Mindfulness Meditation Resources

UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center – Guided Meditations (Body Scan, Loving Kindness, & Mindfulness)

UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness – Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

UCSF Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Groups

Self-Compassion Resources 

Kristin Neff – Self-Compassion Practices

Brene Brown – Ted Talks on Shame and Vulnerability 

Tara Brach – RAIN model to work on developing self-compassion

Therapy for Black Girls – resourceful website and podcast on various topics

Apps

Headspace – program, free at first and then monthly subscription 

Insight Timer – timer, guided meditations, community of meditators online 

Recovery Record – app for addressing eating related issues with a meditation component built in

DrJud.com – app dedicated to addressing any behavior that can be compulsive including worrying using a mindfulness based approach

Finch – take care of a virtual pet by completing self-care tasks, setting and meeting goals, mood tracking, and more.

Dharma Seed – access Buddhist meditation instructions and Dharma talks

Practice with Others in Community

Some spiritual communities will have their own meditation groups you can explore within your own tradition. If you don’t follow a specific tradition and are open to exploring various practices with a spiritual component I’ve listed some here. For a secular approach to mindfulness, consider signing up for a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction group (usually offered for 8 weeks). 

Some yoga studios offer yin yoga that includes a meditation component and general meditation sits.

Most centers are based in Buddhist philosophy but open to secular practitioners. Some centers have affinity groups like people of color, LGBTQ groups, people in recovery, etc. 

Bay Area Meditation Centers:
Spirit Rock
East Bay Meditation Center 
San Francisco Zen Center
Insight Meditation Center

For secular group practice, you can find Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction groups online or close to where you live. 

Practice Mindful Journaling

50 Unique Topics And Writing Tips For Beginners (free guide)

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise DeSalvo

Expressive Writing: Words that Heal by James Pennebaker & John Evans

Articles

“Loosening the Knots of Anger” by Thich Nhat Hanh

“Feeling Overwhelmed? Remember RAIN” by Tara Brach

“I Vow Not to Burn Out” by Mushim Ikeda Nash

“How to Practice Loving Kindness” by Joanna Hardy

“The Neurobiology of Grace Under Pressure” by Christopher Bergland