Mindfulness is a way of paying attention. When we practice mindfulness, we are training ourselves to be fully present in each moment, meeting our experience of ourselves and the world around us exactly as it is. This enables us to become skilled at working with our mind and our mental states.
Staying in touch with the present in this way, from one moment to the next, may lead you to experience yourself differently, perhaps feeling less stuck, or recognising more strength, balance and confidence in yourself. Research has shown that most people completing the programme report lasting physical and psychological benefits including:
Greater self-confidence and more acceptance of life as it is
An increased ability to cope effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations
An increased ability to relax and experience calm
More energy, enthusiasm and appreciation for life
What does the course involve?
You will be taught in a group of maximum 16 people. The course consists of 8 sessions of 2 hrs and one extended day of mostly silent practice. The silent day usually takes place on a Sunday after session 6. There will also be daily home practice of one hour. You will have handouts and audio files / downloads to help you with your home practice.
Commitment
Getting the most out of the course will require some work on your part. It requires a strong commitment to work on yourself through a gentle but rigorous daily discipline of meditation and movement practice. Making the commitment to devote the time needed for this personal exploration can feel difficult, but most people consider it worthwhile.
Once your application has been accepted, you will be invited to an 'orientation' session where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow group members.
Who is the course for?
The course is suitable for most people. We all experience difficulty in our lives and the course can teach skills to help manage difficulty. Some participants come to the course because of a specific physical or mental health problem; others come to help themselves with more general stresses. Sometimes people want to do the course for professional reasons: to improve performance, leadership and sometimes as first step towards learning to use the approach to help others. It is important that everyone fully participates as themselves and not as an observer.
Wednesday evenings 5:45 - 7:45pm
October 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19
Day Retreat: Sunday 9th December
Cost: £180
For more information or to book, please get in touch.