
Practice Mindfulness With Us
Featured Sessions
We are a nonprofit on a mission of delivering accessible mindfulness programs for a healthier Fairfield County. Despite the proven benefits of mindfulness, local under-resourced neighborhoods face barriers to these tools. We're breaking down those barriers with free in-person and virtual meditation sessions.
If you have questions, jump down to our FAQs.
If you want to join our in-person community programming and don’t see anything in your town, join our waitlist!
Online Meditations
Join our regularly scheduled, zoom-based, mindful meditation sessions that are free of charge and open to all.
In-Person Meditations
Join us for free and open in-person mindful meditation sessions in select locations designed to foster community connection.
Intro to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Join our 6-week online program with a unique opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness based on the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn.
And More!
Discover how Community Mindfulness Project’s programs help you embrace life with joy and openness through additional programming and community partnerships.

In Person - Handling Holiday Stress
In Person - Handling Holiday Stress at Bridgeport Library - North Branch, 3455 Madison Ave., Bridgeport
Tuesday, Dec. 13th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The holidays are times of joy…. and can also tax our nervous systems. We might miss a loved one, have a challenge trying to manage a hectic schedule, feel financial strain, or wish for circumstances to be different than they are. Mindfulness offers us a set of tools to help navigate the holiday season with a greater sense of ease, and grace. We hope you’ll join us for this in-person opportunity to learn about and practice some of these tools.
Event is free and open to all.
No experience needed.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 10 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 9 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 8 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 7 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 6 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 5 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

SHINRIN-YOKU/"FOREST BATHING" WITH NEW CANAAN LAND TRUST AND LET'S TALK ABOUT IT NEW CANAAN!
The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates to ‘forest bathing’, is the medicine of simply being in the forest. It is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness. The purpose is to slow down and become immersed in the natural environment. The mental and physical health benefits include reducing stress and fostering relaxation, boosting the immune system, increasing energy, and decreasing anxiety, depression and anger.
A Time Magazine article on Shinrin-Yoku can be found here.
“New research suggests that our connection to nature is much more important to our cognition than we think and that even small amounts of exposure to the living world can improve our creativity and enhance our mood.” Florence Williams, The Nature Fix.
To register, please click the button, below. Your $5 registration fee will help offset the cost of this event.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Bring water and wear bug spray, if desired. Rain date is July 14th at 10:00am.
About the Wellness Series: Since the onset of the pandemic, residents from all walks of life have relied on the New Canaan Land Trust’s preserves to find peace and solace. As we emerge from this challenging time, the New Canaan Land Trust, Let’s Talk About it New Canaan and The Community Mindfulness Project have partnered to create a series of wellness events for the New Canaan community, inspired by nature and the outdoors. Through yoga, meditation, shinrin-yoku, and other practices, program participants will learn about and have the opportunity to practice a number of different techniques to promote mental health and wellbeing. The goals of each program will be to teach participants a practice, ensure that they have the resources and experience to continue that practice on their own, and introduce them to the Land Trust’s network of open space.
About the Instructor: With the glow of summer upon us, Carol Shear of the Community Mindfulness Project will explore the practice of forest bathing and then lead an experiential walk outside inspiring us to tune into our surroundings by using all of our senses – the smells, textures, tastes and sights of our natural world. Carol Shear is a Registered Nurse, Integrative Health Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator trained at Duke University, Integrative Medicine Program and Certified Master Gardener. She currently offers meditation practice sessions with the Community Mindfulness Project.
The NC Community Wellness Series was made possible by a generous grant from the Rotary Club of New Canaan
About the Wellness Series: Since the onset of the pandemic, residents from all walks of life have relied on the New Canaan Land Trust’s preserves to find peace and solace. As we emerge from this challenging time, the New Canaan Land Trust, Let’s Talk About it New Canaan and The Community Mindfulness Project have partnered to create a series of wellness events for the New Canaan community, inspired by nature and the outdoors. Through yoga, meditation, shinrin-yoku, and other practices, program participants will learn about and have the opportunity to practice a number of different techniques to promote mental health and wellbeing. The goals of each program will be to teach participants a practice, ensure that they have the resources and experience to continue that practice on their own, and introduce them to the Land Trust’s network of open space.
The NC Community Wellness Series was made possible by a generous grant from the Rotary Club of New Canaan

