MINDFULNESS

“Mindfulness puts us in touch with the transitory nature of our feelings and perceptions. When we pay focused attention to our bodily sensations, we can recognize the ebb and flow of our emotions and, with that, increase our control over them”

Bessell Van Der Kolk

The Body Keeps the Score

“The artist and calligrapher, Kazauki Tanahashi describes the Japanese characteristics for mindfulness as composed of two interactive figures. One represents mind, the other, heart. Heart and mind are not imagined as separate. From this perspective, Tanahashi translate mindfulness as ‘bringing the heart-mind to this moment’

Saki Santorelli

Heal They Self: Lesson on Mindfulness in Medicine

“It involves a willingness to drop in on yourself, to live more in the present moment, to stop at times and simply be rather than getting caught up in the endless doing whilst forgetting who is doing all the doing, and why”

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Full Catastrophe Living: How to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindfulness meditation

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is often defined as the awareness that comes from paying attention, on purpose, in a particular way, non-judgmentally. It is a way of being that allows people to turn toward the difficulties in their lives and brings kindness and compassion to the human condition. A way of cultivating and remembering what it is like to be calm, playful and in the present moment, instead of wracked by worry about the future or stuck in rumination about the past. Mindfulness is an ancient practice but more recently, in our modern world of busyness and stress, people have realised it was an excellent way of managing stress, which has been the catalyst for mindfulness becoming more and more popular over the last 40 years. Mindfulness is known as powerful mindbody medicine meaning that it can help both mental and physical health.

There are different ways to engage in mindfulness practises, but very often it is helpful to be taught and guided when you begin to practice. A mindfulness course can offer a way to do this.

MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) – This is the longest established and most researched secular mindfulness course on the planet! It offers a deep dive into mindfulness, stress and our reactions to stress and how we react to our lives. It can be a truly life changing course for some. It is an 8 week course, with weekly 2.5 hour sessions, and one 6 hour retreat day, delivered in a group format.

Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness – Mindfulness has been found to be beneficial to those who have experienced trauma, helping them to regulate their nervous system and find the capacity to be present in their life in a new way. This is suitable for those who have experienced trauma in in their lives and particularly focused on safely supporting people on their mindfulness journey. It is done in small groups to provide a safe and friendly environment.

Corporate or Workplace courses – these courses are focused on mindfulness in the workplace. If beneficial to those taking part, it can be tailored to the particular environment that people work in.

Day workshops – a day of mindfulness meditation practice, helping people find a calm space in their busy lives, even just for one day.

Individual – individual sessions can be arranged for those whose schedules do not allow or do not wish to take part in a group.

A long-standing meditator, Rachel completed all three levels of training with the Centre for Mindfulness, University of Massachusetts Medical School – the birthplace and home of MBSR. She has taught MBSR in the community; lead workshops; delivered corporate mindfulness courses and created and taught a Trauma sensitive mindfulness course for SafeHaven Trauma Centre.