Mindfully Exploring the Meaning of Whiteness in America
with Sydney Spears, PhD, RYT-200 
Mindfully Exploring the Meaning of Whiteness in America
with Sydney Spears, PhD, RYT-200
with Sydney Spears, PhD, RYT-200
ONLINE
August 15 (Saturday)
at 9:00 am (GMT-05:00)
Class length
420 minutes
Location
Online via Zoom
Many of us who would check off the “White American” box in the racial categories section of the census have never had to intentionally explore what it means to be white in America. So in our racialized culture, white people are racial beings moving through life with very limited racial literacy. Mindfulness can help empower us all by expanding our racial perspective, helping us make more informed decisions that are in closer alignment with our deepest values, and changing our relationship to whiteness in service to the greater good.
Through experiential exercises, guided meditations, and group discussion, we will mindfully explore:
- the social construction of race and associated concepts
- the history of racism in America
- implicit bias, privilege blindness, and colorblind racism
- the ongoing cultural, social and interpersonal effects of racism on human relationships, institutions/organizations, systems and the environment
- strategies for breaking free from toxic socialization and connecting with the true nature of our histories, stories, and hearts
- ways we can personally help build a more just and sustainable society
If by reading this class description you notice some strong feelings arising, know you are not alone – we invite you to adopt “curiosity mind” and take this opportunity to explore the reactivity that arises in a protected space with compassion, courage and presence. All experience levels in racial justice work and mindfulness meditation are welcome to attend. Although this program is suitable for the general public, up to 6 CEs are available for KS & MO licensed mental health professionals.
During the pandemic, online attendance is the default so please send us an email at least 24 hours in advance if you prefer to attend in person - space is limited. Participants must have a signed waiver on file with MAM.
Teachers: Sydney Spears, PhD & Tracy Ochester, PsyD
There is a two part process to reserving your seat in this class:
1. Register using this form, and
2. Purchase the appropriate pass by clicking the link below:
- Members = $75 (includes lunch)
- Nonmembers = $95 (includes lunch, save by becoming a member)
No refunds are given after the deadline for enrollment, which is one week prior to the start of the course. No makeup meetings are offered for missed classes. In the case of under-enrollment, the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. No reimbursements will be provided for pre-arranged transportation, accommodations, or any other miscellaneous expenses. Passes expire within one year of purchase.
Here's what participants say about this workshop:
“The three presenters were extraordinary. I was able to identify unseen layers of work that needs to be done. Beginning with the initial agreements until the end, the entire workshop was delivered by the three presenters with a mindful presence, elegance, compassion, and with depth and breadth of content.”
“I would like to say that this was the most beneficial and helpful course for CE credits I’ve attended in a while, thank you!”
“I was blown away with the level of the people there. Not only were the leaders skilled and knowledgeable, the participants were very skilled and wonderful. In some of the breakout sessions my experience was very humbling.”
""I have engaged in a number of programs and workshops on social and racial justice. This was the first time I had the opportunity to explore my identity as a "white" person in America. I can tell how important this will be to my own healing and to my ability to contribute to community healing as a mindful anti-racist and amplifier of oppressed voices. This is also the first time experiencing the practice of mindfulness in the context of social/racial justice workshop. For me this nurtures the conditions for deeper learning and more effectively managing the barriers common to doing this work - shame, denial, overwhelm, grief, striving/fixing. Thank you! I look forward to part 2."
Reservations
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