On Wednesdays from October 17 through December 12, psychologist Susan Trafton will lead an eight-week class—Engage the Body, Open the Heart, Heal the Mind—at GreenSquare Integrative Health Care Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The class will teach mindfulness practices for the reduction of stress and overall well-being. Mindfulness techniques provide methods of skillfully managing feelings, thoughts and body sensations that arise from present stress or past psychological wounds. With mindfulness, the past heals, and present happiness is less likely to be sabotaged by current stress and worry. Current cutting-edge neuroscience supporting the efficacy of meditation and mindfulness will be presented. Utilizing the neuroplasticity of the brain and techniques for sustainable happiness will be taught.

During week one of the class, participants will learn the basic skills of meditation and mindfulness. Week two will encompass breathing techniques to enhance health and well-being, as well as to lessen symptoms of emotional and physical distress. The remaining six weeks will focus on mindfulness of feelings, thoughts and body sensations. Participants will be taught how to live skillfully with emotions as they arise; how to respond to life rather than react; how to be aware of their personal thought process; and how to choose thoughts rather than be controlled by them. They will also learn relaxation and guided imagery techniques. Trafton has taught mindfulness classes for 10 years to college students and adults.

Cost: $150 for the eight-week class session, or $25 per class. Location: 6789 N. Green Bay Ave., Glendale. For more information, call 414-305-7496 or email [email protected].