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 4 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

Mindfulness Tools for People with Parkinson's + Loved Ones in Partnership with Shakers Anonymous (Zoom)
Even small moments of mindfulness throughout the day can help us to shift how we relate to what life throws at us, allowing us to manage our stress levels and support our physical, mental and emotional well-being. These tools can be especially helpful when we’re dealing with a chronic illness or caring for a loved one who is. In each session we’ll share one or two mindfulness tools to help down-regulate the nervous system, and feel more grounded, connected and resilient. There will be brief guided meditations and a handout to support your use of these tools. Each session is stand-alone, no registration is required, and all are free and open to the public. These sessions are being presented in partnership with Shakers Anonymous.
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84559085628
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 3 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

Mindfulness Tools for People with Parkinson's + Loved Ones in Partnership with Shakers Anonymous (Zoom)
Even small moments of mindfulness throughout the day can help us to shift how we relate to what life throws at us, allowing us to manage our stress levels and support our physical, mental and emotional well-being. These tools can be especially helpful when we’re dealing with a chronic illness or caring for a loved one who is. In each session we’ll share one or two mindfulness tools to help down-regulate the nervous system, and feel more grounded, connected and resilient. There will be brief guided meditations and a handout to support your use of these tools. Each session is stand-alone, no registration is required, and all are free and open to the public. These sessions are being presented in partnership with Shakers Anonymous.
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84559085628
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 2 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

Mindfulness Tools for Caregivers - with Darien Library's Caregiver Cafe (zoom)
When we witness the struggles or pain of others, the pain centers in our brain light up as if we were experiencing that same pain. This can be very depleting. When we convert empathy (the witnessing and taking on of another’s pain) into compassion, we trigger a physiological response that actually helps us to feel more resilient and resourced. Join Darien Library’s Caregiver Cafe, where Community Mindfulness Project will share simple techniques that can be used to resource ourselves as we care for others. We’ll also explore offering ourselves some self-compassion. As they say on an airplane, it’s important to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. For more information and to register, visit DarienLibrary.org.

Mindfulness Tools for People with Parkinson's + Loved Ones in Partnership with Shakers Anonymous (Zoom)
Even small moments of mindfulness throughout the day can help us to shift how we relate to what life throws at us, allowing us to manage our stress levels and support our physical, mental and emotional well-being. These tools can be especially helpful when we’re dealing with a chronic illness or caring for a loved one who is. In each session we’ll share one or two mindfulness tools to help down-regulate the nervous system, and feel more grounded, connected and resilient. There will be brief guided meditations and a handout to support your use of these tools. Each session is stand-alone, no registration is required, and all are free and open to the public. These sessions are being presented in partnership with Shakers Anonymous.
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84559085628
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

10-Week Intro to Mindfulness, Week 1 (Zoom) with Bridgeport Library
Join CMP and Bridgeport Library for a 10-week Intro to Mindfulness Course, Wednesdays @ 7PM from June 16 - Aug 18. We’ll use the book, Mindfulness: A practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, by Mark Williams and Danny Penman as a guide. Each class lasts one hour, and we’ll follow the program outlined in the book. The course is offered free-of-charge via Zoom, though your donations help support this and other programming. No registration is required. Join the zoom here.

