Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of staying fully present in the moment without judgement. It allows you to become aware of everything around you and within you, fostering gratitude for what you have. Through mindfulness, you learn to observe your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and physical sensations, and choose how and when to respond to them.
Learning to be mindful takes time and consistent practice, but the benefits can be profound:
Feel calmer and less stressed
Develop greater self-compassion
Cope more effectively with challenging situations and thoughts
Increase self-awareness and emotional resilience
Cultivate a greater sense of balance and wellbeing
Regular mindfulness practice can help you navigate life with more clarity, calmness, and peace of mind.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
MBSR was developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, combining mindfulness practices and yoga into an 8-week structured program of group sessions and daily home practice. Research shows that MBSR can empower individuals dealing with physical ailments such as chronic pain, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders. It is also highly effective in reducing anxiety, low mood, and panic.
MBCT, like MBSR, is an 8-week program with daily home practice. In addition to mindfulness techniques, MBCT incorporates elements of cognitive therapy to explore how thinking patterns influence emotions. It teaches participants to focus on the present moment rather than ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. MBCT equips individuals with practical mindfulness tools—such as the body scan—to help recognize early signs of depressive episodes and manage negative thought patterns before they escalate.
Both MBSR and MBCT offer practical techniques to improve emotional resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are mental training practices designed to help you slow down racing thoughts, release negativity, and calm both your mind and body. They combine meditation with mindfulness—the practice of being fully present in the “now,” allowing you to acknowledge and accept your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement or attachment.
Mindfulness meditation can be practised alone or in groups and requires no special equipment—just a few simple steps:
Get Comfortable – Sit or lie somewhere comfortable. You don’t need to cross your legs like in pictures; just keep your spine straight and avoid positions where you might fall asleep.
Set a Timer – Decide how long you want to meditate. Beginners may start with 5 minutes and gradually increase.
Focus on Breathing – Notice your breath and the sensations as you inhale and exhale.
Connect with Your Senses – Become aware of the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and sensations around you.
Notice Your Thoughts – Let your thoughts come and go like clouds, without judgment or attachment.
Connect with Your Body – Perform a gentle body scan from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet, checking in with each part.
Be Kind to Yourself – If your mind wanders, don’t be hard on yourself. Mindfulness takes practice. Be grateful for the progress you make with each session.
Regular mindfulness and meditation practice can help you feel calmer, reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a greater sense of balance and wellbeing.
I have practised Mindfulness for many years and have incorporated it into my classes throughout the years. I am a qualified Mindfulness Teacher and have trained in both Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I run private 1-2-1 sessions and 2-2-1 sessions:
Mindfulness 30 minutes 1-2-1 - £25
Mindfulness 1 hour 1-2-1 - £35
Mindfulness 30 minutes 2-2-1 - £30
Mindfulness 1 hour 2-2-1 - £45