Mindfulness

… the energy of awareness, of being conscious of the existing moment. Living life deeply throughout each day and being fully alive, right here, right now. It is connecting with what we do and with what and who is around us…

Google, Transport for London, the NHS and Military are practicing Mindfulness are you?
Parents, Sports men and women, Teachers, students and young children are practicing it are you?

Firstly you are not required to adopt any particular religious beliefs or philosophy to learn Mindfulness.

Make it part of your Wellness Programme

Thousands of studies have documented the physical and mental health benefits of mindfulness in general and MBSR (Mindfulness based Stress Reduction), inspiring numerous programs to adapt the MBSR model for schools, businesses, hospitals, NHS and the military.

What is Mindfulness and what are the benefits?
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them – without believing that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than reviewing the past or visioning the future.

Although mindfulness does have its roots in Buddhism, it is a non-religious practice which anyone can learn and benefit from. Originally Jon Kabat-Zinn introduced the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme, which he introduced at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979.
Our Mindfulness Trainer and Coach studied MBSR with Michael Chaskalson the author of The Mindful Workplace, and member of the core teaching team at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University. Our trainer practice’s meditation and mindful movement as part of their regular daily life and likes to recall this quote:

“Weave your parachute every day, rather than leaving it to the time you jump from the plane!” Jon Kabat-Zinn
Our Mindfulness trainer Suzanne Izzard is a certificated Mindfulness teacher (2013). She gained her certification with Shamash Alidina, Teach Mindfulness, Author of Mindfulness for Dummies and Teacher and Lecturer of Mindfulness.

Benefits of Mindfulness

Reduced absence from work due to stress, anxiety and depression
Improved relationships
Improved motivation and retention
Increased organisational performance
Increased focus and attention
State of calm and ability to work through challenges under pressure
Improved creativity, innovation and thought

Our bodies:

Boosts our immune system’s ability to fight off illness.

Our minds:

Increases positive emotions while reducing negative emotions and stress. One study suggests it may be as good as antidepressants in fighting depression, preventing relapse.
Changes our brains: Research has found that it increases density of grey matter in brain regions linked to learning, memory, emotion regulation, and empathy
Helps us focus: improves our memory and attention skills
Enhances relationships: feel more optimistic and relaxed, and makes them feel more accepting of and closer to one another.

Great for parents and parents-to-be:
Studies suggest it may reduce pregnancy-related anxiety, stress, and depression in expectant parents.

Parents who practice mindfulness report being happier with their parenting skills and their relationship with their children, and their children were found to have better social skills. – see testimonials

Mindfulness helps schools and school children:

There’s scientific evidence that teaching mindfulness in the classroom reduces behaviour problems and aggression among students, and improves their happiness levels and ability to pay attention.
Teachers trained in mindfulness also show lower blood pressure, less negative emotion and symptoms of depression, and greater compassion and empathy
Mindfulness has been used in schools to help students prepare and feel balanced and focused before their exams

Health care:

Health care professionals cope with stress, connect with their patients, and improve their general quality of life. It also helps mental health professionals by reducing negative emotions and anxiety, and increasing their positive emotions and feelings of self-compassion

Fights obesity:

Practicing “mindful eating” encourages healthier eating habits, helps people lose weight, and helps them savour the food they do eat

Mindfulness Coaching
One to one coaching for individuals,

please contact us for more details

Mindfulness Courses – Open course

Individual or small groups at The Log Cabin – Beautiful, relaxing setting enabling you to get the benefit of focusing on being present in the moment.

6 week course
Standalone session
maximum 4 people

In-House Mindfulness Course (stress reduction and wellbeing)

for Businesses, organisations and groups
We can discuss a bespoke option to fit with your requirements
Examples:

On your own premises
Minimum 2 – Maximum 1
6 weeks x 2 hour sessions or 8 weeks 1.5 hours
standalone session 2 hour
e.g. a large global company wanted monthly sessions, we can work with you to meet your requirements.

Mindfulness Meditation Benefits: 20 Reasons Why It’s Good For Your Mental And Physical Health