What is Mindfulness? 

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that cultivates awareness of the present moment.

It is about being awake and aware and living in the present rather than dwelling in the past or anticipating the future.

Living in the present moment can deepen our everyday experiences making life richer and more enjoyable. 

Mindfulness can help us see things differently, and may allow us to move towards greater levels of health and wellbeing. 

It has much to offer to those of us looking for more meaning in our lives and relationships. 

Mindfulness can also help at particular times in life: physical disturbance such as fatigue, headaches and high blood pressure: life stressors such as academic pressure, workplace demands or life events. 

This course is not suitable for people with severe psychological difficulties.

‘Serenity is not freedom from the storm but peace within the storm'. 
Ralph Waldo Emerson

People who have been on the course have reported the following benefits from mindfulness:

• Improved ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations
• Increased ability to relax and experience calm
• Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
• Improved self-confidence and more acceptance of life as it is today.

Recently the popularity of mindfulness has grown. It is now offered throughout the UK in both the NHS and private sectors to people looking for support with the challenges that we face. The skills learned are tools for life.

Course Outline

The course is based on the programme developed by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn – Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). 

MBSR is an 8 week programme of 2 hour classes, consisting of mindfulness meditation and cognitive exercises.

There are opportunities during the classes to discuss and reflect on your experiences with me and your fellow participants.  The course is not a therapy session.  There is no religious content to the course.

Participants are also invited to carry out a daily mindfulness meditation practice of 30- 45 minutes in duration between classes guided by professionally recorded CDs.

The cost of the course is £195. The price includes the 8 weekly sessions, course handbook, a retreat day and practice CDs.

Here are a few comments from people at the close of a mindfulness course:

‘I now know I do not have to be perfect. I am less judgmental about myself.
‘I am more aware of the thoughts that have led me to my actions.’
‘I am happier with who I am,
‘The breathing space gives me a chance to act rather than react.’
‘I feel calmer and more in control.’
‘I am finding my own solutions to situations that I thought had no solution.’