Michael Lehrman, co-publisher of Natural Awakenings New York City and Long Island editions, is pleased to announce his latest virtual community offering Mindful Mondays with Michael. This free online workshop begins with an introduction to the theme of the month, followed by an open forum for attendees to briefly share thoughts and set their intentions for the meditation. Lehrman will then guide the group through a meditation aimed at seeding their intentions while also nourishing and replenishing their nervous systems.

This inspiring monthly offering is an offshoot of Natural Awakenings former community meditation group, Lehrman’s first collaborative local Natural Awakenings wellness initiative. 

This month’s Mindful Mondays with Michael is being held from 6 to 7 p.m., on Monday, January 22 via Google Meets. Each workshop will follow the editorial calendar theme of the month. For January, the focus is overall health and wellness. 

What inspired you to create Mindful Mondays with Michael?

For just over a year, I’ve offered a free virtual community meditation group, and it’s been a wonderful way for those of us in attendance to take a break from our busy lives. For some, it’s a new discovery on how easy it can be to implement a daily mindfulness practice. I love sharing the simplicity of a meditation practice with our Natural Awakenings family of readers and advertisers. It’s one of the most beneficial ways I’ve found to significantly reduce stress in my life. It brings us back to the present moment, which is the only moment we ever truly have. 

However, after leading this group for the past year, I felt called to add another layer to the practice, to make it more dynamic. We’ll get the chance to spotlight a special theme each month and make a concerted effort to weave that theme into our daily lives. 

Do readers need any prior meditation or mindfulness training or experience to attend?

Absolutely not. In fact, each time you come I invite you to participate with a beginner’s mind. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator, or just stopping by to see what it’s all about, please join us as we take some time to relax and give our nervous systems a much-needed break, while also consciously setting intentions aligned with each month’s editorial theme.  

What should participants do to prepare for each workshop? 

Be sure to set aside time to be in a quiet space for at least an hour. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a notebook, pen and paper to take notes and set your intentions for the month. 

Cost: Free. Location: Google Meets. For more information and to register, call 212-726-1420 or email [email protected].