Mindfulness

What is mindfulness?

 

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment intentionally and without judgement. It involves cultivating awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they arise. By doing so, you can develop greater clarity, calm, and connection to yourself and the world around you.

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Are mindfulness and meditation the same thing?

 

Not exactly. Mindfulness and meditation are closely related but distinct.

 

Mindfulness is a way of being—a practice of present-moment awareness in everyday life. Meditation, on the other hand, is a formal mindfulness practice that helps you build and sustain that awareness.

 

Formal mindfulness practices include meditations like:

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• Sitting meditations

• Body scans

• Walking meditations

• Mindful movement (e.g., Yoga)

 

Informal mindfulness practices involve bringing awareness into daily activities. For example, you can practise mindfulness while eating, washing dishes, or walking by focusing on each step of the activity and engaging your senses fully.

 

Think of mindfulness as the “muscle” of attention, and meditation as the “workout” to keep it strong. You can download a free guided body scan meditation here 🎧​

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What are mindfulness-based programmes?

 

Mindfulness-Based Programmes (MBPs) are structured courses designed to teach mindfulness in a systematic and supportive way.

 

The first programme, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), was created by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. It was developed to help people with chronic pain and stress-related conditions, combining insights from Buddhist meditation with modern science.

 

Since then, MBSR has inspired adaptations for various needs, including:

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• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Designed for those with recurrent depression and anxiety.

• Mindfulness for Life (MBCT-L): A general well-being programme for the wider population.

 

These programmes are secular, meaning they are free from religious content, and they typically involve eight weeks of meditation, mindful movement, and reflective practices.

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What is the Mindfulness for well-being course?

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My Mindfulness for well-being course builds on the foundations of mindfulness-based programmes like MBSR and MBCT but is uniquely tailored to help participants enhance their resilience, manage stress, and cultivate kindness and compassion—both toward themselves and others.

 

This eight-week course is designed for individuals looking to:

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• Build resilience to cope with life’s challenges.

• Develop greater self-compassion and self-awareness.

• Navigate stress with mindfulness-based tools.

• Foster emotional balance and overall well-being.

 

The course is practical and experiential, incorporating guided meditations, mindful movement, and discussions to explore how mindfulness can support your well-being in daily life. Each session is delivered in a supportive group environment, creating a sense of community and shared growth.

 

If you’re interested in learning more or enrolling in the next Mindfulness for well-being course, click here for details.

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What are the potential benefits of having a mindfulness practice?

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Regular mindfulness practice can offer a range of benefits, including:

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• Cultivating moments of inner calm.

• Deepening the connection between body and mind.

• Enhancing focus and concentration.

• Developing greater compassion and resilience.

 

That said, mindfulness is not a quick fix or a universal solution. While research shows that many participants in eight-week mindfulness programmes experience benefits, mindfulness may not be suitable for everyone. It’s also not a replacement for therapy or medical treatment.

 

If you’re in therapy or undergoing medical care, please consult your GP or healthcare provider to explore how mindfulness might complement your existing treatment.

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Is mindfulness safe for everyone?

 

For many, mindfulness is a safe and effective practice, but it’s not always the right fit for everyone, especially those dealing with unresolved trauma or significant emotional distress.

 

This is where trauma-sensitive mindfulness becomes essential.

 

Trauma-sensitive mindfulness is an approach that recognises the potential challenges of mindfulness for individuals with a trauma history. A trauma-sensitive practice emphasises:

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• Choice: Encouraging to adapt mindfulness practices in ways that feel safe, such as meditating with eyes open or focusing on external objects.

• Grounding techniques: Practices that anchor you in the present moment and help you feel secure in your body, like noticing your feet on the ground.

• Pacing: Allowing you to engage with mindfulness at a pace that feels manageable and not overwhelming.

 

If you’re concerned about whether mindfulness is suitable for you, consider working with a teacher trained in trauma-sensitive mindfulness or speaking with your healthcare provider.