Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, 8 week program beginning Sunday, April 25th at the Yoga Loft in Albany and ending June 13^th.  This program offers a comprehensive introduction to mindfulness practice as well as the structure and support to sustain an ongoing practice.  It is appropriate for those with challenging physical conditions and/or life circumstances as well as those simply seeking a path to greater stillness and ease. Daily homework and a one day retreat is part of this program.  Classes will meet on Sunday nights from 7 to 9pm.  Cost: $375 (scholarship funds are available, please ask) Contact Karen Beetle at 424-7516 or kabeetle@aol.com

Mindfulness Support and Practice Group, First and Third Thursdays of the Month, 5 to 6pm, in Karen Beetle’s Office at Suite 200, Pinnacle Place Office Suites, McKown Road, Guilderland This bimonthly practice and support group offers students of mindfulness an opportunity to gather and support their continued practice. We will support each other in sharing mindfulness-based strategies for relating to life with greater ease and freedom including strategies for coping with anxiety and depression. This group is appropriate for former MBSR and MBCT students and all those seeking support and companionship in deepening the practice of mindfulness .This group is offered on a drop-in basis.  The cost is $5 to 15 per session / sliding scale.  Facilitator: Karen Beetle, LMHC. 

Day of Mindfulness in the Wilderness, Saturday, April 24^th from 7:30am to 6pm in the Siamese Pond Wilderness Area. This day-long program is an introduction to meditation practice in the wilderness. We will practice mindfulness through sitting and walking practice as well as opportunities to wander and explore the outdoor environment through solo practice. Come prepared to encounter yourself in the cool, spring environment of the Adirondacks.  Meditation instruction will be provided by Karen Beetle and Victor Anderson. Karen is a therapist and mindfulness teacher and Victor is a registered Maine guide and a long-term meditator. Cost: $30 for expenses and voluntary contributions for the teaching. We will carpool from a Capital District location. Please call Karen Beetle at 424-7516 or kabeetle@aol.com to reserve a spot.                                                 

Day of Mindful Paddling, Saturday, May 22^nd and also Saturday, July 31st from 9 to 4pm at Dunham Reservoir, Grafton, NY   This day-long program offers an introduction to wilderness meditation practice.  We will be utilizing kayaks and paddling as a mindfulness practice as well as sitting and walking meditation.  This program is appropriate for beginning meditators or paddlers. Come and enjoy being present to your experience in the midst of late spring or summer beauty.  Paddling and meditation instruction will be provided by Karen Beetle and Victor Anderson. Karen is a therapist and mindfulness teacher and Victor is a registered Maine guide and a long-term meditator. Cost: $45 for expenses which includes shared kayak rental, and voluntary contributions for the teaching. Please call Karen Beetle at 424-7516 or kabeetle@aol.com to reserve a spot.  Participation limited to 12.

 Day of Mindfulness for Therapists, Friday, June 11^th from 9 to 4pm  (location to be announced)  This day-long program offers an introduction to mindfulness practice for therapists.  We will practice mindfulness and explore the benefits of mindfulness for both self-care and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. Consider this a day of relaxation, reconnection and replenishment. This retreat will be facilitated by Karen Beetle, LMHC.  Karen is a therapist, mindfulness teacher, and long term meditator, read her blogs for the Times Union at http://blogs.timesunion.com/holisitichealth. Cost: $85 (lunch included). Please call Karen Beetle at 424-7516 to register.

Research Study in Mindfulness at SUNY Albany. The graduate program in Clinical Psychology is offering the opportunity to take the 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class for free if you meet guidelines for this ongoing clinical trial. Call 591-8523 for a brief interview to see if you meet the guidelines to participate in this study.