What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness quite simply is the practice of training our attention to focus on the present moment and noticing what is happening for you in the here and now. By paying attention to our thoughts, feelings and sensations in a compassionate and non-judgmental way, we can interrupt the automatic habit of getting carried away by our thoughts and the unpleasant feelings and sensations that come with them. 30 years of academic research in the fields of neuroscience and psychology document a wide range of benefits of learning mindfulness meditation. As this is such a widely researched and evidence based approach it is recommended as an excellent starting point to learning mindfulness.

What does the course involve?

For the duration of the 8 week course, participants will have the opportunity to explore a selection of mindfulness meditation and gentle physical exercises to cultivate skillful ways of acknowledging, responding to and dealing with the many aspects of our mind and body. Participants will have the opportunity to build a regular practice over the 8 weeks to form new habits and patterns of thinking and receive information on the neuroscience of stress, stress management, interpersonal communication and relaxation techniques.

What are the benefits?

• It can improve emotional and physical well-being by influencing positive changes in health, behaviour and attitudes

• It can help to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, improve sleep and provide a natural coping strategy for chronic pain

• It can improve self-esteem and emotional regulation

Course requirements

2 hour sessions between 6.30 and 8.30 pm every Monday for 8 weeks between Wednesday 3rd February and Wednesday 31st March 2021 (no session during half term).

You will need to be able to commit to the full course. it is not a drop in, but accommodations can be made if one or two sessions are missed (if the first session or more than 2 sessions are missed you may be asked to participate in the next available course)