Mindfulness is an innate capacity of the mind to be aware of the present moment without judgement. It can be developed through specific practices which promote a way of being that helps us lead healthier lives and also to take better care of ourselves and others.
Mindfulness-based Living Course
Some of the benefits of Mindfulness
- Decreased stress and burnout
- Better sleep
- Relief from anxiety and depression
- Enhanced ability to focus and pay attention
- Greater clarity
- Improved memory
- Improved ability to relate to others resulting in improved relationships
- Enhanced creativity
- Improvements in well-being
- Pain relief
The particular meditations taught in mindfulness classes have their roots in Eastern meditation traditions. However, they are entirely secular exercises, and you are not asked to accept anything except what you experience for yourself.
People experience the benefits of mindfulness in different ways. You may find that you relax significantly within one class, or during one meditation. However, it may be hard to notice any effect at first, especially if you find the meditation “is difficult to do”. This does not mean it has no effect! Many people find themselves experiencing moments of calm and greater awareness at other times of day. A little like going to the gym, or learning a language, the benefits are sometimes hard to pinpoint, but you can notice an overall increase in well-being over time.
In the University classes, the groups have 20 people in them. However, we also work in
smaller groups within the class to give you the chance to interact with fellow class members
in smaller numbers.
Private classes often have fewer participants depending on the venue.
Other than introducing yourself at the start, there is no pressure to contribute. You will be asked to consider and reflect on your experience, but it is always your choice what you share out loud. Some people find it helpful to interact, others may prefer to reflect and observe, and learn. Journaling is often suggested as an alternative to sharing.
If you have to miss a class, you will receive the handouts over email. However, before you
sign up we ask you to consider whether you can attend every class, as commitment to
attending the classes is a key to benefiting from them. If you miss a class, we ask you to let
the mindfulness teacher know.
The 8 week course is based on the 8 week course developed by the Mindfulness Association and adapted in the MSc programme by the University of Aberdeen.
If you are learning mindfulness and have concerns for your health and well-being book a phone session with Martina. email:martina@compassionatemind.ie
• “Diamond Mind – psychology of meditation”, Rob Nairn, Kairon, 1998.
• “Mindfulness: a Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World”, Mark Williams and Danny Penman Piatkus, 2011.
• “Mindful Compassion”, Paul Gilbert and Choden,Constable&Robson, 2013.
A more comprehensive list will be available on completion of the course.
• Mindfulness Association: http://www.mindfulnessassociation.net www.mindfulnessassociation.net/AboutTeacherTraining
• Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society, University of Massachusetts Medical School http:www.umassmed.edu/cfm
• Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, University of Wales, Bangor, UK http://www.bangor.ac.uk/mindfulness
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Developments http://www.mbct.com; www.mbct.co.uk
• Jon Kabat Zinn guided meditations on CD: http://www.mindfulnesscds.com
• Christopher Germer guided meditations, free download: http://www.mindfulselfcompassion.org
• Paul Gilbert and the Compassionate Mind Foundation: http://www.compassionatemind.co.uk
Next 8 week course starting dates and venue to be decided.
Cost : €300.00
This is a weekly Mindfulness course based on the Mindfulness Association’s Mindfulness One Year Training.
It is an eight week course consisting of eight classes, which are typically two hours long. Martina will talk to you individually before the course begins.There will be a follow up class after the eight week course ends.
With practice, mindfulness enables us to act more effectively when stressed, rather than simply ‘reacting’. It enhances a change in attitude towards difficult states of mind from being ‘judgmental’ and ‘controlling’ to being ‘non-judgmental’ and ‘more accepting’.
Practice is essential and the group dynamic as well as the 8 week time structure provides ongoing support particularly at times of difficulty and distraction in this fast pace society we live in. Each week the course material given builds on the week before so is advisable that you attend all sessions.
Audio files and notes are emailed to you each week.
If you don’t have a computer, don’t worry as we can give you a CD and notes each week instead.