Mindful Dexter, a free mindfulness meditation initiative of the 5HealthyTowns Foundation, is the first of its kind in the area, open to anyone, twice a month during September through May. Sessions are non-religious and simply provide a safe, welcoming environment to develop or deepen a mindfulness meditation practice. During the hour-long sessions, participants have an opportunity to practice a simple guided meditation led by qualified, experienced mindfulness facilitators, experience a period of silent meditation and participate in or listen to a discussion on a mindfulness topic. The sessions don’t build on each other, so they can be attended as needed.

         Meetings are held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of each month, at the Dexter District Library and from 6 to 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Dexter Wellness Center.

         Jeanette Brooks, coordinator of Mindful Dexter, says, “Mindfulness meditation is a powerful skill anyone can learn, and there’s increasing evidence of its positive impact on health.” 5HealthyTowns.org is a nonprofit wellness foundation that serves the towns of Dexter, Chelsea, Grass Lake, Manchester and Stockbridge.

Locations: Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter; Wellness Center, 2810 Baker Rd., Dexter. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/mindfuldexter.