Mindfulness
Mindfulness origins are derived from the Buddhist practice of ‘living in the moment'.
It is the practice of purposefully paying attention moment by moment, in a non-judgemental way. The practice is sometimes referred to as "practicing being", that is, the tuning into each moment in an effort to remain awake and aware from one moment to the next.
The practice includes:
- Learning how to make time for oneself.
- Learning how to slow down and nurture calmness and self-acceptance in oneself.
- Purposefully allowing the body and mind to come to rest in the moment, no matter what is "on" ones mind or how ones body feels.
Mindfulness based approaches are aimed at teaching people a set of skills to help manage daily and ongoing difficulties that present for them, encompassing physical and psychological problems or challenges.
The approaches combine ancient understandings with current knowledge, understanding and research. There are two main approaches that have been developed over the past number of years, namely Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) & Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Both of these approaches focus on empowering people to open up to their experiences, ‘be present' and cultivate the kinder, compassionate self.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course (MBSR)
This is a group based course that has been extensively studied since the 1970's, and was developed in the US for populations with a wide range of both physical and psychological health problems.
The aims of the course are to promote a way of being that helps manage difficulties - physical, emotional, mental and social. It encourages participants to develop skills of awareness of their experiences, good or bad, moment to moment, so that they can make choices that are best for themselves. Following this participants learn ways to respond effectively to their experiences through the formation of action plans. Sessions include mindful meditative practices, group discussions on stress and life skills, and group exercises.
This course is not designed for any specific diagnosis. The course is open to those that present with stress, anxiety states, depression.
Course Details:
Currently referral can only be made from multi-disciplinary teams within the service (St. Patricks, St. Edmundsbury & Dean Clinics)
Course Dates From Sept ('09) - June (2010)
| September 2nd 2009 | January 13th 2010 | March 31st 2010 |