Cultivating mindfulness for health and wellbeing

Cultivating Mindfulness for Health and Wellbeing

The Ann Arbor Center for Mindfulness (AACFM) cultivates and supports mindfulness to promote health and well-being in communities by offering classes, retreats, presentations, events, and financial scholarships and mentorships for aspiring mindfulness teachers. For more information on scholarship opportunities click here.

Donate

UPCOMING CLASSES AND RETREATS

  • Grounded in Stillness Autumn Silent Retreat

    We are delighted to offer an in-person Autumn Silent Retreat on Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor.  In a season of transition, make space for stillness, balance, and reflection.  This is an opportunity for those with some previous meditation experience to deepen or renew their practice in community by sitting, walking, gentle mindful movement, and eating in silence during the day. 

    Most sitting meditations will be guided, providing support for both those looking to deepen an established practice and those seeking to reconnect with mindfulness in a quiet, supportive setting.

    This retreat is for persons 18 years and older.

    Registration Price

    • $50 standard rate
    • $65 pay-it-forward registration rate supports our community
    • $30 student/trainee registration rate

    6.0 CE social work credits are included as a registration option for an additional $30.00. Events approved and offered by NASW are also acceptable CE for psychologists (see below).

    Registration closes November 14, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. EST.

    If the registration price is a barrier, please contact us at info@aacfm.org to arrange a scholarship or reduced rate.

    A portion of the proceeds from this event supports scholarships for mindfulness teacher training in underrepresented communities, helping more people access mindfulness and compassion training. If you want to make an additional donation to support this cause, it is greatly appreciated. You may donate here: https://www.aacfm.org/donate/

    Retreat information:

    Location: Garrett’s in the Student Center Building at Washtenaw Community College (WCC), 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.  Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

    Parking: Free parking is available on the WCC campus. Lot 4 is closest to the Student Center Building. WCC is also accessible by AAATA buses.

    Please bring a healthy lunch and a water bottle. Please note that refrigeration and kitchen facilities are NOT available. Light snacks and tea will be available for attendees.

    A limited number of meditation cushions will be available for your use. Please consider bringing your own mat, cushions, or blanket, if these items are supportive to your practice. Chairs will be available for sitting practice.

    Cancellation policy: Cancellation requests received prior to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026 will receive a full refund. Registrations may be transferred to another attendee at no cost upon request received by November 14, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. EST. 

    Continuing Education (CE):

    The Ann Arbor Center for Mindfulness is an approved sponsor of continuing education (CE) credits by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Michigan Chapter. This event qualifies for 6.0 CE credits for social workers. Events approved and offered by NASW are also acceptable CE for psychologists (see LARA – Psychology General Rules). CE credits are included as a registration option for an additional $30.00. Please reach out with any questions about CEs: info@aacfm.org.

    Register

  • Fall 2026 Mindful Self-Compassion

    Complimentary Orientation Sep 14, 6:30 pm ET
    Eight sessions on Mondays from Sep 28 to Nov 16, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET
    Half-Day Retreat: Sat, Nov 7, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET

    The Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) 8-Week series is an evidence-based training program developed by leading researchers Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. It is designed to help people reduce self-criticism and harsh inner dialogue, increase emotional resilience during stress, and help regulate difficult emotions. Learn more.

    Teacher: Paulette Grotrian, M.A., USCD Certified MSC Teacher. Trained with renowned Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer; MBSR Teacher, Trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Colleagues; Board Member, Ann Arbor Center for Mindfulness; Founding Member, Open Mindfulness Meditation.

    Paulette Grotrian

    Teacher: Brenda Lindsay, CPC, PRP, CYT-200, MBSR Teacher. Trained through Brown University Mindfulness Center; MSC Teacher in Training; Certified Mindfulness Instructor; Board Member, Ann Arbor Center for Mindfulness.

    Brenda Lindsay

    Register for the complimentary Orientation to learn more about the MSC 8-Week series, or register for both the orientation and the 8-Week series. “Pay what you can” pricing. This series qualifies for 20 CE credits for social workers. Classes approved by NASW are also acceptable CE for psychologists (see LARA – Psychology General Rules).

    For more information or to register, contact Brenda at Brenda@mindtransformationsllc.com or visit www.mindtransformationsllc.com/upcoming-classes.

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 8-Week Class

    MBSR, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, has been found helpful in coping with stress, pain, depression, anxiety, and chronic human unhappiness. Read more about the course.

    Brenda Lindsay

    A complimentary Introduction to Mindfulness and MBSR is offered prior to the 8-week class, which includes concepts, principles, and some basic practices. It is required before the MBSR 8-Week course; exceptions are possible with prior experience and/or the teacher’s approval.

    Schedule: Complimentary Orientation,  Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 – 8:00 pm ET
    MBSR 8-Week Classes:  Wednesdays, September 30 – November 18, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET
    All-Day Class:  Sunday, November 1, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm ET

    Teachers: Brenda Lindsay, CPC, PRP, CPA. MBSR teacher trained through Brown University, Certified Mindfulness Instructor from AIHCP, Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200), Board Member of  the Ann Arbor Center for Mindfulness.
    Erin Davis-Bork, MPH. MBSR Teacher trained through Brown University.

    All classes and the retreat will be online. This series qualifies for 20 CE credits for social workers pending approval. Classes approved by NASW are also acceptable CE for psychologists (see LARA – Psychology General Rules). For more information or to register, contact Brenda at Brenda@mindtransformationsllc.com or visit www.mindtransformationsllc.com/upcoming-classes.

    Register

Join our Newsletter to stay up to date on new classes and special event invitations!