"Watch your thoughts; they become words.Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."

Mindfulness is defined as the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. It is

Mindfulness literally changes the wiring of your brain (neuroplasticity) so that over time the many emotional, psychological and physical benefits become permanent if the practice is maintained.

Present Moment Vehicles - Tuesday, December 1, 2:30 - 3:00

Instructor: Alex Julian, Alex Julian Yoga (alexjulianyoga.com)

Learn specific techniques to get into the present moment. This session will conclude with a guided meditation.

Mindful Senses - Thursday, December 3, 3:15 - 3:45

Instructor: Kim Manning, Kim Manning Health (kimberlysmanning.com.)

An introduction to mindfulness and meditation using the senses. Good for anyone who thinks they can’t meditate or who has a busy mind. This is a fun way to experience the benefits without any frustration.

Introduction to Yoga - Tuesday, December 8, 2:30 - 3:00

Instructor: Lucy Cimini, Central Mass Yoga & Wellness (centralmassyoga.com)

Strengthen, Condition and Balance your mind and body with Lucy Cimini -Yoga Therapist and founder of Central Mass Yoga and Wellness Virtual studio in West Boylston. This class will present the essential themes of Hatha yoga including simple forward bends, twists, core line strengthening as well as basic breathing. We will end class with relaxation. Yoga will increase flexibility and strengthen, tone, and revitalize your body. Yoga postures (asanas) and breathing improve insomnia, quickly improve posture, alleviate pain, focus the mind, reduce stress, help digestion, and reduce back and joint pain. Please have a mat or something to practice yoga on for this class.

Present Moment Anchors - Tuesday, December 15, 2:30 - 3:00

Instructor: Alex Julian, Alex Julian Yoga (alexjulianyoga.com)

Learn specific techniques to stay in the present moment. This session will conclude with a guided meditation.

Stress Relieving Techniques for Better Sleep - Thursday, December 17, 3:15 - 3:45

Instructor: Kim Manning, Kim Manning Health (kimberlysmanning.com.)

Learn and practice a variety of simple breathing and relaxation techniques that calm your mind, relax your body, and prepare you for sleep or any activity where you need a clear or calm mind and relaxed body.

Living Meditation - Tuesday, December 22, 2:30 - 3:00

Instructor: Alex Julian, Alex Julian Yoga (alexjulianyoga.com)

Here are some strategies to work through the stress that comes with the holidays, especially since the holidays may look a little different this year:

Time Management. Learn to manage your time more effectively and break down projects/major assignments due before and after a holiday break.

Exercise. This is one of the best ways to work off stress.

Take a break. Spend time relaxing or doing an activity. Just spending a few minutes outside can be re-energizing. Try doing some mindfulness and spend a few minutes breathing or coloring mindfully.

Talk to trusted adults or friends.

Eat right. Holidays often come with sugary and high-fat foods. Eating some is fine, but eating too much will only make mood swings worse.

Do something charitable. It can be easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about. Doing something for someone else can help change one's outlook.