Dates: Starts Tue Sep 27, then Oct 04, 11, 18 and Nov 01, 08, 15 and 22nd.
Times: Midday till 1:30PM
Have you ever tried to stop your mind racing and ‘live in the moment’, then realised just how difficult (or seemingly impossible) that can be? If you’d like to learn skills and techniques to improve your wellbeing and resilience to stress, this experiential course led by Mindfulness teacher, Carolyn Sims, could be for you.
This Mindfulness course is for anyone – from absolute beginners to more experienced practitioners. Based on the bestselling book ‘Mindfulness: a Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World’ by Mark Williams and Danny Penman, it is a shorter version of the MBCT course which Carolyn has previously run at ArtisOn. It is more accessible and ideal for those with less time for daily home practices. You’ll need to find just 8-10 minutes per day for practice, to get the most out of this course.
Week by week you are introduced to a SHORT 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.
Please note this is not a ‘therapy’ group as such, so there is no expectation (or time!!) to share your life story or any difficulties you may be experiencing.
So, Why Mindfulness?
Mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and to improve sleep, quality of life and mood. This eight week course helps you to:
– Start to spot your 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 autopilot and unhelpful thinking patterns
To support the course it is very valuable to purchase a copy of ‘Williams and Penman – Mindfulness: a Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World’. The book costs just over £11 and is available to buy new on Amazon – click here. Search online and used copies are always available for less. Alternatively, if you would like to borrow a copy from Carolyn, please let us know.
The ‘Finding Peace in a Frantic World’ app is also really helpful, although not 100% essential – you can use the free CD which comes with the book if you prefer.
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.
