Cathy-Mae Karelse’s new book Disrupting White Mindfulness explores how the precious practice of mindfulness, as popularly packaged in the West, lands mainly with a select, elite audience. The book unpacks how this reality comes about, how it remains entrenched, and how we might collectively build forward differently. The emphasis is that this is ALL our work. Courage to change the things we must applies as much to shifting the dominant narratives, patterns, and norms of the Mindfulness Industry as it does to upturning inequities in our families, communities, and societies, and Othering in ourselves. Equally, opening our hearts to embrace difference allows us to see mindfulness as liberation for all.

Can we step beyond what is known, to hear and respond to calls that merge inner and outer landscapes of contemplation to foster collective freedom?
Could this potentially offer a pathway that heals what appears as my inner disaffection, as mine? Might this avenue help us feel more connected and whole?

Cathy-May Karelse will be in conversation with Alison Evans to pick up on the themes of engagement and agency, with time for further discussion and questions.

Prior to Alison’s discussion with Cathy-Mae, we suggest watching the video to give a clearer sense of the topic and inspire conversation. The video was hosted and recorded by the Mindfulness and Social Change Network and shared with permission.
VIDEO URL: https://youtu.be/cSNr3rCDDJ0

This event is offered in collaboration with the Mindfulness Network Community Friends (MNCF) – an initiative to engage the wider mindfulness community and reach new audiences. Led by a Committee of Volunteers, supported by the Mindfulness Network, we work together to run a programme of donation-based events and inspiring content. The Committee ensures that the MNCF can best serve everyone by providing opportunities to practice and learn together.

The event is free to attend. The Mindfulness Network welcomes any donations via the application form and encourages you to consider a contribution, large or small, which will make a big difference in helping us widen access to mindfulness-based approaches.

The Mindfulness Network and its volunteers take every care in their preparation of events to make sure they are appropriate for the audience. Please be aware that you are choosing to participate in our freely offered events at your own risk. We invite you to carefully consider your own personal circumstances and experience when joining these events. The Mindfulness Network Terms and Conditions apply (though payment and cancellation policies are not relevant for freely offered Events) and the Mindfulness Network can not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage, suffered during or in relation to the event, however, this may be caused.