Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way of stilling the mind to become more fully present in the here and now. It has become increasingly popular over the past decade and is now being taught in schools and can be prescribed on the NHS for stress management.
The origins of mindfulness go way back and are based on Buddhist meditation practice. Whilst acknowledging these origins, our group’s aim is simply to practise the technique of stilling the mind and, over time, to bring more mindful awareness into our everyday lives.
A typical session starts with a brief chat and a cup of tea, after which we settle down for our practice. We usually sit for between 20-40 minutes using a Guided Meditation download from the Audiodharma website.
The group comprises relatively experienced meditators and those who are beginners. David Agasee (my co-facilitator) and I always make it clear to new members that we are not experts in this practise and see our role as facilitators rather than teachers. In many ways we are all learning together.
During the summer months we branched out with some outdoor practise. We had two mindful walking sessions - one along the Crediton Town Trail and one at Shobrooke Park. We also had a sitting at Sandford Millennium Green.
We meet every Monday afternoon (1.30-2.30pm) at the St Boniface Catholic Church Hall in Park Road, Crediton. The hall charges £15 for an hour-and-a-half and we share the fee equally amongst us.
Do get in touch if you would like to join the group or just come along.
| Group Organiser | Paula Kovacs |