Submitted by Irene Javors, LMHC
“There are many ways to discuss ego, but in essence… … it is the experience of never being present. There is a deep seated tendency, it’s almost a compulsion, to distract ourselves, even when we’re not feeling uncomfortable. Everybody feels a little bit of an itch all the time. There’s a [...]

By Rob Handelman, Ph.D.
So I’ve been away on Cape Cod for the past two weeks. People don’t get angry there.
This morning, my local morning train was not in service, so I had to find a bus, along with the throngs. Throngs make people tense. At a certain point the bus driver stopped for [...]

By Jonathan Kaplan, Ph.D.
On Friday and Saturday, I attended a conference on meditation and psychotherapy co-sponsored by Harvard Medical School. The theme of the conference was “Wisdom and Compassion”, featuring the Dalai Lama as the main speaker. He answered questions posed by prominent scientists and clinicians, including Drs. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Richard Davidson, Steven [...]

By Jonathan Kaplan, Ph.D.
This past weekend, I participated in a volunteer-led clean-up of a neighborhood in Brooklyn. My work slot was two hours long. When I showed up, they gave me a bag and a set of tongs: “Go pick up garbage.” I was told.
The day was gloriously beautiful and sunny. Everyone was out in [...]

By Jonathan Kaplan, Ph.D.
1. Breathe
Why is it that mindfulness folks are always talking about the breath? Because it is an ever-present anchor for our attention in the present moment. As long as you are alive, you can become aware of your breathing at any time. Becoming mindful of your breathing [...]

By Jonathan Kaplan, Ph.D.
Walking through Park Slope recently, I overheard a woman muttering to herself about how much she hated the rain.  Bent over and walking quickly, she was cursing under her breath as she rushed off with her umbrella.  Normally, this would not be out-of-the-ordinary.  What made it strange, though, was that fact that [...]

Welcome to Urban Mindfulness, a website devoted to the practice of meditation and mindfulness for those of us who live in urban areas, particularly New York City.  Here you will find a variety of resources to help you along the path of cultivating peace and personal growth while immersed in the chaos and busyness of [...]