Mindfulness
What is mindfulness?
Have you ever got into your car and driven somewhere only to realise you were lost in thought and have taken an old familiar route towards somewhere else instead? Gone out for a walk and spent so much time thinking about the past or planning the future you forgot to "smell the roses" or notice the bird song? Do you get frustrated about lack of control in your life, or feel guilty or ashamed about things that you have no control over?
Mindfulness is a way of being in life that embraces being fully present in each and every moment as it happens - becoming aware of your reactions and interactions with other people, noticing the experience of each moment with an attitude of kindness. It is a set of skills we all have in our best moments, but that we can struggle with in our worst! It's about making an effort to become more aware of our habitual thoughts and behaviours and taking action to alleviate suffering in ourselves and others.
"Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.” Jon Kabat-Zinn (author & founder of MBSR)
Mindfulness is usually taught through "practise" that can involve guided meditation, breath-work, movement and visualisation.
Mindfulness Offerings
At Pond Wellness we can offer mindfulness training to workplaces, schools, youth groups, private groups and individuals, available online or in person.
The Mindfulness Based Living Course (MBLC) is an 8 week course designed and supported by the Mindfulness Association (UK). It offers a wonderful introduction to mindfulness principles suitable for beginners and those with no previous experience of meditation, and over 8 sessions, supports the development of a mindfulness practise that can positively benefit daily life and happiness.
Annette has a specialist interest in mindfulness for menopause, having completed her MSc research project on the subject, and offers a unique 6 week course that sets mindful self compassion practices and teaching within the context of the common challenges of this life stage.
Mindful Movement classes are offered weekly in Ratho Village, near Edinburgh. These classes support mobility and gentle exercise with a mindful approach to making movement and tuning into the body and breath.
A great introduction to mindfulness.
