WHAT IS MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is a way of learning to relate directly to whatever is happening in your life.
A way of taking charge of your life, a way of doing something for yourself that no one else can do for you - consciously and systematically working with your own stress, pain, illness, and the challenges and demands of everyday life
When we practice mindfulness, we are open to every experience, present in every moment, and in close contact with the unfolding of our own lives. Our awareness develops and becomes spacious, open, and relaxed. When we live mindfully, we slow down enough to understand what’s really going on, and can find our way more effectively through difficulties. Through the regular practice of mindfulness, calmness and clarity emerge and help us to find a place of stability and strength.
Mindfulness is rooted in ancient meditation principles and, more recently, scientifically researched and developed to respond to a wide range of defined client groups, including those suffering from chronic pain, anxiety and depression.
It is an ideal approach for personal development, and mindfulness based-coaching helps people to reach into themselves for the inner resources that can be utilized in times of difficulty.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
The mindfulness programme schedule consists of five or eight weekly classes. These highly participatory, practical courses, include:
- Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
- Gentle stretching and mindful movement
- Group dialogue and discussions aimed at enhancing awareness in everyday life
- Individually tailored instruction
- Daily home assignments
- Practice CDs/downloads and a home practice workbook
Published research indicates that the majority of people who complete the course report:
- Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
- An increased ability to relax
- Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away
- Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations.
The course is challenging and life-affirming. The practitioners are accomplished and skilled at creating a safe, supportive, and deeply engaging learning environment.
OUR RESEARCH
Living Mindfully is committed to ongoing research that will enable us to build an evidence base for all our mindfulness programmes. Listed below are published papers and research in progress.
The Living Mindfully Five Week programme
Staying Well: A Follow Up of a 5-Week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme for a Range of Psychological Issues M Mitchell, G Heads - Community Mental Health Journal, 2015 – Springer
‘Improving Resilience and Reducing Compassion Fatigue in Pre-Registration Students’, The Society & College of Radiographers. October 2015. Sheffield Hallam University.
Upcoming mindfulness programmes
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 8 week programme 2016
The Living Mindfully 5 week programme 2016
Durham – 5 week programme
september
october
november