Mindfulness

Welcome to Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that focusses on the present moment; it is not about ‘clearing your mind’, instead it is about witnessing thoughts, feelings and sensations as they arise without judgement. Much of our suffering is caused by the stories we tell ourselves about our thoughts, emotions or feelings. Through mindfulness we can become aware of these negative and repetitive habits of thought and, with practice, can learn to detach from them.

MINDFULNESS BENEFITS

Mindfulness was developed as a stress reduction technique, however, studies over recent decades have shown that it may also assist with the following:

clarity and focus
greater resilience
enhanced creativity
improved relationships
improved concentration
rapport and communication
improved health and wellbeing
greater confidence and self-esteem
better sleep
reduced anxiety and depression
greater work satisfaction
improved memory
pain reduction

ORIGINS

Mindfulness is based on ancient eastern practices of meditation. The modern founder of the mindfulness movement was Jon Kabat-Zinn who, in 1979, developed an 8 week stress-reduction programme (MBSR) for people suffering stress due to long-term illness. He describes the practice this way:

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally.

It’s about knowing what is on your mind”

More recently, other psychological studies and mindfulness programmes have been developed, most notably Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) through the University of Oxford and also ‘Mindfulness Now’ which incorporates elements from both programmes. The programme I teach is Mindfulness Now and is accredited by the British psychological Society.

Yoga Relaxation

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

What can you expect from mindfulness practice? I run an 8 – week Introduction to Mindfulness which covers all that you will need to start your own mindfulness practice at home. the course includes the following:

Discussions and explorations of mindfulness techniques
Several guided meditations each weekly session
Stories, poems and readings related to the theme of the week
Home practice suggestions and journaling activity
Access to weekly recordings of mindfulness sessions to help with your home practice
Access to a private Mindfulness Facebook group to ask questions and share experiences.

Investment: £75 for the full 8-week course. Please contact me for details and booking

Ongoing support

On completion of the course there will be the opportunity to attend regular mindfulness sessions and workshops to help maintain your practice.

ABOUT ME

Are you ready to join me on a quest to live mindfully? I am a fully qualified and accredited Mindfulness Now instructor and have also undertaken meditation and mindfulness training with the Zen Abbot, Ryoshin Paul Haller Roshi, I have guided mediation and relaxation through yoga and yoga therapy for over 13 years. I am fascinated by the benefits of meditation and yoga on mental health and am currently studying for an MSc in Psychology.