Mindfulness
This is an introductory level programme in Mindfulness. The aim is to allow you to learn the techniques of Mindfulness in a safe, non-judgemental and friendly environment. Mindfulness can help you to become familiar with the workings of your own mind and you will learn how to pay attention, intentionally, in the present moment and without judgement.
It is NOT a therapy (though the idea is that everyone will derive benefit from the experience*) and you will not be asked to disclose any personal history or private information to the other members of the group.
There is no conflict between Mindfulness and any religious belief system.
The aims of the programme are to:-
● Learn new ways to handle our moods and emotions so that we can
remain well
● We will do this by focusing on the small changes in thoughts and
physical sensations that are linked to mood fluctuations
● to focus on these changes, we will have to become more aware of
them
● this awareness can only be useful to us if we recognise them
actually in our ‘here and now’
Mindfulness is not about trying to get anywhere or to achieve anything, but simply being aware of where you already are and allowing yourself to be ‘where’ and ‘as’ you are.
- Some of the benefits that many people report after participating in the 8-week programme are: -
● A feeling of calmness and reduction of anxiety
● Being able to manage unhelpful thinking patterns more effectively
● An increased capacity to deal with difficulties as they arise
● The ability to manage pain and discomfort
● Finding solutions to (often long-standing) problems
As with most new techniques, first attempts often lead to frustration and thoughts of “this is too difficult for me” or “I just don’t get it”. This is a normal response, and I will help you manage any negative reactions and so help you move on.
Those who persevere and keep up the recommended frequency of practising tend to get the most out of the programme.
It would be appropriate to wear casual, loose-fitting clothing as there are some gentle exercises and occasions where you will be lying on the floor. For your comfort, you will also need a yoga mat and a cushion. You can do the guided practices sitting on a chair or using a meditation stool.
At each session, I would like you to remove your outdoor shoes, so you might want to bring slippers, extra socks, or even a blanket to keep yourself warm.
Although a participant’s pack will be provided, you may wish to bring a pen to keep a journal of your experiences each week.
You will be given a link to audio files of Mindful Practices to follow as part of your homework in between the sessions.
If you wish to be considered for participation in the course, I will need you to complete a pre-course questionnaire to make sure that this programme is right for you.
If you have any queries before joining, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.The only costswhich the fees need to cover will be stationery, printing and the hire of the Day Retreat venue, so a rough. guide would be £25-£30 for the complete programme. I’ll be capping the number of participants at 10.
This programme is adapted from a similar one which I was trained to deliver before I retired. The course leader then was Professor Mark Williams (co-author of the book “Mindfulness – Finding Peace in a Frantic World”). I presented the programme several times after that and ran a few Mindfulness Retreats, following elements of the course. Since then, Mindfulness has become a buzzword and is being used in educational establishments and throughout the commercial world
Dates:- Tuesday mornings from 21st March to 9th May plus a Day’s Silent Retreat (date and venue to be confirmed)
Times:- Each session will start promptly at 10.00am and finish at 12.00 noon.
Location:-
Morton Community Centre, 10 Lorne St, Belfast,
BT9 7DU