GRAYLING – AuSable Artisan Village is branching out with its course offerings – beginning with a Spring Mindfulness series taught in May by Patty Clark.
Clark is an experienced registered yoga teacher (ERYT) who has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 25 years – mostly in the Detroit and Cleveland areas – and, for the last five years, in Grayling.
Her mindfulness series is an opportunity for participants to acquire tools for practicing mindfulness in their daily lives.
“Research shows that we spend 90 percent of our day functioning from our subconscious,” explained Clark. “This is helpful as it relates to not having to think about keeping our hearts beating or our digestions working. The opportunity (of learning mindfulness) is becoming aware of thoughts that lead to behaviors that are conditioned and perhaps not serving us or others in our lives in ways that promote wellness, joy and connection. We can start to be fully present and wake up to the simple yet profound goodness in our lives.”
“We’ll also explore the science behind the practice, enjoy some poetry, do some storytelling and experience the benefit of collectively sharing consciousness,” said Clark.
“I have found meditation the most powerful and transformative tool,” she said. “It’s helped me to overcome and integrate trauma from my earlier years, change my narrative and expand my ability to live a more creative and joyful life. I’m so deeply grateful to share this with my Grayling community.”
Clark suggests that students wear comfortable clothes, eat at least one hour before the class meets and avoid drinking too much caffeine.
Kathy Ellison, AAV classes coordinator, is excited about the new mindfulness series.
“This initiative was 100 percent volunteer driven,” added Andrea Hentschel, AAV executive director. “Mindfulness is critical during this time as is connection and focus within and outside ourselves. We remember who we are when we take time to be mindful. So I think this is a nice addition.”
For more information visit artisanvillage.org.
