Mindfulness
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What is Mindfulness?
In simple terms Mindfulness is about paying more attention to the present moment. It's about knowing what is going on both inside our own bodies and our minds and in the world around us, moment by moment.
Have you ever noticed that when you are doing quite familiar and repetitive tasks, like driving your car, or doing house-work, that your mind is often miles away thinking about something else? You may be fantasising about going on a holiday, worrying about some upcoming event, or thinking about any number of other things. In all of these cases you are not focusing on your current experience, and you are not really in touch with the "here and now". This way of being is often called "automatic pilot". This can be quite harmless, such as daydreaming about the upcoming holiday. Other thought habits are more harmful, for example, constantly ruminating over financial worries or replaying difficult conversations or events that have happened.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and co-founder of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), defines Mindfulness as: "Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgmentally."
How can Mindfulness help?
Based on published studies, Mindfulness has been found to be effective in reducing levels of stress, increasing resilience and emotional intelligence. There is evidence to show it can help with greater emotional and mental wellbeing, increased happiness levels and better relationships. It may also enhance communication skills and increase our capacity to hold and manipulate information.
Organisations that have benefitted from Mindfulness training
As well as its clearly documented benefits in clinical practice, Mindfulness is currently being taught in the UK Parliament, European Parliaments, Health Service, prisons, schools, in Harvard University leadership courses and to CEO's and corporate leaders in large organisations such as Google and London Transport.
Meditations
Mindfulness Training
Introduction to Mindfulness - 2 hour course
This 2 hour course gives an introduction to Mindfulness and is designed for those who have little or no experience. The course includes:
• The role of informal and formal mindfulness practice
• An opportunity to experience and reflect on a short formal mindfulness practice
• How to bring more mindfulness into everyday life
Cost £200 (up to 12 participants)
Mindfulness Training - 6 week course
6 x 1.5 hour sessions (delivered in small group sessions)
This 6 week course "Mindfulness for Professionals" is for those who are looking to build an understanding of the theory whilst being guided through the practical ways of bringing more mindfulness into their everyday lives. The course is taught in small group sessions with time for discussion. It also includes weekly activities and handouts for further reading. Each session concludes with a relaxing guided meditation.
The course includes the following sessions:
Negativity bias
The Importance of Gratitude
The Psychology of Happiness
Self Compassion
How to include Mindfulness into everyday life
Group members get access to recorded meditations as well as a certificate of attendance.
This course is designed to give participants a good understanding of both the theory and practice of Mindfulness.
(Course includes handouts, weekly activities, access to online guided meditations and certificate of attendance)
Cost £900 (up to 12 participants)
Please contact me to find out further details
"Mindfulness gives you time.
Time gives you choices.
Choices, skillfully made, lead to freedom."
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana