We train our bodies to become fit, flexible and healthy, however, we often ignore our minds which may lead to unhealthy or troubled minds.
Learning mindfulness enables you to develop a healthier mind and have more choice in how you react to daily demands. Neuro-scientific research indicates that people who have a regular mindfulness practice are calmer, more focussed, more relaxed, more productive, and happier than others.
We often find that when we are stressed, depressed, anxious or suffering from pain or chronic illness, we tend act in a habitual manner, adopting ways of coping which may not help us and could actually exacerbate the problem. We may be continuously thinking of ways to resolve our problems or to distract ourselves by over eating, drinking too much or procrastinating. We may be judgmental, criticising ourselves in a way that is harsh and unkind. This can leave us feeling exhausted, debilitated, with our confidence and self esteem spiralling ever downwards.
When we become mindful, paying attention to the breath, the body, thoughts and feelings, we are able to fully be with our experience. This can help us notice when we are engaged in automatic negative thinking, being judgmental or entertaining our inner critic. We develop wisdom and the skillful means to relate more effectively to our difficulties in a way that is kind and compassionate. Accepting what we cannot change and letting go of resistance to what is actually happening.
This liberates us to start to really feel alive rather than living life on automatic pilot.
We are not striving to change anything but paradoxically by becoming present to all of our experience we often discover that life becomes more enjoyable. We are able to develop a more intimate relationship with ourselves and enjoy improved relationships with others. We also become more productive and happy.
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf".
Jon Kabat-Zinn
If you are searching for a coach, remember this rule: mindful coaching is better coaching’.
Forbes
"Mindfulness provides you with a toolkit which is always available to you."
Me...
"Mindfulness provides a simple but powerful route for getting ourselves unstuck, back in touch with our own wisdom and vitality…."
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness has been proven to promote emotional well-being. Neuroscientists researching mindfulness have found that it can change the inner workings and circuitry of the brain. Mindfulness based approaches combine elements of eastern meditation and cognitive therapy. Mindfulness is very effective in helping people with:
It is increasingly being used in organisations and in schools to enable people to function more effectively. I teach mindfulness and offer the eight week MBSR/MBCT course to individuals and groups.