Introduction to mindfulness

Three Wednesdays from 13 to 27 November 2024 at 17.00 for one hour on Zoom.

This is an introduction to mindfulness and includes mindfulness practices, the evidence behind mindfulness and practical ways to help you spend more time in the present moment.

Overview

This is an introduction to mindfulness course. In the three one-hour sessions, you will learn what mindfulness is and try out a number of brief mindfulness practices. You will also hear about some of the research into mindfulness, find out how to anchor your experience in the present moment, work with mind wandering and learn how to be kinder to yourself. This is an excellent opportunity to get a meaningful taste of mindfulness before deciding if you want to take it further.

Who is the course for?

This course is for you if you are interested in exploring mindfulness to help promote your wellbeing. This short course offers you a chance to dip your toe in the water, to discover if mindfulness if for you.

Course format

Week 1

In the first week we cover a basic orientation to what mindfulness is and to what the course involves. We spend some time on establishing group safety and culture, and outlining the research evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness. We practice finding ways to ground or anchor ourselves, discuss mind wandering and do a breathing space practice.

• Practices
• Anchoring
• Breathing space – daily
• Mindfulness in everyday activity

Week 2

In the second week we discuss how we react to events, and explore how mindfulness helps us to respond wisely rather than automatically. We bring mindful attention to movement and do a mindfulness of breath and body practice.

• Practices
• Mindful movement
• Mindfulness of breath and body
• Random acts of kindness

Week 3

In the last week, we introduce the theme of bringing kindness to the way we pay attention and invite appreciation to aspects of our lives. As we end, we consider what the beginning might be in terms of next steps for someone who wants to continue with mindfulness practice.

• Practices
• Responsive breathing space with kindness
• Appreciation practice

Facilitator

Robert Marx is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist and has been teaching mindfulness to patients and staff in the NHS for 18 years. He teaches Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion. He has been practising meditation for over 30 years. He is passionate about building compassionate cultures in organisations and about integrating relational and mindful approaches to work.