What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present; aware of where we are and what we’re doing or experiencing, without reacting or judging, or changing what’s going on.
While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess and experience, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis.
Whenever we bring awareness to our current experience via our senses, thoughts and emotions, we are being mindful.
With practice we can recognise that our thoughts shape our emotions, our emotions can generate thoughts and none of our emotions or thoughts are fixed or permanent! Through consciously witnessing the natural fluctuations of our mind’s activity, we can relax stiff ideas find the benefits of mental strength, stability and clarity.
What is meditation?
Meditation is like opening the car bonnet of our mind and looking at how the engine is running.
During meditation we don’t aim for our head to become empty of thoughts, instead we observe the activity of our mind in the present moment.
This includes:
Our sensations (Summer sun on our skin, or a smell of lunch wafting into the room, feet touching the floor)
Our emotions (love this, hate that, crave this, wave of sadness, surge of joy)
Our thoughts (Hmm, maybe I should give up work and plant a Maple orchard in scotland, I could become the UK’s first Maple Syrup Millionaire!)
During meditation we suspend judgment and encourage curiosity about the workings of the mind, approaching our experience with warmth and kindness - cultivating a sense of compassion to ourselves as a template for how we can treat others.
Rather than investigating or adding to the content, we simply notice it and return our attention to the sensation of the breath. Over and over, again and again.
Mindfulness Classes
Whether you’re a complete beginner, a dabbler, or an experienced meditator seeking the company of others, all are welcome to join me to learn about and practice Mindfulness and Meditation.
Many of us have encountered the concepts of mindfulness through popular apps such as Headspace and 10% Happier as well as countless books on the subject. While Apps and books are a great start, they don’t offer some of the benefits from practicing in a group - the benefit of connection.
Recognising the roots and the benefits of Mindfulness practice are grounded in our connection with other people and the world around us, group classes offer an opportunity to meet other people interested in the subject.
Each class includes a brief introduction to Mindfulness Meditation, one or more Meditation Practices and an opportunity for group discussion and Q&A.
To enquire about a custom mindfulness and meditation class or workshop please use the form below.