The frequently asked questions about the eight week mindfulness based stress reduction course plus the introductory session.
Q. What is Mindfulness?
A. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using mindful meditations, gentle stretching yoga movements and breathing techniques. It involves consciously bringing our awareness to our own thoughts & feelings without making judgements about them & it teaches us to observe what is happening right now in our bodies, minds & in the world around us. To find out more click this link to our about mindfulness page.
Q How can I find out more about Mindfulness & whether or not it is for me?
A. Come along to the Introductory session which allows you to check out whether or not Mindfulness is for you before committing to the 8 week course. The introductory session is free & normally takes place a week before the 8 week programme starts. To find out more click this link to our course page
Q. How many people will be in the group?
A. There will usually be no fewer than 6 and no more than 12 people in a group.
Q. What happens if I unexpectedly have to a miss session and will it matter?
A. As your Mindfulness learning builds on week by week it is important that you plan to complete the full 8 weeks to get the most benefit from the programme. However, should you miss a session through an unpredictable event – which happens to us all, we will try to support you to catch up & work around this as best we can.
Q. Will I need to buy any books, materials or resources?
A. We will supply all the resources you need to complete the programme including CD’s, manual, workbook & reading materials. To get the full benefit from the course you are actively encouraged to practice the techniques you have learnt each week at home & to keep a personal record of your experiences as the course progresses.
Q. What if I don’t have time to practice or do any homework between sessions?
A. As the saying goes “if you don’t have time to practice for 5mins then you need to practice for 10mins.
If you complete the course & practice the techniques & exercise it will work - so you have to be committed to doing this before you sign up. We encourage you to practice, using guidance on the CDs, for 30 minutes per day for the duration of the course, and to record your experiences & complete the exercises in the work book. We will also ask that you apply mindfulness to your daily activities such as walking and eating so you are learning daily how to practice paying attention in the present moment
Q. Do I need to wear any special clothes or purchase any special equipment?
A. We encourage you to learn to practice mindfulness anywhere, any place & at any time so no special clothing or equipment is required. Though, it is advisable that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing as we practice mindful movement & mindful breathing. You will also learn the four mindfulness meditation positions of sitting, lying, standing & moving so you will need to be able to move freely and breathe comfortably in whatever clothes you wear.
An exercise mat, cushion & blanket is needed to learn the body scan meditation in the lying position, however you can choose to do it in a different position - if for instance you find it uncomfortable to lie down you can do the body scan sitting in a chair. We also have some spare mats to loan if you don’t have one.
Q. Do I need to be physically fit to do the course?
Not at all, the programme is designed to suit all ages & all levels of physical ability and mobility & can be adapted to suit individual needs. You will always have a choice as to what position you feel is most comfortable for you to practice the mindfulness meditations in. The intention of the mindful movement & mindful breathing exercises is to bring your attention to your body & breath at rest as well as in movement so you become aware of your own body & thus are always working within your own capabilities.
Q. Is there any religious or spiritual aspect to the course?
A. Not at all - there is no religious content to our programme. Jon Kabat -Zinn developed the first course for health care applications in the 1970’s. It has since grown into a world recognised, evidential programme, recently endorsed by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence & by The Mindful Nation UK report 2015. It is now applied widely to respond to the stresses and strains of modern life & incorporates mindfulness practices originating from Buddha’s teachings over 2500 years ago combined with evidenced based practice.