M2 Mindfulness Blogs


Susan West
- Apr 30, 2019
- 2 min
Let's Make This the New Normal
May is Mental Health Month. 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime. But despite its prevalence, many of us are hesitant to prioritize our mental well-being. That could mean reaching out for support when you’re going through a challenge, recognizing you need a break or taking a class to improve the way you handle stress. One of M2’s intentions is to bring people together to support and enhance their mental health and capacity for resilience. “Mind a

Susan West
- Nov 21, 2018
- 3 min
Gratitude Practice Twelve Years in the Making
I have always loved Thanksgiving. Growing up, we didn’t observe many of the typical traditions. My Chilean parents never watched football, and no green bean nor sweet potato casserole, stuffing of any ilk, nor pumpkin pie ever graced our table. The giving thanks part wasn’t prominent either. But turkey and potatoes were easy to adopt, as was the custom of gathering with the families who became our tribe in the U.S. The holiday felt warm, inclusive and accessible. To me Thanks

Susan West
- Apr 24, 2018
- 1 min
Mindfulness Summit ASU
Honored to contribute to the first annual ASU Mindfulness Summit. I laughed and was inspired by Dr. Michelle May from Am I Hungry and Dr. Barry Kerzin from Altruism in Medicine Institute, and met old friends and new. Thrilled to see how mindfulness invites more curiosity and enthusiasm each day here in the Valley of the Sun. #awareness #mindfulness #meditation #community #wellbeing #wellness #mindbody #amihungry #altruisminmedicine

Susan West
- Apr 13, 2018
- 1 min
Go Red for Women
Beautiful setting inside and out. M2 was honored to recognize the 2018 Executive Leadership Team for Go Red For Women at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. In addition to the full agenda they are already juggling, these business leaders carved out the intellectual and heart space to make a huge impact on their community. #goredgetfit #community #compassion #leadership #inspire #mindbody #wellness #wellbeing #selfcare

Susan West
- Mar 29, 2018
- 1 min
Mesa Community College Wellness Day
Had an amazing day Mesa Community College. Lots of people dropped in, from first-time practitioners to retreat veterans. It was a great wellness event that also included a nature walk, yoga and rock wall, among other things. MCC is fortunate to have faculty who have worked consistently to make mindfulness part of the dental hygiene curriculum. Students here practice mindfulness and use it as a tool to enhance their personal well-being as well as apply techniques to help patie

Susan West
- Mar 20, 2018
- 1 min
ASU Grad Week
Thank you ASU Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) for hosting and gratitude to Mindfulness Community at ASU for facilitating and promoting last week's event. We had great turnout and such positive feedback. Who thinks we should come back for Finals?! #studentwellbeing #stress #stressmanagement #community #mindfulness

Susan West
- Oct 10, 2017
- 1 min
"Mental Training Changes Brain Structure and Reduces Social Stress"
There are a few things about this article that caught my eye. While it underscores the power of meditation to build cognitive function, it also highlights the potential of practicing with others in "contemplative dyads" to build compassion, gratitude and perspective. The researchers studied different practices in addition to classical meditation exercises. They measured significant differences in cortisol levels among participants who practiced in pairs, vs those who practice

Susan West
- Aug 23, 2017
- 1 min
"The Benefit of Meditating Alone Together"
Community can be a source of inspiration and support to help you build and maintain your practice. While I love the convenience of an app (most often it's Headspace) designed for solo practice, I also appreciate the reinforcement, validation and even occasional commiseration I get from sharing experiencing with friends who practice too. This article from Mindful magazine thoughtfully articulates why it's true for me. #meditation #mindfulness #community
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