When people think of “mindfulness,” they may associate it with a particular religious or spiritual path, such as Buddhism. But in Menomonie, a seemingly unlikely alliance has brought about the creation of a “mindfulness practice group” which is exceptionally open to people of all religious walks, or none. Recently, I sat down with co-facilitators Warren and Marion Lang to discuss this new project. 

Marion and Warren Lang

It started when Susan Weston, the religious education director at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Menomonie, contacted the Langs, longtime practicing Zen Buddhists, about putting together a brief series of mindfulness practice sessions at the church. Members of the congregation had heard about the benefits of mindfulness, and wanted to explore this growing trend. A group of church members and others began attending, and pretty soon the short series was expanded into an ongoing weekly event.

Marion and Warren are ordained lay clergy in the Zen Buddhist tradition, and they had already been leading a Buddhist practice group in Downsville for some time. For this non-denominational project, they removed all jargon and religious elements, such as chanting, to convey the simple essence of mindfulness in a less formal setting. No special clothing is needed, and people sit in regular chairs instead of on traditional cushions. To the Langs, mindfulness itself – being aware of what is happening in the moment – is the key ingredient of their practice, and what makes it enjoyable to them.

Most weeks, the group sits quietly in awareness for 20 minutes, with some instruction provided for any newcomers. Attendees generally sit as still as possible during this time. Afterwards, there is time for discussion, including questions and sharing of experiences. Part of the practice is to be fully present while listening to others talk, instead of planning out what to say next, or thinking about what to make for dinner.

Weather permitting, the group goes out for a garden walk, simply slowing down and appreciating nature. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, and participants are encouraged to find opportunities to practice on their own. As Warren explained, “When the phone rings, you can pause for a relaxed breath before you answer, making yourself more present for the conversation.” Sitting, especially in a group, provides a strong foundation for other forms of practice.

The benefits of mindfulness include stress relief and a sense of inner well-being. In turn, you naturally become kinder to others, thereby extending these benefits to those around you. Some people use mindfulness to deepen their religious practice, and  the Langs emphasized that their group is “not there to replace one’s faith, but to enhance it,” whatever that faith may be.

This group is one of many new developments in mindfulness training taking place in the Valley. The Langs pointed to practices being adopted in local school districts and in the UW-Stout counseling program as two examples. And as long as people are interested, they plan to continue facilitating groups in the area.

Meeting Mindfully

The Mindfulness Practice Group meets at 5:15pm Tuesdays at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 420 Wilson Ave., Menomonie. Attendance is free and open to the public. For further questions, contact Susan Weston at (715) 235-5838, or email office@menomonieucc.org. 

Chris Hayden LABT CAR, is a lifelong enthusiast of mind-body wellness, and practices healing arts professionally at Earth and Sky Bodyworks in Eau Claire and Menomonie.