Mindfulness is the practice of becoming aware of our actual experiences moment to moment. Through simple practices such as observing the breath or sensations in the body, we can become more aware of the present moment and so more in touch with ourselves, our feelings, emotions and out bodies.
Through regular practice it is possible to cultivate non-judgemental awareness which enables us to become more accepting of ourselves and situations as they are. This can help to take the stress out of difficult situations, sensations and feelings and can help us to see ourselves and situations more clearly and so in turn act or respond more wisely.
Mindfulness can be practised by people of all backgrounds, regardless of their culture or religious affliation. It has its origins in traditional meditation practices but I teach it as a practical and non-religious approach that can bring benefits in daily life.
Background and research...
The courses are inspired by the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the US in the 1970’s and the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) course taught by Professor Mark Williams et al in the UK.
Thousands of people around the world have taken these courses and a large body of research has shown mindfulness-based approaches to be highly effective in helping many kinds of physical and psychological difficulties such as stress related illness, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has named MBCT as an effective approach for people who have suffered from depression.
The Benefits of Mindfulness...
By paying non-judgemental attention one can become an observer of what is going on in the mind and body, and learn not to get 'caught up' in and 'carried away' with it. In this way one can begin to contain thoughts and feelings, learn to accept them and so reduce the inner conflict of trying to rid the self of them.
Research has shown that people who practise mindfulness regularly have improved 'left brain' activation which is associated with positive emotions, clarity and alertness. Over a period of some weeks, mindfulness meditation has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension, improve breathing patterns and induce positive changes in attitude.The Mental Health Foundation have launched a campaign in 2010 to increase access to Mindfulness Based Courses, as it has recognised the positive contribution practising mindfulness can make to our physical and mental health - click here for further information.
Mindfulness has been defined as:
paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally.
Jon Kabat Zinn founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme, University of Massachussetts, USA.
