★★★★★
Vertis facilitated a virtual mindfulness workshop for our organization’s Senior Diversity Officers who are spread across 54 college/university campuses.
Vertis’ ability to guide the group through several types of techniques and practices was incredible. We all came away from the seminar feeling rejuvenated and were provided some incredible tools for self-care!
Tarrence Robertson - Project Director Office of Equity & Inclusion Minnesota State College
.
★★★★★
.
I have had the pleasure and fortune of participating in and observing workshops on mindfulness and bias that Vertis Williams has provided for our teacher training organization. As a participant, each time I have experienced the powerful nature of the workshop and the thoughtful, respectful, and ultimately peaceful presence Mr. Williams embodies while pushing us all to grow and learn more about these important topics.
LIZA DAVIS, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS, PRIMARY TRAINER, ASSOCIATION MONTESSORI
..
★★★★★
.
Vertis is a master in mindfulness and has led our adult students through an incredible journey of self-reflection and self-awareness. His very presence exhibits what it means to be mindful, to be aware. His amazing sense of calmness, thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit is the essence of what it means to be mindful. One cannot help but think, “I have so much to learn from him, I must pay attention.
.
MOLLY E. O’SHAUGHNESSY, DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AT MONTESSORI TRAINING CENTER OF MINNESOTA
.
★★★★★
.
I had the pleasure of attending Vertis Williams' "Mindfulness: Employing Mindfulness to be Aware of our Biases" workshop as a part of the Primary Teacher Training at the Montessori Center of MN. It was wonderful! Vertis is not only extremely informed on various mindfulness practices, it's obvious that he "practices what he preaches" based on his genuinely, peaceful demeanor and engaging, respectful presence as teacher and guide.
.
As a Pastor, it was especially helpful that Vertis laid a clear foundation of what mindfulness is and what it is not, which debunked some of my misconceptions.
.
I learned that mindfulness is actually consistent and aligned with my Christian values and disciplines as a means for becoming aware of the present in a more meaningful way and increasing capacity to deal with difficult moments. In our current day and age of chaos, fear, and divisiveness, mindfulness and people like Vertis who are versed in the practice are needed more than ever.
.
Vertis shared comprehensive information about the different types of meditation and created an interactive workshop experience through practical examples, demonstrations, and guided activities. As an educator, I was especially inspired by the information he shared on "problem-posing education," where adults and students can learn from each other in a mutual quest to find truth and become our fullest, best selves.
.
As an anti-racist activist and trainer, I was equally intrigued to learn how mindfulness can and has been employed as a means of minimizing and mitigating against bias. In a time and season when bias, racism, oppression, and violence of every form is rampant, it's reassuring to know that skilled, healing guides like Vertis are working to stand in the gap in our community and forge a different way forward for us all.
.
These days where talk is especially cheap and too many people prefer lies over truth, meaningful action like meditation is necessary to help us break through to honest awareness and authentic, bias-free engagement. Vertis is a gift and asset to individuals and organizations seeking wise counsel and leadership on eliminating bias, creating peaceful environments, and maintaining hope in the present moment and in the face of an uncertain future.
.
Pastor Jessica L. Jackson, J.D. Jessica L. Jackson, J.D. Lead Pastor & Founder/Executive Director IMPACT LIVING Christian Center & We IMPACT! www.impactlivingcc.org