Befriending your mind with Mindfulness practice and meditation

What is Mindfulness?

What is Mindfulness?

“Mindfulness is the awareness that arises by paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.” - Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness practice is being consciously aware of every moment with compassion, non-judgement and non-attachment but always with a childlike curiosity. Mindfulness meditation connects mind and body by being in the present moment. It is the alchemy of Mind, Body, and Spirit unification which leads to a sense of liberation from the entrapment of the mind and enabling a greater sense of peace. It is the acceptance of whatever is with us in any given moment, no matter whether we feel joyful or depressed.

By practising mindfulness, we befriend our minds, aligning with our values to live with awareness, and focusing on what truly matters. Vulnerability can co-exist with strength, kindness can drive positive change, compassion can be firm, and love can flow in and out of our relationships.

What Is the Mindfulness Now Programme?

The Mindfulness Now Programme (www.mindfulnessnow.org.uk)is an original Mindfulness programme offering a secular, inclusive, trauma-informed psycho-educational mindfulness teaching. It includes research and key elements from both Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). MBSR integrates mindfulness meditation with clinical psychology to treat stress, chronic pain, and anxiety and MBCT combines mindfulness with cognitive behavioural strategies and is recommended for preventing depressive relapse.

The combination of MBSR and MBCT offers a unique approach and Mindfulness experience. This approach lends itself very comfortably to being easily incorporated with other therapeutic modalities, such as Compassionate Inquiry and Healing Grief.

“Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment. It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. To be mindful is to be truly alive, present, and at one with those around you and with what you are doing.” Thich Nhat Hanh