Why Mindfulness

Recent scientific evidence states that meditation & compassion-based mindfulness practices change the brain in a positive way and h

There are various 'styles' of Mindfulness courses available currently.Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Living Course (MBLC) Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).  There are also various lengths of courses from introductory sessions, 1 day workshops or 4 week introductions amongst others. This varied approach to Mindfulness supports the different needs of participants whether on a one to one basis or in groups.  These approaches provide support with issues such as .stress, anxiety, depression, recovery from addictive behaviour. Scientific research over many decades has provided evidence of profound benefits such as:

•  Improved wellbeing

• Improved physical and mental health eg reduced blood pressure and heart rate

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved sleep patterns

• Beginning of developing self-compassion and kindness towards self

• Awareness of self-criticism and how our thoughts/thinking perpetuate our stresses and anxieties in daily life

• Coping with change more positively

• Developing an understanding of how to strengthen positive qualities and weaken negative patterns

• greater resilience  in dealing with day to day challenges in life 

• increased self-awareness and confidence

• lowered heart rate and blood pressure

The core principles of mindfulness are:

Non-judging. Be an impartial witness to your own experience. Become aware of the constant stream of judging and reacting to inner and outer experience

Patience. A form of wisdom, patience demonstrates that we accept the fact that things sometimes unfold in their own time. Allow for this

Beginner’s Mind. Remaining open and curious allows us to be receptive to new possibilities and prevents us from getting stuck in the rut of our own expertise

Trust. Develop a basic trust with yourself and your feelings. Know it’s OK to make mistakes

Non-Striving. The goal is to be with yourself right here, right now. Pay attention to what is unfolding without trying to change anything

Acceptance. See things as they are. This sets the stage for acting appropriately in your life no matter what is happening

Letting Go. When we pay attention to our inner experience, we discover there are certain thoughts, emotions and situations the mind wants to hold onto. Let your experience be what it is right now  [Jon Kabat-Zinn]