Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.

Join guest teacher Maria Paula Jimenez for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Maria Paula is a contemplative trainer, compassion coach, and certified psychologist with over a decade of experience in teaching and training programs focused on mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional balance. She currently serves as Head of Training at the Global Compassion Coalition (GCC) and Director of the Compassion Corps Grants Initiative. Maria Paula is also a Senior Teacher, Teacher Trainer, and Content Lead for the Compassion Cultivation Program (CCT) at the Compassion Institute, developed at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University. In addition to her work with CCT and GCC, Maria Paula is a certified instructor of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program developed by Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, as well as the Self-Compassion for Shame program created by Chris Germer. She is also a certified teacher and teacher trainer of the Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance (MBEB) program, developed by Margaret Cullen. As a therapist, organizational consultant, and lecturer, Maria Paula advises individuals and groups on topics related to well-being, change, contemplative practices, mindfulness, compassion, self-compassion, and purpose. Her impactful work extends across various countries and sectors, having partnered with organizations like Google, US Military Spouses, Adidas, and University of Miami.

Learn more about Maria Paula in her website (https://www.mariapaulajimenez.com/en/about) and a recent blog published at the Compassion Institute (https://www.compassioninstitute.com/blog/staff-spotlight-maria-paula-jimenez/)

These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Maria Paula and Rick’s Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.