What is Mindfulness?

"Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn
The nature of the mind is to wander, plan, and analyse, which is a good thing to an extent. The mind helps us remember to buy onions for tonight's dinner, decide the most suitable approach to solving that issue at work, and learn how to drive a car. However, when this gets out of hand and we spend time dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, it can lead to depression and anxiety.
As the old proverb goes: "The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master." The practice of mindfulness teaches us to harness our wandering minds so we can use them to serve our well-being.​

Scientific investigation over the past 40 years has shown how mindfulness can change the structure of the brain. Anyone can practice mindfulness, it doesn't require any fancy equipment or apparatus.
Practicing mindfulness allows you to change your relationship with your thoughts and feelings, so you can have more control over your life. ​
​Studies show that Mindfulness training helps with:
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Addictive behaviours
  • Heart disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Attention & concentration
  • Emotional intelligence
Those completing a mindfulness course report:
  • Feeling more calm
  • Having an increased sense of control over their lives
  • Having better relationships
  • Experiencing more enjoyment in life
  • ​Feeling better about themselves
  • ​Having more patience
  • ​Improved sleep
Given the benefits on offer, it's hard to think of any reason not to give mindfulness training a go!
If you're a client of mine, you can access the free version here.

Mindfulness Expert Daniel Goleman on How Mindfulness Works

8 Week Introduction to Mindfulness Online Course

“The faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention, over and over again, is the very root of judgment, character, and will. No one is compos sui [master of himself] if he have it not. An education which should improve this faculty would be the education par excellence.” - William James
The 8 Week Introduction to Mindfulness Course is designed to give you a firm grasp of the fundamentals of Mindfulness. Using guided meditations, daily practices, and activities, you can change your relationship to your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to take more control over your own happiness.
The course will take around 30 minutes a day, and if you put in the time, you will reap the rewards. Clients who have done the 8 Week Mindfulness course have reported an improvement in their self-image, more joy and patience in relationships, a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, more energy, and more calm in their minds.

The online course curriculum is simple to enroll in and easy to follow It is made up of guided meditations to do daily, journalling, short homework assignments, and exercises to help you bring the mindfulness skills you learn out in the world.
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Prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is not required, the course is for beginners, or those wishing to restart their practice.
"It is easier to put on a pair of shoes than to wrap the earth in leather." - Chögyam Trungpa
The course costs €65, and this allows you unlimited access to the materials. 
​If you're a client of mine, access the free version here.

Sample Mindfulness Meditations

'Take 5'
​Mindfulness Meditations

The 'Take 5' meditations are designed to introduce you to Mindfulness Meditation. Being Present is a quick exercise to introduce you to the concept of focused attention. Finding the Breath, Being the Mountain, and Touch Points are different ways of finding your 'anchor'. Your anchor is the place of calm and stillness within you that you can return to whenever you feel you need it. Try out each of the recordings, and see which method suits you best, then make it a part of your day, so you can remain grounded and calm for whatever life brings you. 
Being Present
Being The Mountain
Finding The Breath
Touch Points
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