"The instructor introduced us to practices in a very intuitive and accessible way, providing information, anecdotes, guiding us through new practices, and generating discussion. I would also like to note the encouraging, genuine, kind, and accepting manner the instructor brings to each class. Lina Blanchet is one of those remarkably kind and genuine people who can make just about anyone feel at home, even those who may be uncertain or uncomfortable with new experiences.
This course can help people realize that anyone can be mindful, and anyone can meditate. I think we walk around trying to elude time, thinking we are making the most of it, trying to do as much as possible in the time that we have, but we are constantly eluding ourselves and our deep and honest experiences of life as well as parts of ourselves that might require attention so that we can actually live better, healthier lives. Lina Blanchet, the creator and instructor of the Stillness Rocks 8-Week Foundations of Mindfulness Course provides the educational groundwork for mindfulness meditation practice and provides their potential significance in our lives via stories, anecdotes, poetry, and experience. Lina also guides you through meditation during each session, as you are learning about new practices. The skills and practices learned are only enhanced by Lina Blanchet’s welcoming warmth and candor."
Katherine Murphy,
Participant in the Foundations of Mindfulness
8-Week Course
This course can help people realize that anyone can be mindful, and anyone can meditate. I think we walk around trying to elude time, thinking we are making the most of it, trying to do as much as possible in the time that we have, but we are constantly eluding ourselves and our deep and honest experiences of life as well as parts of ourselves that might require attention so that we can actually live better, healthier lives. Lina Blanchet, the creator and instructor of the Stillness Rocks 8-Week Foundations of Mindfulness Course provides the educational groundwork for mindfulness meditation practice and provides their potential significance in our lives via stories, anecdotes, poetry, and experience. Lina also guides you through meditation during each session, as you are learning about new practices. The skills and practices learned are only enhanced by Lina Blanchet’s welcoming warmth and candor."
Katherine Murphy,
Participant in the Foundations of Mindfulness
8-Week Course
"David Byrne, the ingenious visual artist, who was a founding member of Talking Heads captures the chaotic stress of modern society in a myriad of songs. In the documentary Stop Making Sense he sings, “Can’t seem to face up to the facts/tense and nervous can’t relax/can’t sleep bed’s on fire/don’t touch me I’m a real live wire.” Aside from metaphorical hyperbole, life is hard; it may be stressful, overwhelm- ing and circumstances may be beyond our control and become difficult to manage. We may become anxious, restless and have feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem because our lives are out of control. Life is in many ways a paradox. We may want the events of our lives to make sense, but children run in circles laughing it all away because they stop making sense. We may want control of the events of our lives, but may actually gain control by letting go and losing control.
In Lina Blanchet’s Mindfulness Class, participants explore the mysteries of life in a welcoming, warm and gentle manner. Lina shares her humble wisdom in a caring, sincere and kind embrace. Participants will learn the value of slowing it all down, taking a well-needed breath and being still in order to listen to our heart, mind and breath. The joyful, yet sometimes painful, being in the present moment is engaged so that we may learn to be right where we are. So often, we are distracted and other than where we are when the only thing we ever have is right now. Lina affirms the power of love, for ourselves and others, compassion and the scintillating excitement of being present and in touch with our senses. When we are distracted we take so much for granted like hearing the song of a bird, the smell and taste of our food, or listening to the voice that is speaking to us. Through a myriad of meditation practices, participants will rediscover equanimity, sensuality, awareness and the joy of being alive and connecting with ourselves and others."
John Murphy, Educator and participant in The Foundations of Mindfulness Course