Are you ready to see mindfulness in a whole new way? As a set of relevant practices for emotional stability, concentration, insight, relaxation, self-control, and mental fortitude, mindfulness was never intended to be shrouded in mystery. Current psychological research shows that just 8 weeks of daily mindful meditation practices significantly lowers the activity in the fear (a.k.a. stress) center of the brain. Mindfulness and Me: A Practical Guide for Living is a myth-busting, philosophy-integrating handbook designed to lead you through 8 weeks of practices for creating a meaningful, empowered, kind, and relaxed life. To prove there’s nothing mystical or magical about mindfulness, these practices integrate Buddhist, yoga, and Christian philosophy, mental health treatment, modern psychology, and so much more. Mindfulness and Me will take you through the biology of stress, changing thought patterns, managing emotions, and having a better relationship with yourself and others. There’s nothing magical about it. It just makes sense.

Kira M. Markoff, LCSW-C is an outpatient mental health therapist at The Mental Health Center of Western Maryland and Psychology PhD student at Grand Canyon University. Kira has undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Since 2017 she has provided mental health therapy to individuals and families specializing with veterans and those with co-occurring substance use disorders. As a yoga instructor and longtime meditator, Kira believes in using a mind, body, spirit approach when working with clients.

Kira developed a belief in the reciprocity of personal and interpersonal wellbeing through yoga practice, clinical experience, and academic research. Her passion for cultivating meaningful connections led her to study mindfulness and romantic partner conflict which is the focus of her doctoral dissertation. Kira believes that understanding is the key to discovering a solution and hopes to use her expertise to help people foster deeper connections with each other and themselves.