Mindfulness Tools for People with Parkinson's + Loved Ones in Partnership with Shakers Anonymous (Zoom)
Even small moments of mindfulness throughout the day can help us to shift how we relate to what life throws at us, allowing us to manage our stress levels and support our physical, mental and emotional well-being. These tools can be especially helpful when we’re dealing with a chronic illness or caring for a loved one who is. In each session we’ll share one or two mindfulness tools to help down-regulate the nervous system, and feel more grounded, connected and resilient. There will be brief guided meditations and a handout to support your use of these tools. Each session is stand-alone, no registration is required, and all are free and open to the public. These sessions are being presented in partnership with Shakers Anonymous.
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84559085628
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Walking Meditation at Still Pond with New Canaan Land Trust and Let's Talk about It New Canaan!
Join us in a socially-spaced walking meditation of the Still Pond Preserve, one of the beautiful natural spaces preserved by the New Canaan Land Trust. We will end up on the outer perimeter of the Council Ring, a special place that evokes a deep sense of community and togetherness. Discover inner stillness through outer movement in one of New Canaan’s most special natural spaces!
Some of us access inner stillness by sitting still. Some of us access inner stillness through movement. Sometimes it depends on the day. Walking meditation can help us connect with our bodies in the present moment, helping our nervous system breathe a big sigh of relief. By intentionally slowing down a habitual movement we can invoke Beginner’s Mind and a real sense of exploration and discovery. Bringing curiosity to this experience can cause a release of dopamine, which will support our learning, memory and motivation.
To register, please click the button, below. Your $5 registration fee will help offset the cost of this event.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Bring water and wear bug spray, if desired. No yoga mat is needed. Rain date is June 10th at 10:00am.
About the Wellness Series: Since the onset of the pandemic, residents from all walks of life have relied on the New Canaan Land Trust’s preserves to find peace and solace. As we emerge from this challenging time, the New Canaan Land Trust, Let’s Talk About it New Canaan and The Community Mindfulness Project have partnered to create a series of wellness events for the New Canaan community, inspired by nature and the outdoors. Through yoga, meditation, shinrin-yoku, and other practices, program participants will learn about and have the opportunity to practice a number of different techniques to promote mental health and wellbeing. The goals of each program will be to teach participants a practice, ensure that they have the resources and experience to continue that practice on their own, and introduce them to the Land Trust’s network of open space.
The NC Community Wellness Series was made possible by a generous grant from the Rotary Club of New Canaan

