Mindfulness is an awareness of our surrounding environment and maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. While paying attention to our thoughts and feelings we encourage acceptance of the isness without judgement. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel in any given moment.
Health and wellbeing benefits of practicing mindfulness
- Stress reduction
- Enhanced ability to deal with illness
- Improves cognition
- Reduced rumination
- Promotes empathy
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an adaptation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) they both include:
- psychoeducation
- formal meditation
- movement practices
- teacher-led discussion and inquiry
- daily home practices and exercises.
Participants learn to recognise habitual, unhelpful reactions to difficulty and learn instead to bring an interested, accepting, and non-judgmental attitude to all experience, including difficult sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviour.
MBCT was developed to treat depression, and research has shown it to be effective in preventing relapse in people who have recovered from depression. Techniques from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy are incorporated into the programme to promote greater awareness of these patterns and mindfulness practices are used to disengage from them. The focus is on changing one’s relationship to unwanted thoughts, feelings, and body sensations so that participants no longer try to avoid them or react to them automatically, but rather respond to them in an intentional and skilful manner.
Mindful movement
Connecting the body and mind. Mindfulness and movement reduces stress, and boosts mood. By focusing in on the range of feelings and sensations in your body, you bring yourself into the present moment.
As an accredited mindfulness teacher, qualified via Mindfulness Now (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) I offer one to one and group sessions.
Mindfulness session - please contact for further information
