On Wednesday, 10/11, Sardis will welcome Dr. Karen Holst of Monarch, who will offer an introduction to the practice of mindfulness.

There will be a fellowship meal (Taco salad!) at 5:45 p.m.  Karen will lead our group discussion from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Details below:

We are often overstretched and overburdened in balancing the many demands of our lives. Contemplating the next task on our never ending to-do list, anticipating scenarios in our minds that have yet to occur, and revisiting past events may result in us living on “auto-pilot.” This unhealthy pattern of living can easily impact our emotional and physical health.

This session will provide an introduction to mindfulness and explain how the practice of mindfulness can reshape brain pathways resulting in increased overall well-being and improved quality of life. Science has shown that the practice of mindfulness can effectively reduce stress in our lives and improve over-all well-being by reducing negative emotional states and improving the symptoms of physical manifestations like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Session Objectives:

• Mindfulness, what is it?
• Learn how your brain and body respond to stress.
• Learn specific strategies to reduce your stress response.
• Learn about meditation, what it is and is not, and participate in guided meditations.
• Learn the process of reshaping brain neuropathways to increase overall health and well-being.
• Learn how to apply mindfulness to daily life.

Karen Holst EdD, MSW, LCSW

Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds an EdD in Human Services Administration. She has served as the Director of a day treatment program for adolescents for 13 years before joining Monarch as the Clinical Operations Manager for the Mecklenburg office. Karen has participated in numerous mindfulness trainings, including the 7-day Mind/Body Medicine Training and the 9-Day Intensive Residential Practicum in MBSR through the Center for Mindfulness. Karen taught a Master’s level mindfulness course at UNCC, School of Social Work and continues to provide trainings for individuals, businesses and agencies. Karen is passionate about the practice of mindfulness due to the expansive benefits observed with others as well as in her personal life.