This spring NOMA presents a series of seven mindfulness classes. Mindfulness is defined as experiencing the present moment with open curiosity, without judgment, and with a willingness to be with what is. Participants will learn to develop mindfulness through guided meditation and brief exercises that will help them experience the present moment during everyday activities. Although no specific outcome is promised, participants typically report feeling more alive, more “in-tune” with themselves and others. In addition, research has shown significant beneficial effects in dealing with stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, chronic pain, and diabetes. To register or for more information, please email egreenwald@noma.org or call 504-658-4140. Saturdays from 10–11:30 a.m. | May 12, 19, 26 and June 2, 9, 16, 23 Cost for the series: $50 | members $70 | nonmembers Maximum class size is 30. Participants sign up for the series, not per class. About the instructor: Dr. Jayashree Rao is a retired pediatric endocrinologist, who spent thirty years teaching, researching, and practicing medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center and Children’s Hospital. For the past several years, Dr. Rao has practiced and led others in practicing mindfulness, employing techniques learned in the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course offered by Dr. Dave Potter.