Dates: Starts Thu 30 Sep then Thu 07, 14, 21 Oct and Thu 04, 11, 18 and 25 Nov from 6:30 PM till 8:00 PM
Mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and to improve sleep, quality of life and mood.
This is an experiential course led by Carolyn Sims. Each week introduces you to a mindfulness exercise which you will then continue to use each day at home during the following week. These are typically sitting or lying down ‘meditations’. Don’t be put off by the word ‘meditation’– Mindfulness is not about clearing the mind, it’s about becoming more aware of our thoughts and how they impact on our emotional and physical responses. Some weeks, the ‘meditations’ involve physical movement with some basic yoga-type movements. All can be adapted for those who have physical limitations through pain or disability.
This eight week course helps you to:
– Start to understand our own ‘signature’ thoughts, sensations and feelings
– Notice the difference between living in our heads (thoughts in the past or the future) and living in the moment
– Learn skills which help us stay more steady in the face of stress or adversity
– Notice and step out of unhelpful thinking patterns
Please note this is not a ‘therapy’ group as such, so there is no expectation to share your life story or any difficulties you may be experiencing.
Why Mindfulness?
A University of Surrey study published May 2018 found that the 8 week course results in:
A 63% decrease in depression
A 58% reduction in anxiety
A 40% reduction in perceived stress
A 26% reduction in fatigue
A 33% improved sleep quality
Who is the course suitable for?
The course is suitable for complete beginners or those who already have an understanding of mindfulness, or who have been practising mindfulness. To get the most out of the course, you will need to commit to ‘home practice’ for six days out of seven each week of the course, which may take up to forty five minutes to one hour per day.
If you wish to do any background reading prior to or during the course, a good place to start is ‘Williams and Penman – Mindfulness: a practical guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World’. This is not in any way essential, just fine if you like to read around the subject.
Please note:
If you have any concerns about whether this course is suitable for you, please contact us to speak to Carolyn prior to booking.
