense, it is one of the most basic and useful skills. Once you develop it you can much more efficiently apply other growth and learning processes – physical, intellectual, psychological or spiritual.

Mindfulness is taught periodically in classes at the GMCR Meditation Center and, by appointment, via private telephone sessions with Shinzen. Open to all GMCR employees, their friends, family and community members,
these meditation programs are offered as a public service by the GMCR Foundation. There is no charge to participants.

Mindfulness meditation is compatible with every belief system and personal values. No attempt is made to impose any particular experience or belief. No prior experience is required. Simply, participants should be able to sit quietly for extended periods of time.

Everyone enjoys the benefits of meditation in their own individual way. Some of the benefits of mindfulness meditation, in addition to those listed on the cover, include:

¨ Improved focus and concentration
¨ Increased ability to problem solve
¨ Elevated level of energy
¨ More enjoyment of life in general
¨ Easier acquisition of new skills
¨ Ability to identify and cope with emotions.
¨ Enhanced communications

:: What employees at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters have said about mindfulness meditation:

> I use mindfulness meditation all the time and it’s a huge stress reliever.

> I have used mindfulness meditation to reduce pain.

> Our whole team is working better together using mindfulness techniques.

Shinzen Young became interested in Asian culture at an early age, learning to speak Chinese and Japanese while still in his teens. In 1968 he entered a Buddhist studies doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin. Three years later he was ordained as a Buddhist monk at Mount Koya, Japan.

After several years of training in Asia, Shinzen became interested in the scientific study of meditative states and worked at the Princeton Biofeedback Institute. He taught Asian philosophy at Chapman College, as well as physics and mathematics at Ernest Holmes College.

Shinzen has been conducting meditation retreats throughout North America for over 20 years.

His key interest lies in the merging of Eastern meditation with Western science. In recognition of his contributions to this field, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology recently awarded him an honorary doctorate.

For further information about Shinzen and mindfulness meditation, as well as upcoming events, visit: www.shinzen.org