“Meditation is a process of lightening up, of trusting the basic goodness of what we have and who we are, and of realizing that any wisdom that exists, exists in what we already have. We can lead our life so as to become more awake to who we are and what we’re doing rather than trying to improve or change or get rid of who we are or what we’re doing. The key is to wake up, to become more alert, more inquisitive and curious about ourselves. ”
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is knowing what is happening inside and outside ourselves moment by moment, the practice involves reconnecting with sensations as well as our bodies, thoughts and feelings.
It is about creating an awareness of the present moment in order to allow choices to be considered. Becoming more aware of our emotions and patterns can help us notice and respond to changes in our mental health.
You can’t change what you don’t know and can’t see.
The first step to mindfulness is reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings and sensations as well a regularly taking the time to be aware of the sensations of the world around you. Naming thoughts and feelings is to develop awareness. Don't drown in them, just name them.
Connecting with the reality of the present moment allows you to manage unhelpful thoughts, develop responses to difficult feelings and events, manage stress and cope with physical pain better. It can also remind us to be kinder to ourselves.
The popular Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program offers a set of simple yet powerful practices that can be incorporated into daily life to help break the cycle of anxiety, stress, unhappiness, and exhaustion. It promotes the kind of happiness and peace that seeps into everything we do and helps to meet the worst that life throws at us with new courage.
Those who have taken a course in MBSR report feeling more engaged in their work and relationships, more energised and less anxious. They report sleeping better and have fewer physical symptoms of stress.
With the MBSR program you are invited to learn how to transform your relationship to the way you think, feel, love, work, and play.