Numerous research studies indicate that meditation can have a positive impact on the recovery process for many mental health consumers. In June, clinical staff at Journey Mental Health Center initiated a Mindfulness-Based Recovery Group for Journey consumers. This group is a structured, evidence-based 8-week model geared toward both AODA and Mental Health adult consumers.

While Mindfulness Meditation can be done almost anywhere and at anytime, there are ways to enhance the effectiveness of meditation. One important way is to create a supportive foundation for meditation with meditation cushions.

The search for these cushions is where our donor story begins. You aren’t going to find meditation cushions at Target. It is a specialized product sold by retailers who are knowledgeable about meditation, yoga, and massage. In the Madison area, the retailer of choice is Sage Meditation.

Sage is owned by Jay Suthers who first came to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin in the late 1980’s. Like many new students, Jay had difficulty adjusting to life in a new environment. The stress of the change eventually led Jay to seek outpatient services at Journey. Those services helped Jay through a difficult time and he was happy to donate 25 meditation cushions to Journey’s Mindfulness Meditation Group. “Journey, in its former status as Dane County Mental Health, was there for me 24 years ago and it is my pleasure to be able to give something back.”

Jay and Sage Meditation’s gift will make it possible for many Journey consumers to gain the benefits of Mindfulness Meditation. We are grateful to Jay and hundreds of other individuals who choose to support our work. If you, a friend, family member, someone you know has received services from Journey, please consider supporting our mission. Use the enclosed donor envelope or visit our website at: www.journeymhc.org/how-to-help/donate.

Thank you!