The Mindfulness Collaboratory

By Esmilda Abreu-Hornbostel, Rhonda Schaller, and Samantha Harvey

The Mindfulness Collaboratory conducts research, builds communities of practice, offers peer mentorship and support, and teaches programs nationally and internationally. We focus on the study of the inner environment—the mind, body, and lived human experience—as a foundational element of resilient communities, sustainable practices, and thriving creative ecosystems.

We will present the applied research of our Leading with Intention curriculum as it’s developed over the past 4 years showing the impact of developing contemplative practices and leadership skills for creatives, underscored by setting mindful, creative and resilient reflective intentions.

Through both qualitative and quantitative research methods, we have found from our participants: an overall improvement in flourishing; lowered stress; increased happiness, self awareness, ability to focus, productivity, and creativity; and a feeling of having more control over their lives.

Participants have gone on to develop new curriculums, launch businesses, change their career fields, embrace new art practices or return to those they had left behind. We will share the stories of participants who have been able to enhance their well-being, grow in their personal and professional lives, and sustain their practices through the tools learned in this program.

Through the findings from this program, we are in the process of expanding our work to connect with local Brooklyn economic sectors outside of the creative economy.