Mindfulness workshops 2012

 Photo by Gilly Walker

Introduction to mindfulness
Saturday 3rd March 2012
in the yoga studio in Harbledown, just outside Canterbury

Cost: £35 (£30 for people on low incomes)

The aims of the day are for participants to learn about the principles of mindfulness meditation and the underlying philosophy and psychology. This mind-training practice can clarify our attitudes to life in general and how they help or hinder us in our lives. It also helps us to learn to relax body and mind, and how to cope better with stress and general life challenges.

This day is suitable for people who are new to mindfulness meditation, and people who want to refresh their meditation practice, explore different ways to relax body and mind, and/or build a regular home practice. Practices explored originate from a range of traditions, including yoga, Buddhist meditation practices, mindfulness training and relaxation therapy, but will not contain religious icon/deity or prayer practices, so are suitable for people from all backgrounds. An overview of philosophies underpinning mindfulness will be introduced to provide a background to the practices. The day will be informal and there will be time for discussion and questions and answer sessions, advice on personal practice and useful books on mindfulness meditation as well as group meditation sessions which will be no longer than 15 mins at a time. 

Improving mindfulness in daily life with compassion
Sunday 1 April 2012 - 10am to 4pm
in the yoga studio in Harbledown, just outside Canterbury

Cost: £35 (£30 for people on low incomes)

The aims of the day are for participants to explore what compassion really means, and to examine the essential link between compassion for ourselves and others and mindfulness in daily life.

This day is suitable for people who have some experience of meditation, mindfulness and/or yoga. If you are completely new to meditation, I recommend attending an introduction day first.

We will look at the philosophy and psychology of compassion and mindfulness and explain why compassion training is such an important ingredient within mindfulness training. I will lead guided meditations on (self) compassion and we will look at the role of acceptance within mind training.

The day will be informal and there will be time for discussion and questions and answer sessions, advice on personal practice and useful books on meditation as well as group meditation sessions which will be no longer than 15 mins at a time.

The day will be physically undemanding and is suitable for people with physical disabilities and health problems. A comfortable meditation posture will be explored for everyone, including sitting on chairs and/or lying down.