Are you living with a long-term medical condition that is best managed when in good mental health?
Are you embarking on a period of life change that needs a new set of resilience building skills to build a new life and identity?
Brief Description:
If so, mindfulness meditation training has a strong pedigree of scientific evidence as an accessible and equitable approach to learning a new way of relating to life’s pain, challenges and losses. For example, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MBCT) is now on offer on NHS as a treatment for chronic clinical depression. The charity MIND champions mindfulness training as part of their community services.
Mindfulness for Life is an introductory programme to learn how to grow a regular practice, overcome obstacles presented by a busy life, understand some of the neuroscience behind the training and share the experience with others, in person, which helps when we are low in energy and confidence. By learning as a group, you will support each other to make changes and to challenge learnt behaviours and habits that may be contributing to feeling stressed and far from your best. You will be invited to read the book Mindfulness for Life by Willem Kuyken, PhD, to support your learning journey.
David is an experienced mindfulness teacher with a long history as a teacher in adult education. His courses are very hands on, with minimal reading and writing. He will encourage you to share your story, to listen to others and to share a powerful journey of self-transformation towards better health and a happier future.
Please note: There will be no class on 12th November.
Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?
This course is open to beginners to mindfulness meditation, as well as those with some experience, who wish to develop practice and confidence. The teaching approach is experiential, rather than academic, and invites learners to commit to practising meditation at home daily, to consolidate the new skills learnt.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:
Be competent and confident in your personal meditation practice
Have a deeper understanding of the science of stress and its impact on behaviours
Exercise the ability to intervene at an earlier stage in the stress build-up and reduce its impact on wellbeing and communication
Have identified mindfulness practices that best support you to maintain good health and live a good life. Connect with others to support home practice and create a social support network
Practice silence for up to 20 minutes in each meditation practice
Extra costs on the course, for example text book, materials or equipment:
The book Mindfulness for Life is recommended but not obligatory.
You are invited to bring a note book in which to journal your experiences and learning.
You may wish to bring a shawl or small throw to wear during the meditation practice, as it can get chilly when sitting still.
For the first session you will need to bring:
Learners will need a fresh and personalised notebook, in which to journal, as well as pen or pencils if you choose to draw rather than write
Bringing a small cushion and shawl/ small blanket will help learners feel more comfortable and warm.