Prior to beginning work on this journal, watch Faith Based Initiative /Social Service and Congregational Research Part and Faith Based Initiative /Social Service Research Part

"Case Study in the Mindfulness Movement

Shira Vardi, a Chicago area social worker, recently began her own mindfulness

organization called Encounters in Motion. Vardi uses her social work skills and

training in a unique way that incorporates all aspects of the mind and body, with a

particular focus on movement. Encounters in Motion is not psychotherapy in that

problems aren’t approached from the framework of mental illness and its healing

or management. Rather, Vardi views the source of much of our suffering as a

society rooted in disconnection: from ourselves (mind/body/spirit) and from those

around us (see the research on vulnerability by Brené Brown and on happiness

through connection by Barbara Fredrickson). Vardi therefore shares tools and

facilitates experiences—for individuals, groups, and organizations—that support

connection in the moment. Using Feldenkrais® Method practitioner training, she

uses gentle touch to guide individual client movement and attention toward their

physical structural support in relation to gravity. This enables clients to move

through life with greater support, lightness, and ease. Using meditation and

internal family systems training with individuals and groups, she helps clients

relate to their thoughts and feelings with leadership and good will.

The Feldenkrais Method raises awareness of natural postures of the body to

better live in harmony with oneself. Photo taken at Mac Mahon studio in Paris

This process enables a client’s whole self to work in harmony, rather than the

internal chatter/infighting that often uses up so much of our energy. Using West

African dance and expressive movement, she helps clients sense, feel, and move

their bodies and their spirits to music, from a place of connection, pleasure, and

ease."