Dear Friend,

Each day I try to wake up and remind myself what a privilege it is to be able to wake up and try again. No two days feel the same. And yet, the returning, the awareness itself, is always there. Especially on the hard days.

I know what it's like to open a computer or screen and feel the weight of the world come rushing in. So I want this to land differently today.

This is not another email or notification that asks something of you — just one that offers some glimmers: proof that people in our community are doing kind, quiet, important things.

So much of Community Mindfulness Project's work happens in private circles. We ask each other to phones away, there are no cameras, just presence.

When people enter programs feeling “exhausted," “at a standstill,” “filled with rage,” they can leave the groups feeling “more in control,” “calm,” and “grateful.”

This month, we have a few moments that can be captured that are worth celebrating.

IN OUR PRACTICE, CELEBRATING MOMENTS OF COMMUNITY CONNECTION, KINDNESS & BUILDING RESILIENCE

Hand Model of the Brain - why mindfulness works

1️⃣ Building Resilience with Science Awareness

One of the most enlightening moments in many sessions is an empowerment that comes with heightened awareness of the science of our brains. Last week, facilitators Sara and Julia shared the Hand Model of the Brain in our Building Resilience for Self-Care and Compassion course as a visual simple hand gesture that explains what stress does to the thinking brain — and what it means to find your way back. Learn more about why mindfulness matters →

2️⃣ Bridgeport Public Schools “In it to Win It” Ceremony

Julia Hepfer, Program Director

We were humbled to be part of the ‘In it to Win it’ Ceremony at BPS last month with Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery. Our friend and partner, Lynn Stephens, Director of Adult Education, Bridgeport Public Schools generously shared:

“CMP's collaboration with Adult Education has been transformative, bringing mindfulness-based practices into our learning environment to help adult learners and staff manage stress, build confidence, and enhance personal growth. CMP's enthusiastic partnership in Bridgeport Adult Education's Pathways to Success initiative for 17 & 18 year olds, further demonstrates their commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities”.

3️⃣ YWCA Women of Distinction

Lucy Ball, Board Chair

Community Mindfulness Project's board chair, Lucy Ball was just named one of the YWCA Darien/Norwalk's Women of Distinction! This honor is a celebration of the extraordinary community shapers among us. From the very beginning of her service with CMP, Lucy has gone above and beyond in her role as a mentor, connector, and leader within our organization. She leads with extraordinary kindness, thoughtfulness, and integrity. Lucy approaches each interaction (and each day) with genuine compassion and an unwavering commitment to generosity, both of spirit and of resources. Congratulations to her and the other Women of Distinction!

4️⃣ Stamford Citizen of the Year Dr. Maggie Young, Chief Recovery Officer, Liberation Programs

Maggie Young — a close partner and someone whose work has long shaped what care looks like in this community — was crowned Stamford's Citizen of the Year. For more than 40 years, Dr. Young has been a dedicated advocate for recovery, mental health, and violence prevention. We're honored to collaborate, partner and celebrate with her and the entire Liberation Programs team.

5️⃣ ‘Be The People’

Ella Crivello, Executive Director

Ella Crivello, CMP's Executive Director was featured as a founding story in the new Be The People national series. The platform is meant to serve as an inspirational space where individuals are encouraged to showcase how everyday people across America embody our highest ideals through community actions that serve… actions that may not make headlines, but definitely make a difference. Watch Ella's Day-in-the-Life Story →

6️⃣ Reentry Awards — April 27, Bridgeport

Celebrating second chances, honoring success, strengthening our community.

Community Mindfulness Project was nominated as one of the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative's “Community Partner of the Year”! The ceremony will honor the achievements of returning citizens and the organizations that walk alongside them. We’ve seen through this meaningful partnership how mindfulness softens anger, quiets fear, and restores connection. Participants have been present and celebrated each other gaining employment, reunions with their children, and new beginnings.

The ceremony is April 27 — register here and we hope to see you there.

7️⃣ The Mind is Like a Fan

Asha Ghosh, Lead Facilitator, Mentor

Recently, in one of our community programs, Asha introduced a simple metaphor: the mind is like a fan.

When a fan spins at full speed, you can't see the blades—just a blur of motion. It's the same with our thoughts and emotions when life feels overwhelming. Everything moves too fast to make sense of.

But as we slow down and pay attention, something shifts. The blades come into focus. We begin to see what's actually there—a worry, a memory, a feeling we hadn't yet named.

One participant sat quietly with this image and then said softly, "I didn't even know I was angry. I just thought I was tired."

That moment of seeing (I mean really seeing) is what mindfulness makes possible. Not fixing. Not forcing. Just slowing down enough to notice what's already spinning inside us.

These are the moments mindfulness makes possible: a fan slowing just enough for someone to finally see their own mind, one breath, one pause, one blade at a time.

7️⃣ Facilitator Reflections

Our team of mindfulness facilitators meet people where they are 7 days a week, sitting and sharing with every single person that joins our programs: you matter, I'm here with you. Right here, right now.

ICYMI we recently made space to celebrate them and reflect on our Impact in the 2025 Year In Review

This is the work. Across 151 programs already this year.

In private, trusted, circles.

Always human.

Rippling outward in ways we may never fully see — and worth every quiet moment of it.

Thank you for being part of this community.

With warmth,
The CMP Team

JOIN US

All are welcome PROGRAMs @ Community mindfulness project

🌸 GOOD MORNING, SPRING (21-DAY SERIES)

7am virtual meditations are underway and people are sharing:

“I try to do it on my own but I'm enjoying it more being in community.”
“I take it with me all day, so the practice helps set the tone for the day.”
“Love having a live meditation option at this time in the morning.”

Every day is a chance to begin again 👉 join us this week

🧑‍🧒‍🧒 FOR PARENTS

Join us for our series designed just for you:

👉 New Canaan Parent Circles (Apr 14, Apr 30, May 5)
👉 Norwalk Reset at Sunset(Apr 13, May 4, June 1)

💯 SPECIAL PROGRAM: SPRING RETREAT

Hosted by CMP's co-founders for experienced meditators
Norwalk — April 11 👉Register here

🌿 WE'RE GETTING BACK OUTSIDE

👉Urban Forest Bathing — Norwalk (Fodor Farms)
April 19, 26, May 3 & 10

👉 Outdoor Mindfulness — Stamford (Mill River Park)
May 13, 20, 27

📘 INTRO to MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION

Our next Flagship Mindfulness virtual MBSR course this fall is now open for registration.

Starting Sept 23, you'll get an experiential introspective introduction to the secular program created at UMass Medical School by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn.

🌅 WANT TO HEAR ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT?

Interested in another “Good Morning” sunrise meditation series? A Goodnight Meditation sleep support course?

Click here to be automatically addedas first to hear about these special virtual courses Good Morning, Summer, and our Goodnight Meditation Series when registration opens.

And if you're craving more regular mindfulness stories, tips and invitations to connect with neighbors delivered to your inbox? By clicking links below, you'll be automatically added to our specialized weekly email lists!

🧯 ~Weekly Burnout Buster emails for nonprofit sector & frontline workers

🫂 ~Weekly ‘Join us’ invitations (virtual & in person session & workshop updates and reminders)

💡 ~ Sunday Reset: Resources, readings & Meditation insights

📬 CMP has a new address 📬

304 Main Avenue #342

Norwalk, CT 06851