Mindfulness meditation has been gaining popularity as an effective way to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Studies show that it helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain while providing a host of other benefits such as improved sleep, better focus, concentration, and enhanced creativity.
Practicing mindfulness meditation regularly helps to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, leading to more meaningful and mindful living. With the right guidance and dedication, you can learn how to become more mindful and reap the rewards of increased wellbeing and happiness.
“Noticing what is happening while it is happening, without judgement”
Rob Nairn – Mindfulness Association
Mindfulness is a popular practice that teaches individuals how to be present and mindful in the present moment. Through various group-based courses, webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and coaching, individuals can learn mindfulness techniques to help them cope with stress and anxiety and to support their own well-being throughout life.
NHS – ‘ As well as practicing mindfulness in daily life, it can be helpful to set aside time for a more formal mindfulness practice. Mindfulness meditation involves sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, the sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander.’
What’s on offer?
Mindfulness-Based Living Course
The Mindfulness-Based Living Course is an innovative program designed by the Mindfulness Association and led by experienced mindfulness teacher, Jonathan Lee. The course aims to provide individuals with the skills necessary to manage their thoughts and feelings, reduce stress, and enhance their overall wellbeing through mindfulness meditation practices and conversations within each session.
The course is face-to-face or through live, interactive, teacher-led sessions, online using Zoom or TEAMS. With a group size of 10-20 participants (more if needed), the course spans 8 weeks, consisting of 2-hour face-to-face sessions or 1.5-hour online sessions each week. Participants will receive online guided mp3 recordings and resources to support their learning and practice. With expert instruction from a certified MBLC teacher, individuals will have the opportunity to deepen their mindfulness practice and cultivate a more mindful approach to life.
“The course changed my view on meditation and how I value my wellbeing. It helped me take a step back and accept things that are not in my control. Over the weeks and even post-course, my confidence in using meditation techniques has grown. I would recommend this course to anyone who needs to learn to slow down, take a breath and accept that outside influences do not have to be responded to. A calm life is a much happier life“. Stacy Skilton, course participant, 2023
Webinars are a great way to reach all staff and teach them the benefits of mindfulness. At a time of your choosing with all levels of staff, these short sessions bring plenty of impact into the workplace.
Introduction to mindfulness – 1 hour
Why what and how to do this often misunderstood subject? Leave knowing how to help yourself and improve your focus, attention, and awareness. Be able to take your journey with a better idea of how a mindful approach can support your wellbeing.
Managing stress with a mindful approach – 4 or 6 sessions
Discover how your reactions to stress are not your fault and how to calm the body and mind in the moment and prepare for the future.
4/6 session workplace mindfulness course teaching several techniques to deal with stress and pressure. Plenty of space to discuss and practice and encourage time to relax and find a little calm.
Being experienced in teaching mindfulness at all levels and all establishments, has allowed us to know exactly what works with who.
Schools
We recommend that teaching take place in small groups of learners who have shown an interest in learning new approaches to deal with stress, pressure, and anxiety. In discreet rooms and planned sessions throughout a 1/2 term to allow for a relaxed atmosphere with time to build trust and rapport within the group and with the mindfulness teacher. Planned around timetables this can work as a PHSE-type lesson.
Colleges and University
Guest speaking, introduction sessions, and short courses for staff and students. Many older students have a variety of different life pressures to deal with alongside the stress of academic work, mindfulness can offer another perspective on how to support our wellbeing.
For those people who have already started on their private mindfulness journey or thinking about making a positive change in their lives, 1:1 mentoring provides a space to explore and practice mindfulness meditation with a skilled and trained teacher. Develop your motivation, intention, and attitude, and ask questions that you cannot ask a book or an APP when you are on your own. 1-hour sessions over a planned time scale of 4-8 sessions, following a similar training path as the 8-week course with dedicated mentoring, coaching, and teaching.
This is not counseling or therapy and we do not share sensitive stories about ourselves. This is ‘noticing what is happening while it is happening’ and that in itself can be therapeutic.
