A group meditates in the Center for Mindful Living's meditation room.Being present means more than just putting your body in a certain place.
For people like Lisa Harris it means being in a place physically, mentally and without judgment. Being present, or as she describes it "mindful," is the goal behind a new downtown nonprofit organization called The Center for Mindful Living, located at 1212 McCallie Ave.
"We're a very driven culture. I'm all for that, but I also think it can lead to an imbalance," said Harris, who is the chairwoman for the center's board of directors. "When that happens we start to get sick, whether that's emotionally, mentally or physically."
The center itself is a place people can come to relax, replenish and foster mindfulness.
"It's a little bit like dusting the furniture in your room," said Harris.
At the center itself, anyone can come and meditate indoors or outdoors, take classes or just enjoy some peace and quiet. It's also home to a large library and community gathering space.
For around $21 a month, anyone can become a member and receive benefits including unlimited free admission to daily Mindfulness Practice Programs, unlimited use of the meditation room and garden, borrowing privileges from the library and discounts on special workshops.
Harris said there is a wide variety of ways to be more present - from doing yoga to just taking a few quiet moments a day to be thankful - and the center is there to help educate and facilitate mindfulness for the public.
"There is no one teacher here," she said. "Every faith tradition has their own ways to be mindful. We're open to all groups and ways."
For more information about the Center for Mindful Living, visit centerformindfulliving.wildapricot.org or call 486-1279.