Mindfulness Foundation course, live streamed
“The mind is just like a muscle: the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets and the more it can expand.” – Koyenikan
“Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” - Anon
“I first discovered meditation during YATM’s Mindfulness Foundation course. It has made the most enormous difference to me, in how I feel and in making choices about important things in life. In general, how best to look after myself.”
Mindfulness can be translated as ‘gentle presence’. We are all born with an innate capacity to pay attention. Animals and children are a great example! However, life experiences and accumulated habits mean we easily become lost in our heads and thoughts, with our mind bouncing uncomfortably from future to past. Without awareness we are literally ‘lost in thought’, with all the attentional and emotional problems this can bring.
The good news is that with practice and gentle persistence, we can build our muscle of attention to be more present - with curiosity and patience - to moments as they unfold through our bodies and senses. This is the bedrock of mindfulness training.
Delivered and devised by YATM co-founder Lucia, our long-running Mindfulness Foundation introduction course is suitable for those looking for a personal, accessible introduction to mindfulness meditation, with accompanying mediation audio and email handouts.
Running for over a decade, our secular, non-dogmatic course small group course (max ten students) may also be useful as a refresher for those who already have some experience of meditation or mindfulness.
Please note: participants should be in a position to commit 15 minutes each day to home practice.
Why learn to be mindful; present?
Mindfulness training helps us improve mind/body wellbeing in a myriad of scientifically proven ways, helping us manage our many thoughts and emotions, develop self-compassion and foster a greater tolerance to stress. There is more on the benefits of mindfulness practice on the NHS website here.
Science has shown the benefits of a short daily mindfulness practice include:
lower anxiety and stress levels
increased capacity to respond rather than react to experience
a greater ability to relax
an easier relationship to thoughts, as the process gently interrupts habits and cycles of over-thinking
increased self-compassion
enhanced emotional regulation
deeper sleep
lower blood pressure, and a slowing down of brain waves and heart rate
What to expect?
Each week, we will enjoy a range of mindfulness practices, including mindful eating (chocolate, anyone?), the relaxing body scan, breath awareness, VERY GENTLE mindful movement and sense meditations. There will be time for supportive present-centred discussion and inquiry.
Participants should be prepared to commit to a 15-minute daily home practice, based on specially recorded mindfulness practices that will given as an audio link, which can be listened to online, or downloaded.
Important note: Mindfulness is not suitable for those currently experiencing moderate or severe anxiety or depression. Please contact us before booking if you are unsure.
What will I need?
Internet access and the zoom app. A quiet space where, ideally, you won’t be disturbed. Please bring a blanket and cushion to class - also a yoga mat if you have one.
What else do our past students say?
When
New dates to be announced soon.
Cost:
£89 for five-week live streamed course
including emailed supporting notes and full course-specific home meditation audio
Bookings are for the whole course and are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Please book here:
Is this for me?
Mindfulness is not suitable for those currently experiencing moderate or severe anxiety or depression. Please contact us before booking if you are unsure.
Would you like to learn mindfulness in a supportive, small group (max 10)?
Perhaps you have a friend or GP who has suggested taking up meditation?
Do you struggle with an over-active mind, stress or sleeping poorly?
Would you like to experience the benefits of mindfulness in a context that is free of dogma or religion?
Posture options will be given for periods of formal meditation - eg sitting on a chair or lying down.
“I feel much more present since beginning the Foundation course and have found this feeling intensifying. I am finding I am on my mobile phone much less and catching myself on autopilot during the day. I feel less reactive. I loved the experiential nature of the practices and thought the teaching and format were excellent - a great mix of class practice, theory and home practice. I am grateful for this experience and for the introduction of mindfulness into my daily life. Thank you.”
“Thank you so much for running this course. It has really helped me get through lockdown, and I think has helped with stress management and generally feeling calmer and more in control. For me, the online format was great - even without lockdown I wouldn’t have been able to attend otherwise, as I’m in London. I found being at home really beneficial - I felt I was relaxed for the whole class, not having to worry about commuting, which helped deepen the experience.”