Mindfulness is both a Buddhist practice and a psychological therapy. It has gained great popularity in recent years, for good reason as it has many physical and psychological benefits.
Research now shows that mindfulness practices can help with many common maladies, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and pain management. Also, mindfulness activates the parasympathetic nervous system in the body, reducing tensions and promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms. So it is good for your health! In this two week workshop Kate will introduce several mindfulness and meditation practices that you can explore and incorporate into your daily life. You will learn how to quickly relax your mind and body, pay attention to specific aspects of moment by moment awareness and easily shift focus from one activity to the next.

You will learn:

• The foundations of mindfulness according to the Satipatthana Sutta, the Buddha’s original mindfulness text and learn the basic mindfulness practice.
• To reflect on your home practice during the week and address the barriers and challenges that have arisen.
• “Spot meditations” that you can use in many everyday contexts to relax quickly.
• How to consolidate and embed your growing mindfulness practice through personal and group reflection.
• Some sensory meditations that provide an enjoyable alternative to the basic mindfulness practice.

THINGS TO KNOW

• Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.
• This course will be held at The University Club.

Presenter Bio:
Kate James is a psychotherapist and researcher with a special interest in health psychology and mindfulness.
Kate began using mindfulness meditation practices in the context of hatha yoga many years ago and has continued to do so through her university studies in philosophy and psychology. She knows mindfulness to be an essential part of self-care in today’s busy and oh so technologically connected world. She teaches mindfulness to groups and individually in her work as a psychotherapist.
Kate is currently completing her PhD in psychology.