The Farms: Mindfulness & Meditation

Skill Level: Beginner

Part education, part experiential, and part discussion – instructor Doug McDannald will guide participants through many different aspects of mental health while providing support for whatever comes up along the way at Mindfulness & Meditation from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays from Feb. 7 through March 27 in The Studio.

Learn to practice meditation more formally, such as a dedicated time to sit and meditate, as well as informally while performing daily activities.

Mindfulness and meditation offer us the opportunity to pause, interrupt our wandering mind, and create space to respond to everyday situations more thoughtfully, with less stress and reactivity. As you attend to your posture and breath, you will be able to observe the nature of your mind, body, and environment with greater clarity.  Practice results in opening up new and beneficial possibilities in your life and in the lives of the people you interact with.

Participants will be seated for most of the sessions.

$70/person for the series or $10/class. Register here by Feb. 3 or three days before each subsequent class*. All sales are final.

*Individual class registration links:
— Feb. 28
— March 6
— March 13
— March 20
— March 27

If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate, please email owarren@illinois.edu.

About the Instructor

Doug McDannald brings over 15 years of regular meditation practice, as well as certifications in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). He has eight years of experience coaching NCAA D1 Track & Field athletes, and six years of experience in healthcare within various departments at Carle Health and Christie Clinic.

He received a master’s degree in Exercise Science & Neuromechanics from Utah State University and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Illinois University. These experiences have contributed to Doug’s passion for helping people experience mental and physical relief through the simple, highly effective practices of mindfulness.

About The Farms

The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, offers classes, workshops, and gatherings focusing on art, health & wellness, history, nature & outdoor education, or science. All experiences value hands-on, experiential teaching and learning, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.

See the complete winter class schedule here.