An introductory course in the practice of mindfulness will be offered for four weeks on Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 18, at Center for Faith & the Arts. Most people tend to get lost in their thoughts. Learning a few mindfulness skills can guide attention to the desired focus, helping the mind to settle and calm. The practice, inherited from the Buddhist tradition, is increasingly being utilized in Western psychology to alleviate a variety of mental and physical conditions, and Christian communities have adopted the practice as a form of contemplative prayer. Mindfulness classes provide an opportunity to learn simple and gentle practices to guide the mind and train in settling and calming the inner activity that often fills one’s thoughts and emotions. The class uses simple exercises, such as enjoying a smell or taste, watching one’s breath and walking, to begin training the mind to settle and ease mental activity. Then the mind’s natural peace and stillness becomes more available to one on a daily basis. A natural balance and wellness of the body and mind also becomes available. This is why medical facilities and health programs often recommend mindfulness and relaxation classes to promote physical and mental healing. Competencies, or gifts, from the four weeks of training are as follows: • An understanding of what mindfulness is and what meditation is; • Experiencing the benefits of awareness of a moment and being present to the here and now; • Developing ability to focus on an object and maintain concentration; • Noting an increased ability to place full attention on an object or subject; • Ability to relax one’s body and calm one’s body in daily life; • Experiencing walking mindfully in daily life; • Experiencing deep listening and careful speaking and the benefit of using these skills in daily life; • Experiencing an increased awareness for the capacity to grow in acceptance and understanding of self and others. Facilitators for the upcoming study being held at CFA are Sam and Marilyn Warlick. They bring to this training years of experience in the practice of mindfulness. The cost for the course is $10 to cover materials. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and bring a cushion or yoga mat. Center for Faith & the Arts is located in the lower level of Haven Lutheran Church, 207 W. Harrison St. For more information about the “Awakening to Life” course, call the Warlicks at 704-639-8971.