Mindfulness Tools for Caregivers - Presented by Darien Library's Caregiver Cafe (zoom)
When we witness the struggles or pain of others, the pain centers in our brain light up as if we were experiencing that same pain. This can be very depleting. When we convert empathy (the witnessing and taking on of another’s pain) into compassion, we trigger a physiological response that actually helps us to feel more resilient and resourced. Join Darien Library’s Caregiver Cafe, where Community Mindfulness Project will share simple techniques that can be used to resource ourselves as we care for others. We’ll also explore offering ourselves some self-compassion. As they say on an airplane, it’s important to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. For more information and to register, visit DarienLibrary.org.
Meditation Session: Darien Library
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
No need to bring anything, or wear anything special. Meditation is done on chairs, unless you would like to bring your own meditation cushion.
The first, third and fifth Tuesdays of January through March and then the first Tuesdays of each month thereafter from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Darien Library | 1441 Post Rd | Darien, CT 06820
Meditation Session: Darien Library
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
No need to bring anything, or wear anything special. Meditation is done on chairs, unless you would like to bring your own meditation cushion.
The first, third and fifth Tuesdays of January through March and then the first Tuesdays of each month thereafter from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Darien Library | 1441 Post Rd | Darien, CT 06820
Meditation Session: Darien Library
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
No need to bring anything, or wear anything special. Meditation is done on chairs, unless you would like to bring your own meditation cushion.
The first, third and fifth Tuesdays of January through March and then the first Tuesdays of each month thereafter from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Darien Library | 1441 Post Rd | Darien, CT 06820
Meditation Session: Darien Library
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
No need to bring anything, or wear anything special. Meditation is done on chairs, unless you would like to bring your own meditation cushion.
The first, third and fifth Tuesdays of January through March and then the first Tuesdays of each month thereafter from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Darien Library | 1441 Post Rd | Darien, CT 06820
Meditation Session: Darien Library
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
No need to bring anything, or wear anything special. Meditation is done on chairs, unless you would like to bring your own meditation cushion.
The first and third and fifth Tuesdays of January through March and then the first Tuesdays of each month thereafter from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Darien Library | 1441 Post Rd | Darien, CT 06820
Meditation Session: Fairfield First Church Congregational
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
No need to bring anything, or wear anything special. Meditation is done on chairs, unless you would like to bring your own meditation cushion.
First Mondays of the month from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
First Church Congregational 148 Beach Rd Fairfield (near the sanctuary - look for signs)
Suggested donation: $20.00
Meditation Session: Waveny Park
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
You'll need to bring a lawn chair or a blanket and cushion, and a hat and sunscreen are good ideas, too.
We'll meet on the great lawn by the Waveny House. The house sits up at the highest point in the park, and there are parking lots right next to it. If you are facing Waveny House from the parking lot, we'll meet on the lawn to the right of the house.
If it is raining, we may be able to meet on the covered porch of Waveny House, but we won’t know until we get there - so it will be an adventure and a chance to practice equanimity!
Select Thursdays 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Waveny Park | 677 South Avenue | New Canaan, CT
Suggested donation: $20.00
Donate here.
Meditation Session Waveny Park
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
You'll need to bring a lawn chair or a blanket and cushion, and a hat and sunscreen are good ideas, too.
We'll meet on the great lawn by the Waveny House. The house sits up at the highest point in the park, and there are parking lots right next to it. If you are facing Waveny House from the parking lot, we'll meet on the lawn to the right of the house.
If it is raining, we may be able to meet on the covered porch of Waveny House, but we won’t know until we get there - so it will be an adventure and a chance to practice equanimity!
Select Thursdays 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Waveny Park | 677 South Avenue | New Canaan, CT
Suggested donation: $20.00
Donate here.
Meditation Session: Waveny Park
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
You'll need to bring a lawn chair or a blanket and cushion, and a hat and sunscreen are good ideas, too.
We'll meet on the great lawn by the Waveny House. The house sits up at the highest point in the park, and there are parking lots right next to it. If you are facing Waveny House from the parking lot, we'll meet on the lawn to the right of the house.
If it is raining, we may be able to meet on the covered porch of Waveny House, but we won’t know until we get there - so it will be an adventure and a chance to practice equanimity!
Select Thursdays 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Waveny Park | 677 South Avenue | New Canaan, CT
Suggested donation: $20.00
Donate here.
Meditation Session: Waveny Park
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
You'll need to bring a lawn chair or a blanket and cushion, and a hat and sunscreen are good ideas, too.
We'll meet on the great lawn by the Waveny House. The house sits up at the highest point in the park, and there are parking lots right next to it. If you are facing Waveny House from the parking lot, we'll meet on the lawn to the right of the house.
If it is raining, we may be able to meet on the covered porch of Waveny House, but we won’t know until we get there - so it will be an adventure and a chance to practice equanimity!
Select Thursdays 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Waveny Park | 677 South Avenue | New Canaan, CT
Suggested donation: $20.00
Donate here.
Meditation Session: Waveny Park
Join us for a secular guided group meditation session appropriate for new and experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each session begins with a brief discussion of the week's practice, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation and then a Q&A session. We look forward to sitting with you!
You'll need to bring a lawn chair or a blanket and cushion, and a hat and sunscreen are good ideas, too.
We'll meet on the great lawn by the Waveny House. The house sits up at the highest point in the park, and there are parking lots right next to it. If you are facing Waveny House from the parking lot, we'll meet on the lawn to the right of the house.
If it is raining, we may be able to meet on the covered porch of Waveny House, but we won’t know until we get there - so it will be an adventure and a chance to practice equanimity!
Select Thursdays 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Waveny Park | 677 South Avenue | New Canaan, CT
Suggested donation: $20.00
Donate here.
Your questions, answered.
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There are no unsuccessful or bad meditation sessions! That's why it's called a "practice." Sitting quietly is beneficial.
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You can keep your eyes open during the meditation, or "hooded" (half-open/half-closed), whatever helps you feel safe and relaxed.
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Arrive just as you are. Most people sit in a chair and chairs are always available. Much of the time we will be still so you may wish to bring a light sweater, but no special clothing is required.
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Our weekly sessions are free and open to the public. We rely on donations. Our suggested donation is $20 for our in person session and $3 for each dial-in or Zoom. If you’re willing and able, donate here!
Interested in a private program?
If you are looking for a private session, workshop or training that CMP is hosting for your nonprofit, school or library, please contact us for more information.

Mindfulness isn't a luxury, it can transform lives.
In Fairfield County, access to the scientifically proven tools of mindful meditation isn’t available to everyone. Your support helps bridge the gap—ensuring all people have the ability to take good care of themselves. It’s a simple yet powerful investment in community well-being.