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Whether you are dealing with chronic stress, illness, issues stemming from imbalance in your life or simply wanting to incorporate a great wellness practice in your daily life, one of the things that can really help is to include the “reset” offered by mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness meditation is a very potent way to support yourself. It gives both body and mind a break from living in “the Red Zone” of stress and overwhelm - an antidote of sorts. There are now over 4000 published research articles attesting to the therapeutic benefits of meditation for a wide range of physical and psychological conditions and its compatibility and synergy with most other forms of treatment. |
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So what is mindfulness? Believe it or not, it’s simply the practice of paying attention to what is happening around and inside us, without trying to analyse or change any of it. Mindfulness meditation (usually done with the eyes closed to shut out visual distractions) is a pathway to developing the wonderful skill of being mindful as you go about your daily life with your eyes open.
We now know that it stabilises the mind, creates more peace of mind, lessens fear and makes the immune system function better. It turns us into better communicators, parents, friends and partners. It also helps us to enjoy life more.
Mindfulness- Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM) is a mindfulness technique recognised internationally by leaders in the field. It was developed at the Gawler Institute in Australia – an organisation famous for improving recovery outcomes and quality of life for people affected by cancer and other illness.
What's involved?
These courses offer a thorough grounding in the what, why and how of this incredibly effective style of mindfulness. Beginning with meditation (an eyes-closed form of mindfulness in a quiet setting) is an excellent way to develop the skills and habits that allow you to later practice mindfulness with your eyes open as you go about your daily life.
Each 2-hour class involves a mix of discussion, teaching and practice - beginning with very short simple practices. Each week builds on the previous one, so that by the end of the course, you have a robust basis for a beneficial personal practice.
Just in case you're wondering... we sit in regular chairs to meditate. Although some people prefer to sit on the floor, sitting in a chair is equally effective and much more comfortable for most people!
And although closing your eyes also helps as it shuts out visual distractions, it is not vital. What's most important is that you are comfortable and relaxed however you approach the meditation.
We now know that it stabilises the mind, creates more peace of mind, lessens fear and makes the immune system function better. It turns us into better communicators, parents, friends and partners. It also helps us to enjoy life more.
Mindfulness- Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM) is a mindfulness technique recognised internationally by leaders in the field. It was developed at the Gawler Institute in Australia – an organisation famous for improving recovery outcomes and quality of life for people affected by cancer and other illness.
What's involved?
These courses offer a thorough grounding in the what, why and how of this incredibly effective style of mindfulness. Beginning with meditation (an eyes-closed form of mindfulness in a quiet setting) is an excellent way to develop the skills and habits that allow you to later practice mindfulness with your eyes open as you go about your daily life.
Each 2-hour class involves a mix of discussion, teaching and practice - beginning with very short simple practices. Each week builds on the previous one, so that by the end of the course, you have a robust basis for a beneficial personal practice.
Just in case you're wondering... we sit in regular chairs to meditate. Although some people prefer to sit on the floor, sitting in a chair is equally effective and much more comfortable for most people!
And although closing your eyes also helps as it shuts out visual distractions, it is not vital. What's most important is that you are comfortable and relaxed however you approach the meditation.
What past participants say:
"I have become able to stop panic attacks by learning how to calm and centre myself with breathing and awareness . This is an amazing ability to have" KH
"Everything has changed. I've established the closest and strongest connection I've ever had with myself and every aspect of my external world has improved" PK
"I discovered that I could quiet my manic head from all the busy constant thinking. All it takes is 3 conscious breaths." NB
"I feel calmer and able to cope better with the busyness of life because I understand what my mind and body need" LS
"Everything has changed for the better. Life feels slower, more in control, I am calmer. I have tools and resources to handle stress, anxiety and uncomfortable emotions. I am more present. The course has positively impacted my life." SK
"What was most useful was learning the art of being still. Just being present, in the moment and allowing." DM
"I had heard of meditation before but never practiced it. and these tools will now be very useful." TB
"I had some idea of mindfulness, but the course has really deepened my knowledge and clarified things me. I gained a lot more than I expected to and was able to reflect a lot on myself and my relationships." MF
"The feeling of calmness after meditating was very unexpected" ES
"This was a more accessible, practical way to meditate that I can incorporate into my life more easily than other techniques
I have used." JR
"Everything has changed. I've established the closest and strongest connection I've ever had with myself and every aspect of my external world has improved" PK
"I discovered that I could quiet my manic head from all the busy constant thinking. All it takes is 3 conscious breaths." NB
"I feel calmer and able to cope better with the busyness of life because I understand what my mind and body need" LS
"Everything has changed for the better. Life feels slower, more in control, I am calmer. I have tools and resources to handle stress, anxiety and uncomfortable emotions. I am more present. The course has positively impacted my life." SK
"What was most useful was learning the art of being still. Just being present, in the moment and allowing." DM
"I had heard of meditation before but never practiced it. and these tools will now be very useful." TB
"I had some idea of mindfulness, but the course has really deepened my knowledge and clarified things me. I gained a lot more than I expected to and was able to reflect a lot on myself and my relationships." MF
"The feeling of calmness after meditating was very unexpected" ES
"This was a more accessible, practical way to meditate that I can incorporate into my life more easily than other techniques
I have used." JR