Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that uses an object of focus (for example the breath), and brings awareness to our attitudes towards ourselves.
Rob Nairn, a renowned Mindfulness teacher defines Mindfulness as “knowing what is happening while it is happening, without preference.”
Thich Nhat Hanh defines it as “ keeping one’s consciousness alive to the present reality.” He goes on to say “feelings, whether of compassion or irritation should be welcomed, recognised, and treated on an absolutely equal basis because both are ourselves.” The Miracle of Mindfulness
The practice is simple yet difficult for two main reasons. Firstly, the mind is prone to distraction, wandering from place to place seemingly of its own accord. Secondly, we often don’t accept what we find in our inner landscape once we start the practice and beat ourselves up for ‘failing’ to do the practice ‘right’. Therefore patience and acceptance are key requirements for practising mindfulness. We need to learn to accept what we find. The content of the mind doesn’t matter as much as the attitude we bring to it. Learning to see what’s there, without rejecting or indulging it, is the key. This is an art and requires practice – practice in the techniques and practice in reminding ourselves to be aware of our attitude, with the aim of cultivating complete acceptance of what presents itself.
I teach Mindfulness in drop in various settings and formats – in drop-in classes (of one or one and a half hour duration), day long workshops and as the structured 8 week Mindfulness-Based Living Course(MBLC). I also offer bespoke stress management training in the workplace. In April 2024 I ran an in – person 8 week MBLC at Tywyn Library. Was lovely to teach in person again.
Watch this space for future in person courses.
For more information feel free to make contact via the Contacts page.