A Pocketful of Wellbeing
~ a Holistic Collective ~
Mindfulness
"Even though I’ve practised meditation and mindfulness for over 30 years, I’d never given thought to a qualification: it was just ‘me’ and I didn’t consider it as years ago MBSR and MBCT were only open to those in clinical professions, working, most usually, in hospital environments.
So, there was no way I could consider it: especially as I didn’t have a clinical degree or therapy qualification at that point (nor do I now!)."
Mindfulness Now is an evidence-based programme which combines MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) — two of the most well-researched approaches to mindfulness available.
It was designed to meet our busy lives and is recognised by the British Psychological Society and the National Register of Psychotherapists & Counsellors. Importantly, the programme allows for registration to the Mindfulness Teacher’s Association.
I’m a fully certified Mindfulness Now Practitioner, a member of the Mindfulness Teachers Association and also IPHM accredited alongside my CMA membership following training at the UK College of Mindfulness.
The Mindfulness Now course can be shared either in a group setting or as a one-to-one service. There is a format to the programme, although I do also offer informal drop-in services for meditation / mindful practise and these are available. (Click book now to contact us and arrange a session)
For the full eight week programme, you will be gently invited and guided through various sets of practices that build week by week, yet don’t eat into too much of your day, creating natural foundations in mindfulness that you can easily carry into everyday life. A toolkit. Suggested practises from just 3 minutes to 20 minutes a day allowing you to discover what works for you.
Each session explores a different theme connected to mindfulness and wellbeing — through gentle discussion, guided enquiry, and meditation practice. You will have your own journal with practises contained within, room to write and reflect, and every mediation is recorded so that you never have to hunt for things on YouTube or Spotify again!
Mindfulness is a helpful and scientifically evidenced way of supporting wellbeing and is a safe practice for most people, including those with mental health issues, with certain exceptions, as long as some simple cautions are observed.
As far as meditation is regarded, NICE endorsed MBCT over 20 years ago, showing Mindfulness (meditation without spiritual connotations) is a great tool.
Modern day research suggests that practising meditation may reduce blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, and insomnia. Some suggest that meditation may even physically change the brain and body: potentially helping with some health problems, encouraging healthy behaviours. Some use meditating as a tool to enable spiritual development.
* Sources:
Article with multiple report links (2014, 2015, 2017 etc)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation#memory
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/mindfulness-for-wellbeing/201603/dangers-of-meditation
U.S WEBSITE! National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institute for Health (https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-and-mindfulness-effectiveness-and-safety)
Participants are required to take responsibility for themselves at all times. Those who have received or are currently receiving help from a member of a mental health team for a serious condition or addiction should note: mindfulness sessions are not a therapeutic treatment.
We do not wish to preclude anyone from learning / participating in mindfulness but, if you have, or have had any mental health condition, for your safety, you must seek advice from us and if required, consult your mental health provider or your GP before taking part.
Similarly, please seek medical advice before taking part if you have a serious health condition such as: heart problems, diabetes or cancer, if you are pregnant or if you have epilepsy or a breathing difficulty, which is not medically controlled.
It is also important to note that those who have recently experienced or who are currently going through a serious traumatic experience including catastrophic illness themselves or of a close family member, separation or bereavement, redundancy, and other events, should please seek advice from us. Mindfulness practice may result in some introspection and release of emotion which can be distressing. Whether to take part in mindfulness practice / learning may also depend upon what kind of support network you have, professional and non-professional, family and close friends etc.
If you are currently experiencing a very low emotional state and are self-harming or have serious suicidal thoughts, then you must seek emergency help as well as informing your GP or mental health provider and any supportive close family members.